NAD Electronics C 399 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier with Bluesound NODE Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streamer
The NAD C399 is an integrated amplifier that is part of NAD's Classic Series. It features HybridDigital nCore amplification technology, which was previously only available in NAD's Masters Series, providing 180 watts per channel of continuous power and 250 watts per channel of instantaneous power. The C399 is also equipped with a 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC, the same chip used in the M10 and M33 Masters Series amplifiers.
The C399 is the first amplifier to incorporate the new MDC2 Modular Design Construction technology. Users can add optional modules to provide functions such as BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live room correction. The MDC2 architecture enables two-way communications between the module and host component, allowing desirable features to be added.
According to NAD Electronics' Product Manager, Cas Oostvogel, the C399 gets the basics right, with a precise volume control, accurate channel balance, low-noise circuits, and correct input and output impedances. The HybridDigital nCore output stage and high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC can reproduce all digital and analogue sources to a level of excitement and refinement that is unprecedented in its class. The C399 can serve as the hub of a world-class music system today, and for many years to come.
The C399's HybridDigital nCore amplifier is renowned for its wide bandwidth, flat frequency response, clean clipping behaviour with instant recovery, high current capability, and stability into demanding low-impedance speaker loads. Noise and distortion are vanishingly low under all operating conditions. The ESS Sabre ES9028 high-resolution DAC is noted for its wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero levels of clock jitter. These refinements enable the C399 to produce neutral, distortion-free sound even at very high listening levels, with thrilling dynamics, exquisite detail, and superb portrayal of space.
The C399 has two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, plus an HDMI-eARC port for playing audio from a connected TV, while controlling amplifier output with the TV’s remote control. Analogue fans are well served with two pairs of RCA line-level inputs, plus an MM phono input for turntables. The C399 is also equipped with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, enabling users to play music from their favorite streaming services through the C399. The MDC2 BluOS-D module has integrated support for dozens of streaming services and supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect.
The Bluesound NODE unlocks the world of hi-res music streaming and multi-room audio to create a modern addition to existing HiFi systems or your favorite set of powered speakers. Discover all the music ever recorded with access to hundreds of internet radio stations, dozens of streaming music services, or even your own digital music library, with a few taps of the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, or Mac or PC computers.
- Connect to any existing stereo amplifier, AV receiver, or powered audio system.
- Powered by state of the art Quad-Core 1.8GHz ARM® Cortex™ A53 processor and a 32-bit/384khz premium DAC design.
- HDMI eARC connectivity, digital, optical and analog input/output options, with wired and wireless headphone and subwoofer outputs.
- Hi-res audio streaming with access to Internet radio stations, cloud music services, and your own local music library.
- Dual band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and support for 2-way Bluetooth aptX™ HD Bluetooth ensures music playback without interruption.
- Create and control a seamless multi-room system with the intuitive BluOS Controller app.
- Top panel touch controls with presets.
- IR input and remote learning capability – Control it with the optional Bluesound RC1 Remote Controller.
- Connect with the BluVoice skill in the Alexa app and use Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant to control Players around the home.
- AirPlay 2 lets you play music or podcasts from wireless stereo components throughout your house — all in sync.
WIFI YOUR HIFI
Bring 24-bit hi-res streaming to an existing stereo or to your powered speakers and access all the music ever recorded with a few taps of the BluOS Controller app for iOS, Android, or Mac or PC computers. Hundreds of internet radio stations, premium music services like Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify and dozens of other music streaming services, are integrated with the NODE's operating system, making music discovery seamless and exciting.
BEAUTY AND BRAINS.
Don't let the size and minimalist looks of the NODE fool you into diminishing its capabilities. Inside, the NODE features an audiophile-grade DAC design that not only supports 24-bit/192 kHz audio processing, but also MQA for master quality listening. Along with powerful software features like tone controls and fixed volume output, you can customize your listening preferences in detail.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS.
Bring music into your NODE using HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi or Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX™ HD Bluetooth, or USB, to hear audio content from streaming services, TV, and your own music library. Listen to your music through your HiFi system or through wired or wireless headphones, by connecting to the RCA, TOSLINK optical, aptX™ HD Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack, Apple devices, or other Bluesound or BluOS players.
FROM ANYWHERE TO EVERYWHERE.
Bit-perfect music listening can happen away from your HiFi system with the NODE as your multi-room hub. The award-winning BluOS platform is the only platform in the world that can support up to 64 players, all streaming in 24-bit hi-res audio. With a growing stable of brands and devices being added to the BluOS platform, the NODE opens up a world of hi-res listening options throughout your home that no other player can.
CONTROL FREAK.
Quick access controls like play/pause, track skipping, and volume are available as touch panel controls at the top of the NODE, via voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Voice, or by programming your own IR remote or the optional Bluesound RC1. Advanced controls, including tone controls, subwoofer crossover optimization, and settings to enhance external DAC connections are available in the BluOS Controller app. The NODE can also be integrated into a smart home with full-feature drivers for Lutron, Elan, RTI, Crestron, and other popular home control systems.
HI-RES MUSIC. EVERYWHERE.
Seamlessly connect the NODE to multiple Bluesound speakers throughout the home with the BluOS Controller app and create an intuitive multi-room music system unlike any other.
