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Reviewers' Choice Award - soundstagehifi.com
Full-featured Entry-level Powerhouse with DAC and Phono Stage
In recent years, NAD has moved away from the old-fashioned linear power supplies and Class AB output stages that waste energy, and has instead developed better performing circuits based on switch mode power supplies and Class D output stages. Once thought to be inferior to traditional topologies, NAD's advancements have created some of the best performing amplifiers regardless of basic design principle. These new designs are very linear over a wide bandwidth and provide consistent performance into all speaker loads, providing a dramatic advance over previous models.
NAD's entry level C 338 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier provides a room-filling 2 X 50W Continuous Power into 8 ohms or 4 ohms, and Dynamic Power of 90W at 8 ohms, 150W at 4 ohms, and 200W at 2 ohms. This highly efficient supply also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions and provides a solid noise-free foundation for the amplifying stages.
Award-Winning Performance
The C 338 was honored with a Reviewers' Choice Award from soundstagehifi.com, which reported, "The C 338 is filled out with an impressive, natural-sounding DAC, and an amplifier section that should easily fill most rooms. The NAD C 338 is an excellent value, especially for those interested in using Chromecast."
"I began by playing CDs in my Music Hall MMF CD-25 CD player. Large-scale orchestral works can contain wide dynamic range and a multiplicity of sounds rarely heard in other genres of music. The C 338 exuded a sense of space and a large soundstage. Despite the competing lines, none were lost in the mix as solo instruments, particularly woodwinds, emerged from the wall of sound."
"NAD's Most Versatile Amplifier Ever"
"The C 338 is not only NAD's most versatile amplifier ever, but among the best-equipped and most flexible we've come across from any brand at this price," observes whathifi.com, August 23, 2017.
"The ample physical inputs (three RCAs – including MM phono – and twin coaxial and optical connections) are boosted by the inclusion of Bluetooth and wi-fi, via two screw-in antennae."
"There’s also built-in support for Google Chromecast which, via the Google Home app, opens doorways to streaming from several music services straight from your smartphone or tablet."
"Convincing, Engaging, and (Dare I Say) Fun"
"While offering all of the inputs that count — including Chromecast Built-In, which turned out to be a very good sounding high-resolution WiFi-based streaming solution — the NAD grabs hold of the recording and, when paired with a complimentary pair of speakers like the GoldenEar BRX, provides a seamless sphere of energy for music to unfold within," reports Michael Lavorgna, darko.audio, September 9, 2020.
"What you get for US$699 is a component that just asks for a pair of speakers in order to give you a complete system that will reward by delivering all the music that you have time for and in a convincing, engaging, and (dare I say) fun manner."
Digital and Analog Connectivity
Connect instantly to the C 338 with Bluetooth to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device. SPDIF coax and optical inputs for digital sources and take advantage of the built-in 24-bit/192 kHz DAC. Wi-Fi and Network Streaming and support both Google Cast and Spotify Connect. It also provides access to internet radio stations and can serve as an UPnP Client for network streaming from a local NAS library.
Vinyl lovers will appreciate the MM Phono stage with precisely accurate RIAA equalization, high overload margins, extremely low noise, and an innovative circuit to suppress infrasonic noise. Line inputs can accommodate all kinds of analogue source components by offering ideal input impedance characteristics with linear ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers.
NAD Re-Invents the Integrated Amp
Three new Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifiers from NAD Electronics cover a wide range of technologies, power, and price points while providing best-in-class performance and value. The new line consists of the entry-level C 338, the mid-level C 368, and the powerhouse C 388.
Deploying the three major technology innovations recently debuted in the company's High End Masters Series components, NAD has upped the ante for competitive features and performance in affordable two-channel power amplifiers. Hybrid Digital Amplification bring new levels of performance to the category. Modular Design Construction is future ready for easy feature upgrades. Finally, BluOS™ Wireless Multi-room Audio provides a hi-res option for streaming music.
While appearing traditional in design – retaining the classic look of quality hi-fi separates – these high performance amps overflow with cutting edge digital technology along with must-have features and operation.
"Firmly Recommended"
"The solid reputation of NAD in producing cost effective integrated amplifiers that sound very good is rendered intact," notes David Neice, Wall of Sound, August 1, 2021.
"With more than a casual nod to the future, the NAD C338 amplifier highlights both Class D design and on-board streaming. NAD touts the C338 as being the first hi-fi amp with Chromecast Built-in, and it makes using streaming services a snap. This is clearly the best extra feature offered by the amplifier and makes it well worth the cost."
"The NAD C338 is firmly recommended."
Excelling with Music Sources Past, Present, and Future
The entry-level C 338 is a compact yet powerful integrated amp designed in the classic NAD tradition by offering high end sound and specifications at a remarkably affordable price. Wireless network and streaming audio are fully supported by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The two upper models, the C 368 C 388, are what NAD terms Future Proof Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifiers, and they are as intelligent as they are powerful.
The C 388 and C 368 are Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifiers that bring together all the critical elements of a top performing music system. They excel with music sources past, present, and future, while providing a nearly unrestricted reservoir of power that allows your speakers to reveal every nuance of musical detail. Inputs include MM Phono, Stereo Line, Optical Digital and Coax Digital.
Their advanced amplifier stages include many cutting-edge technological breakthroughs developed by NAD over decades of creating affordable ultra-high performance audio components. The C 338 provides 2 X 50W Continuous Power into 8 or 4 Ohms (150W Dynamic @4 Ohms). The C 368 offers 2 X 80W (240W Dynamic @4 Ohms), while the C 388 delivers 2 X 150W (350W Dynamic @4 Ohms), both conservatively rated and with virtually no audible noise or distortion.
"The Ideal Gateway"
"I think the NAD C 338 Hybrid Digital amplifier can be the ideal gateway for many people who love music and maybe would see themselves as future audiophiles," notes Andrew Dewhirst, futureaudiophile.com, May 17, 2023.
"The biggest reason for this is that it can be a just-add-speakers type of system for the modern user who already has a digital music subscription and is looking to take things to the next level."
Future Proofing with Modular Design Construction (MDC)
Found on both the C 388 and C 368, NAD's exclusive Modular Design Construction (MDC) allows you to customize your NAD amplifier with additional capabilities and features, now or in the future. The two available MDC slots can accommodate a variety of upgrade modules including 4K video capable HDMI switching, additional Digital Inputs, and one of the most advanced Hi-Res Audio multi-room wireless systems available, the BluOS™ music management system developed by Bluesound. BluOS connects to your network and is controlled via smartphone, tablet, or desktop device to manage your music collection and connect to a growing list of high-quality streaming music services.
Adding the optional BluOS Module provides instant access to your local area network via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection and adds Hi-Res Audio streaming. The BluOS Module also makes the C 388 a single-zone streamer in a multi-room wireless music system fully compatible with BluOS-enabled music systems and wireless speakers.
New! Support for Qobuz Connec
Big news for music lovers! Starting September 2025, BluOS supports Qobuz Connect, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favorite tracks in stunning hi-resolution.
With this update, you’ll be able to stream directly from the Qobuz app to any BluOS-enabled device from Bluesound, NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Cyrus Audio, DALI Speakers, and Monitor Audio — all at up to 24-bit/192 kHz quality.
Browse, search, and play right inside the Qobuz app, while BluOS handles what it does best: seamless, reliable multi-room playback. You’ll still manage speaker grouping and volume inside the BluOS app, but control of music selection is now right at your fingertips in Qobuz.
