NAD C388 Hybrid Digital Dac Amplifier; now is it a depreciated bargain?
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- čas přidán 28. 01. 2023
- Do you want to write me: 2channellistening@gmail.com
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System Tested With:
Tested With:
Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 XD, NAD M10 v.1, NAD C388 w/BluOS Module, Ayre C-5xe SACD, Peachtree GaN400, Peachtree Pre/dac, Peachtree220 amp, Peachtree Novapre, HiFi Rose RS250, iFi Zen One Signature Dac, Arylic S50 Pro+ Streaming/Dac, Audience & Audioquest cables. - Hudba
Thanks again for the detailed look at this Amp, looking forward to the speaker review.
You bet! Thank you.
I bought a new c388 for less than 1200 dollars a week ago to replace a 40 year old amp and pre amp. I couldn't be happier. What I like is that unlike my old amp it stays very cool running. I'm not a technical geek but I do appreciate a good listening experience, and this integrated amp doesn't disappoint my ears. I'm sure a sophisticated audiofile would laugh at my setup, but in the end I am the only one that is listening for my musical pleasure. I am very pleased that I chose the c388 with just a couple day's research into today's audio world which is completely different 45 years ago. And on a whim I decided to add a pair of the bower &wilkins 704 s2 for 1000 dollars each, another decent bargain. Paired with my 45 year old speakers I couldn't be happier listening to my Miles Davis cds again. Now I'm wondering if I should upgrade my cd player, I guess that's how it starts.
Never worry or waste time pondering about what Audiophiles think of your setup, some love to tell me I'm not an audiophile because of the music I listen too - as if there is a litmus test for this hobby. Glad you enjoy the C388 and it has you playing your Miles Davis again! If your current CD player has a digital out, get a decent digital RCA and plug it into the back of the C388 digital in. You would have to spend a lot more money for a good transport, so take advantage of the DAC in the C388 instead. If you have the money, there are many good transports out there still.
@@2ChannelListening Thank you for replying. Just yesterday I ordered the marantz cd6007 cd player. I knew that there is a dac in the c388, but I didn't know that I needed a coaxial cable hookup from my old Samsung bluray player to utilize the dac. I was using rca cables. I didn't see any instruction in the manual, which is the only flaw being an online instruction manual (why not include a good old fashion paper manual).
So I have been listening to cds without the dac all this time, lol. The crazy thing is that the old Samsung bluray player sounded pretty good and was thinking that maybe I wasted 600 dollars on this new marantz cdp that has yet to arrive. We shall see. I will now find a coaxial to hook-up the old player and compare the two when it arrives.
Hi Dan, I want to clarify that I misspoke, the RCA digital cable is what you would use from your Blu-ray player to the C388. At least it should have a digital out for sound. I would still suggest playing with the digital out of the Marantz CD6007 versus stereo out to your NAD, you maybe surprised. It took the mighty Marantz SA15S3 to outplay the on-board dac of the NAD. My Denon 3930 was about even and that was a $1,500 player.
@@2ChannelListening Intresting that the dac in the nad c388 would be better than the c6007 dac. I am slowly getting up to speed on this lingo and have been doing the research on DACs. I know that this is going to sound silly but I like using my old akai eq10 graphic equalizer. I assume that if I plug the cdp into the nad dac then I would not be able to use the equalizer which I use between the two units via rca cables to the input/output of equalizer.
Is there a way to patch in the equalizer, ie; from the amp to the equalizer and then back to an input of the nad amp? And, I understand that audiophiles don't like equalizers but I find it very useful and enjoyable listening thru it by tweaking the frequencies ( it even has a useful spectrum analyzer).
Thanks again for all your help.
czcams.com/video/JcahyGnmBHU/video.html
This is a good video for you - equalizer between preamp and amplifier for best effect.
