NAD C 328 Integrated Amplifier and DAC



 

“The C 328 astonished me the day I first turned it on, and astonished I remained day in, day out during the evaluation period….my high enthusiasm for the C 328 is due in part to the sheer “wow” factor of its small size/low price vis-a-vis its astonishingly big performance.

This sliver of an amplifier is super clean, exceptionally transparent, highly detailed, extremely low in perceived distortion and noise, and so disproportionately dynamic and stable under very demanding conditions that its size and power rating, paradoxically, soon disappeared from my mind.”

 

When it comes to Classic Series amplifiers, no feature is overlooked. Low noise circuits, precise volume control action, and accurate channel balance are all key characteristics of the C 328. With the added bonus of proper input and output impedance traits, plus high overload margins and stability with difficult speaker loads, the C 328 is the best choice for audiophiles who are just starting to build their dream systems. The C 328 also includes a MM phono stage with precisely correct RIAA equalization, high overload margins, extremely low noise, and an innovative circuit to suppress infrasonic noise that is present on all LPs—all without affecting bass response.

The line inputs of the C 328 can accommodate all kinds of analog source components. It offers ideal input impedance attributes with linear, ultra-low noise buffer amplifiers to prevent any sonic degradation caused by improper loading of the source device. The C 328 also features a separate headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage capability, enough in fact to drive even high impedance studio monitor headphones. The low impedance line outputs can also connect to a subwoofer to further extend the versatility of the C 328.

With support for Bluetooth, you can instantly connect and listen to the music service of your choice, or wirelessly stream music and playlists stored directly on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Plus, with its high-performance digital circuitry, Bluetooth streaming has never sounded as good as it does with the C 328.

Since moving away from old-fashioned linear power supplies and Class AB output stages, NAD has developed even better performing circuits based on switch mode power supplies and Class D output stages. Once thought to be inferior to traditional topologies, NAD’s advanced work in this area has led to some of the best performing amplifiers on the market today. These new designs are linear over a wide bandwidth and provide consistent performance into all speaker loads, delivering a dramatic advancement.

The power supply of the C 328 is able to provide over 100 watts of audio output when needed. The C 328 can operate with any AC mains voltage from 100V to 240V and provides pure DC power to all of its various stages. This extremely efficient supply also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions and provides a solid noise-free foundation for the amplifying stages.

The C 328 uses a customized version of the proven Hypex UcD output stage. This allows for massive power with nearly immeasurable distortion and noise in the audible range. Every detail of this design has been carefully crafted and perfectly executed to wring out the best performance possible. The perfect starter amp for audiophiles and music lovers alike, the C 328 will flawlessly deliver NAD’s signature flexibility and expansive power.

Specifications

Analog In/Headphone Out

Continuous output power into 8 Ohms and 4 Ohms: 50 W (ref. 20 Hz-20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven)
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005 % at 1 V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100 dB (A-weighted, 32 ohm, ref. 2V out, unity gain)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Output impedance: 11 ohm

Analog In/Subwoofer Out

THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005 % at 1 V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100 dB (A-weighted, 32 ohm, ref. 2V out, unity gain)
Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Output impedance: 200 ohm

Analog In/Speaker Out

THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03 % (100 mW to 40 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out 8 ohms)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)

Phono In/Speaker Out

THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03 % (200 mW to 40 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >75 dB with IHF MM cartridge (A-weighted, ref. 5mV input 1 kHz and 1W output in 8 ohms)
Frequency response(RIAA deviation): ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)

Gross dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 70 x 285 mm (17 1/8 x 2 13/16 x 11 1/4″)
Net weight: 4.9 kg (10.8 lb)
Shipping weight: 5.9 kg (13.0 lb)