NAD C399 Integrated Amplifier 2×180W with DAC & MDC2

The NAD C399 is the flagship of the Classic Series: a stereo integrated amplifier with an ESS Sabre DAC that combines 2× 180 watts of HybridDigital nCore power with an MDC2 expansion slot.

The most powerful stage in the series – confident enough for large rooms and demanding speakers, and open for streaming whenever you want it.

Why the NAD C399?

Because NAD's reference technology moves into the Classic Series here. The HybridDigital nCore power stage delivers 2× 180 watts and stays stable and controlled even into low-impedance, difficult loads. The ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC is the same one used in the M10 and M33. Anyone who claims powerful automatically means coarse simply hasn't heard this amplifier yet.

What you get

The C399 offers plenty of connectivity: MM phono, two optical and two coaxial digital inputs each, two line inputs and Bluetooth aptX. On the output side there's a pre-out and two subwoofer outputs, plus headphones. Via the MDC2 slot you can retrofit the optional BluOS-D module and bring BluOS streaming, Dirac Live, AirPlay 2 and HDMI eARC into the unit.

Who is the NAD C399 right for – and who isn't it for?

Made for larger rooms, demanding speakers and anyone who wants headroom instead of compromise. Plain talk: for a small room with easy-to-drive speakers, the C399 is overkill – a C379 or C389 is enough there. And streaming isn't built in from the factory; that only comes with the optional BluOS-D module.

Our verdict

The C399 is the powerhouse of the Classic Series: 2× 180 watts of nCore, a reference DAC and the MDC2 platform for everything else. An amplifier that won't feel too small for you any time soon – and that grows into a complete streaming hub with the right module.

Technical Specifications

• Type: stereo integrated amplifier with DAC (Classic Series, HybridDigital nCore, MDC2)
• Power: 2 × 180 W continuous power into 8 and 4 Ω (250 W instantaneous)
• IHF dynamic power: 217 W (8 Ω) / 400 W (4 Ω) / 506 W (2 Ω)
• DAC: ESS Sabre ES9028, 32-bit/384 kHz (as in the M10/M33)
• Expansion: MDC2 slot (optional BluOS-D module: BluOS, Dirac Live, AirPlay 2, HDMI eARC)
• Phono: MM input (low-noise)
• Digital inputs: 2× optical, 2× coaxial
• Analogue inputs: 2× line (RCA)
• Bluetooth: aptX
• Outputs: pre-out, 2× subwoofer out, headphones
• Dimensions W×H×D: 43.5 × 12.0 × 39.0 cm (incl. feet, connectors)
• Weight: approx. 10.1 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the NAD C399 have?

The C399 delivers 2× 180 watts of continuous power into 8 and 4 ohms, up to 250 watts instantaneous per channel. The nCore power stage stays stable and controlled even into difficult, low-impedance loads. This makes the C399 the flagship of the Classic Series, easily handling large rooms and demanding speakers.

What's the difference between the C399 and the C389?

The C399 uses the more powerful HybridDigital nCore power stage with 2× 180 watts (versus 2× 130 watts on the C389) and a larger chassis with a bigger power supply. The DAC, features and MDC2 platform are comparable. For large rooms or power-hungry speakers, the C399 is the more confident choice.

Can the NAD C399 stream?

Out of the box, the C399 offers analogue and digital inputs as well as aptX Bluetooth. Via the MDC2 slot you can retrofit the optional BluOS-D module and bring BluOS multiroom streaming, Dirac Live, AirPlay 2 and HDMI eARC into the unit. That turns the C399 into a full streaming hub.

Why buy the NAD C399 at HD Zürisee?

Because an amplifier in this class deserves proper advice. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'll tell you honestly whether the extra cost over the C389 is worth it for your room and your speakers. As an authorised NAD dealer, we handle advice, warranty and service – and our technician Mauri helps with setup and integration.

Goes well with: floorstanding speakers, bookshelf speakers, subwoofers and turntables.