Hello from Athens, due to failure of my Marantz PM7000 int. amplifier, I am about to purchase a new one. Would you recommend NAD C388 over Marantz PM7000N ? The rest gear is Benchmark DAC1, JPW Ruby3 speakers (37 dB/6 Ohms) and Argon Audio Solo streamer.
Hello from Canada, I just discovered your channel today. Great video by the way, with straight to the point information. Its great to see some video content on used stereo equipment. Most videos are products that are brand new, or super vintage. This is a refreshing change. I do have a question. I am looking to get something for my JBL studio 580's for 2 channel listening. Would the NAD or peach tree be a good pairing you think or do you have any other thoughts on it . I know that 580's are not high end or audiophile grade and people may look down on them. But I like them and I like the sound of them. They are better then my klipsch Rp8000, Rp600, polk audio rti10, energy RC30's etc etc etc. Thanks for your great videos and your time. Keep up the great work and content!!!
Hello and thank you RSC. With where the prices of Nova300's are at now, I would say you have an awesome place to start at a great discount. The Nova300 has all the grunt you need with a nice smooth volume control that allows you to hit the right level of playback comfort. You might want to look at a Rogue Audio Sphinx v3 as well. Cheers.
Thanks for the response and I am going to check those out. You have a video in the sphinx? I had a schiit saga plus with a vidar power amp. Turned up 3/4 of the way the sound was clean but very very low volume, considering the vidar is 100w x 2 @8ohms. Take the saga plus out of the equation, and that vidar was a clean sounding power house for its size and could go as loud as you could handle if you wanted. The saga plus held back all the capabilities of the vidar. I was disappointed with the saga plus to say the least. The vidar I thought was great!
Hey guys. I'm not a audiophile geek and i don't understand all the ins and outs of it but I am looking to get into my first separate HiFi system.
I currently have a pair of Yamaha NX-N500 network powered active speakers with MusicCast Streaming. They are small bookshelf speakers.
But now I'd like something newer a bit bigger and better sounding. The C368 is still being sold here in the UK at sevenoaksoundandvision with monitor audio silver 300 bundle.
The C368 being only (80WPC). Would this be enough to drive any Monitor Audio Speaker to their potential without the amp clipping or distorting ?
The Silver 300 are 80 - 200W with 87.5dB sensitivity, and 4 Ohm 160Hz minimum. I don't usually have access to a store listening room anywhere close to me. So demoing various different amps and brands is not so easy for me as I don't have my own transport.
The 399 with BluOS is £2119 a bit too much for me. So in your opinions, would the NAD be a good pairing with Monitor Audio or should i be looking at Cambridge audio, Roksan or Marantz ?
Please reply and thanks.
Anyone not named Andrew who reviews audio gear is a thumb up from me! Love the comparison data mate 👌
Just picked up a pair of Martin Logan 40i towers...this should drive them no problem.
Yes indeed. Enjoy
Jason just a first note that the NAD C298 has gotten good press and the Purifi modules are an advance in musicality over the B&O and Hypex brands.But for me I would wonder if the C388's lack of eArc didn't make the 399 worth the extra outlay.I know this question is off topic but as an installer I think you might be the reviewer to ask.I am just getting into streaming (now computer wit Amazon and a WIIM puck) and after looking at a number of boxes like the Cambridge CXV and the Arcam ST-60 etc.But I think the Blusound Node makes most sense.The Blusound app plus cost ($600 for Node and $900 for Powernode with a second analogue in) makes sense.One thing the Nodes have the other don't is eArc.To me being able to use the Node or better the Powernode on its own witha TV makes sense and the others I mentioned don't have HDMI or aArc.What would be best I think is if you could hook up a 27" or 32" monitor to your stereo and use a mouse to control your streamer.I am not into track pads,tablets or phones as means to control things and remotes just don't seem to compare to the laptop or computer with a mouse.I am wondering if a TV or monitor with touchscreen or mouse with eArc would give me the ability to get mouse driven large screen (i.e. legible) experience I want??
