NAD C 338 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier
Best versatile amplifier for modern audiophiles streaming digital and vinyl music.
Experience superior audio with the NAD C 338 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier, built on NAD's renowned music-first philosophy. This versatile amplifier integrates Chromecast for seamless streaming and features innovative HybridDigital™ technology for near-zero distortion. Enjoy 50 watts of continuous power and dynamic bursts over 200 watts. It's ready for all your music sources, offering Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and a built-in phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts. With flexible connectivity and a dedicated headphone amplifier, it delivers lifelike sound for any setup.
$999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1156
/ 1684
#1156 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-88%
Below average
Continuous Output Power
50842020
/ >W into Ohms and Ohms (Hz-kHz)
Who it's for
- Modern listeners wanting seamless wireless high-resolution audio streaming
- Space-conscious users needing cool-running, efficient, and reliable power
- Vinyl collectors and audiophiles requiring versatile, multi-source connectivity
Who should skip it
- Owners of power-hungry speakers or those filling cavernous rooms
- Users preferring a sophisticated, highly intuitive digital interface
- Traditionalists seeking the specific warmth of Class A/B amplification
Performance breakdown
Streaming Versatility
Chromecast and Spotify Connect integration make wireless playback effortless and reliable.
Amplification Efficiency
HybridDigital technology delivers clean, punchy power with minimal energy waste.
Vinyl Integration
The built-in phono stage provides a convenient, high-quality path for turntables.
Signal Clarity
Low-noise circuitry ensures a transparent, distortion-free listening experience.
Headphone Performance
Dedicated amplification provides a significant upgrade over standard integrated headphone jacks.
Dynamic Headroom
Impressive burst power handles demanding musical peaks with ease and composure.
Key Specs
Continuous Output Power
>50W into 8 Ohms and 4 Ohms (20Hz-20kHz)
IHF Dynamic Power
8 Ohm 80W, 4 Ohm 150W, 2 Ohm 210W
Total Harmonic Distortion (Line In, Speaker Out)
<0.03%
Signal/Noise Ratio (Line In, Speaker Out)
>98dB (A-weighted)
Frequency Response
±0.3dB (20Hz-20kHz)
Dimensions
435 x 70 x 285mm
Net Weight
4.85kg
Power Consumption (ECO Standby)
0.4 Watts
Features
- Integrated Chromecast for easy streaming
- HybridDigital™ amplifier technology
- Built-in MM phono stage for turntables
- Supports Spotify Connect and Bluetooth
- Efficient Class D power delivery
- Dedicated high-performance headphone amp
- Flexible connectivity including digital inputs
- Low-noise circuitry for clean sound
What customers say
Customers highly value the NAD C 338 for its exceptional blend of modern connectivity and classic audio fidelity. The sound quality is frequently praised as crisp, detailed, and surprisingly powerful, easily driving various speakers. Its versatility shines through its comprehensive digital inputs, including built in Chromecast and Bluetooth, making it a superb central hub for contemporary setups. This all in one convenience simplifies system building without compromising high fidelity performance. While generally excellent, some users note the power output nears its limit with very demanding speakers. Overall, the C 338 delivers sophisticated, future proof performance that offers outstanding value, earning strong recommendations for modern integrated amplification.
Know before you buy
Yes, the C 338 features a dedicated built-in Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage. You can plug your turntable directly into the phono input without needing an external preamp.
Chromecast is built directly into the amplifier, allowing you to stream high-quality audio from hundreds of apps like Tidal, Qobuz, and Deezer using your smartphone or tablet as a remote. It streams directly from the cloud, which ensures better sound quality and keeps your phone's battery from draining.
While 50 watts may sound modest, the C 338 uses highly efficient HybridDigital technology that provides significant dynamic power—up to 210 watts into 2 ohms. This allows it to drive most bookshelf and floor-standing speakers with ease and authority.
Yes, it includes a dedicated high-performance headphone amplifier on the front panel. It is designed to drive a wide range of headphones with low distortion and clean, detailed sound.
Yes, because it features Chromecast built-in, you can group the C 338 with other Chromecast-enabled speakers or devices in your home to create a synchronized multi-room audio setup controlled via the Google Home app.
Yes, it features integrated Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device like a smartphone or laptop directly to the amplifier.
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