NAD C399 + MDC2 BluOS Streaming Integrated Amplifier

The NAD C399 is the flagship of the Classic Series – a stereo integrated amplifier with an ESS Sabre DAC and 2 × 180 watts of HybridDigital nCore power, which in this version plays as a high-res network streamer right away thanks to the factory-fitted MDC2 BluOS-D module – including BluOS, Dirac Live and HDMI eARC.

The powerhouse of the series, configured ready to go here: confident enough for large rooms and uncompromising speakers, and multiroom-capable from the very first minute. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get it fully set up – unbox, plug in, listen, without retrofitting a single module.

Why this version with built-in BluOS

The C399 is, from the factory, an amplifier with an MDC2 slot – in this variant we've already filled that slot with the MDC2 BluOS-D module. That saves you the separate purchase and the later installation. Inside works NAD's HybridDigital nCore power stage, previously reserved for the Masters Series: 2 × 180 watts continuous power, 250 watts instantaneous per channel, with high current delivery that stays stable even into low-impedance speakers.

What the built-in module can do

With the BluOS-D module you stream losslessly via BluOS multiroom, bring internet radio and services like Qobuz or Tidal straight into the unit, and integrate the C399 via AirPlay 2. Via HDMI eARC it becomes the heart of your TV setup, and Dirac Live room correction digitally tunes the sound to your room. The digital section is built around the high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC (ES9028, up to 32-bit/384 kHz, the same converter as in the M10 and M33); vinyl plays via the low-noise MM phono input, and two subwoofer outputs allow for a clean 2.1 system.

Who is this version made for – and who isn't it for?

Plain talk: The right choice if you want the maximum from the Classic Series – lots of power, an excellent DAC and streaming that's ready right out of the box, without worrying about modules. If you have a normal-sized room with easy-to-drive speakers, you'll hardly hear a difference versus the C389 (2 × 130 W) and save money. The C399 justifies its extra cost mainly in large rooms and with power-hungry speakers.

Our verdict

The spearhead of the NAD Classic Series, now with no waiting for streaming: uncompromising 2 × 180 watts of nCore, an audiophile ESS DAC and a ready-installed BluOS hub. Our tip: tell us your room size and speakers, and we'll tell you honestly whether the C399 earns its extra cost over the C389 in your case.

Technical Specifications

• Device type: stereo integrated amplifier with built-in BluOS streamer (MDC2-BluOS-D factory-fitted)
• Amplifier technology: HybridDigital nCore
• Continuous output power: 2 × 180 watts into 8 and 4 ohms (250 watts instantaneous)
• IHF dynamic power: 217 watts (8 ohms) / 400 watts (4 ohms) / 506 watts (2 ohms)
• Streaming platform: BluOS (multiroom, AirPlay 2, Dirac Live, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz and more)
• DAC: ESS Sabre ES9028 (up to 32-bit/384 kHz, as in the M10/M33)
• Digital inputs: 2× optical, 2× coaxial
• Video: 1× HDMI eARC (with CEC volume control)
• Analogue inputs: 2× line (RCA), 1× MM phono
• Outputs: pre-out, 2× subwoofer out, headphones
• Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX (via BluOS module)
• Expansion: MDC2 slot (occupied by BluOS-D)
• Control: remote control, BluOS app
• Dimensions W×H×D: 43.5 × 12.0 × 39.0 cm
• Weight: approx. 10.1 kg

What's included

• 1× NAD C399 (MDC2-BluOS-D module factory-fitted)
• 1× remote control
• 1× Dirac measurement microphone
• Wi-Fi antennas
• Power cable
• User manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Is streaming already built into this C399?

Yes. The MDC2-BluOS-D module is factory-fitted. This means the C399 is a full BluOS streamer with Dirac Live, AirPlay 2 and HDMI eARC without any retrofitting. You don't need to buy or have a module installed separately – the unit is ready to go.

What exactly can the BluOS-D module do?

It turns the C399 into a streaming hub: lossless BluOS multiroom, services like Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify, internet radio, AirPlay 2 and HDMI eARC for the TV. On top of that, Dirac Live uses the measurement microphone to digitally tune the sound to your listening room.

How much power does the 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, 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 power supply. The DAC, streaming and MDC2 platform are comparable. For large rooms or power-hungry speakers, the C399 is the more confident choice.

Why buy the NAD C399 at HD Zürisee?

Because an amplifier in this class deserves proper advice. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you can listen to the C399 with your preferred speakers and find out honestly whether the extra cost over the C389 is worth it for your room. As an authorised NAD dealer, we handle advice, warranty and service.

Goes well with: floorstanding speakers, a turntable for the phono input, a subwoofer and good speaker cables.