I’m not 100% following your application request. If you want to use the NAD or Powernode to run a 2.1 HT scenario, then this would be your bet. But you mentioned using a mouse to control the music? Now you are talking about needing a computer connection. Otherwise you are still using BluOS app or running a smart TV. Powernode is a very compelling product for its price.
NAD C298 received a poor “6 LP” rating on 10 Audio due to an obvious lack of low-level resolution. Jason, can you review some of the NuPrime power amps, highly recommended by HIFI-ADVICE (NuPrime ST-10, NuPrime AGM STA). Thanks!
Hello Adam, well, if NuPrime wanted to send me demo units, I would give them a run, however, not a brand that is on my personal use radar. I do have a Starkrimson on the way to battle with my Peachtree. GaN vs. GaN.
I hated, hated the Peachtree Nova 300 with my DT Demand 17’s. No synergy with them at all. I brought up my thrift store Sony AVR and the 17’s came alive. Now I keep hearing about the Hypex modules but how do they compare to class A amps? Right now I’m leaning towards the Emotiva BAS X stack, with maybe a Denefrips J2 if needed.
Hypex modules are pretty smooth, yet asking how they compare to class A in general is incredibly broad. Theirs SMLS class A and then there is Pass Labs or Luxman class A. Tube class A is a rabbit hole.
Do you know much about the Heaven 11 Billie hybrid amp? Sort of intriguing.
All I know is I want to review one. A algorithm tuned hybrid digital/analogue integrated. I wonder how it sounds compared to the Rogue Sphinx and Unison Research Primo. The challenge is those B&O modules in each amp I've had, roll the top end off, I wonder if the digital tuning corrects it.
@@2ChannelListening I have only heard one review on them, and I’m not convinced it was purely independent. I know your take will be. The amp reviewed here seems like a solid choice. I have had an NAD product in the past.
Was it the Steve Huff review? From my understanding, Steve is independent and like me, will buy what he reviews if he really likes it.
@@2ChannelListening yes it was. I like his channel, and I think you’re right about him purchasing most Equipment but not all. I do love the minimalist look and the exposed tubes. He certainly liked it. He said a good pairing with the Buccardts, which I have an interest in too.
It could be, the developments around class D amps are at a galloping speed at the moment, those recently special modules were reserved only for very high end class D amps but now finding their place in mid-tier, very soon to be available at the budget level too. I see class D amps as a commodity soon to become prevalent in all, even most hard core audiophile systems. Yamaha, one of the last hard core class AB manufacturers is rumored to replace all of their prosumer hifi line with the in-house developed hybrid class D, to follow what they did with their entire professional audio line. What does that tell us? I also have a NAD C388 but worry in a few years will be relegated to a hand me down or up for a replacement with the latest and greatest in Class D domain. This is something Class A or AB don’t sufferer much from as they reached status quo and pinnacle development wise, so you’re likely to keep them for a lot longer as there won’t be a new earth shattering, game changer AB amp anytime soon to replace your existing with.
I have both, Yamaha a-s1200 class AB and NAD C388 class D hybrid on my two separate systems, sitting tight for now watching where will this PWM development get in the future.
Sticking with my class A and class AB amps for a little longer. But keeping an eye on the developments of the soon to become ubiquitous class D amp technology. Only few years ago they sucked, these days they're coming of age and very quickly as you said, too. This can only be good news for us, but for now, my trusty and tested linear amps will do me just fine :)
Great commentary. The other shoe to drop is the need for Class D to push a mostly active speaker future. The reliability and staying power with active speakers is going to be interesting to watch, especially how folks attempt to navigate the upgrade path. Thank you for your thoughts.
@@2ChannelListening I will have to draw a line when it comes to speakers, though ';-) Passive speakers are my thing, I don't "do" active powered speakers appart from my subs, they all come with class D amp in them already so that's good with me ;)
Hola chicos, buenas noches. Actualmente tengo en mi sala un NAD C368 y estoy muy contento. Quisiera poder sacarle un mayor provecho con unos bookshelf decentes. Qué me recomiendan? Gracias.
Hello, welcome. Maybe you should watch my bookshelf speaker reviews and you can decided what you might like. Good luck.
The 388, being discontinued, is going to be hard to find new. The 389 is its replacement and is selling for $1499. So would you recommend that one?
Greetings Larry. Technically, the C389 in NOT the successor of the C388, NAD really confused people there. Look again. The C389 is smaller, lighter and less powerful than the C388. The C399 is the new C388. Also, the C389 is only claiming stability for 4 ohms. For this reason I would only recommend the C399 or preowned C388 with certain speakers in mind. Higher efficiency speakers do not care. Thanks.
I also recommend the C399! Very good allrounder amp with BluOs if you like to simplify your life
All cool..👍
Thank you James
Have you ever had your C388 turn on and start streaming music at full volume? Beware it can happen. Not good! Only ever happens when turning on via phone app. Setting the max volume limit setting won’t fix it but that’s a good idea on these units. NAD tech support never able to help diagnose or fix unfortunately. Otherwise a good unit.
Are you saying when you use the NAD app or BluOS app? I've never had that happen and I've been using the same app across three NAD products now. C658, C388, and M10.
@@2ChannelListening yea, using the BluOS app from my iPhone. Open the app, hit play/pause and that turns on the amps “start up” cycle and normally it’s an easy way to remotely start the unit. The several times it has glitched you can hear it starting up like normal but as the subwoofer that’s connected is triggered on by the amp you can hear its audio start first and it’s oddly loud and a second later the main speakers come on at the amps full power?!?!? So LOUD and dangerous!!! Have to sprint to amp and turn off, kids crying, wife freaked out and me furious…. Why I call it a “glitch” is this doesn’t happen every time, it overrides the amps built in dB limiter which I have set pretty low and not controllable from phone. Being paused/play doesn’t matter, phone volume set low doesn’t matter, app volume set low doesn’t matter. I’m using amp streaming WiFi versus Ethernet is only guess besides it being a nasty glitch. Its exactly like turning on a receiver with a normal volume knob that is cranked all the way up and left on FM tuner mode and then BAM!!! No updates to amp or BluOS module have ever helped. No advice from NAD or BluOs tech support ever acknowledged issue or a fix. I like the amp and bought for the convenience of an integrated with built in streaming as it fits my lifestyle currently. Thankfully never damaged a speaker to my knowledge (yet) but it’s a nasty surprise when it happens and psychologically does a number on all present like a bomb going off….
@@codyhuber Many Cody, that's a real bummer. I can only say that there must be a software glitch in your unit. I am constantly switching back and forth with how I operate my units. Sometimes connected to ethernet, sometimes only via Wifi, sometimes BT. Across three different models, that's not happened once. You would think NAD would want to dig into that one. Good luck with next steps, may be time to send it...
Excellent review!
Thanks for watching
With NAD C 658 you will get the maximum sound distortion you ever heard. NAD is garbage. I bought the Master series, the M3 amplifier and the Super Audio CD M5, they broke down twice each and currently the two "masters" are unusable. The technical service does not have the spare parts because NAD does not supply them. The sound of these was not great either. I bought the Nad C 658 and its sound is really rubbish, pure distortion. I plugged it into my Accuphase E 280 and it was like plugging a beer can tied to a cat's tail into it. The distortion levels are very high. I set this NAD preamp to -27 db so I don't hear distortion in the highs and midranges, it got a little better but still gross. I do not recommend NAD for audiophiles, they are boxes for the deaf. NAD is garbage. I regret having trusted this brand.
I love public displays of audiophile snobbery. Nice job of persuasion you have Alamedo. It is unfortunate that you had product issues with your Masters components and they were not resolved. However, if you are going to blatantly call NAD "pure distortion", why don't you try adding a link or fact, do you have a legit bench test by a 3rd party?