NAD C 379 HybridDigital Amplifier

Eighty Watts Now, Two Upgrade Slots for Later

The C 379 sits in the middle of NAD's Classic Series. It delivers 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms using NAD's HybridDigital UcD amplifier platform, with IHF dynamic power reaching 140 watts. Bridged with a second unit, it exceeds 300 watts into 8 ohms for a serious mono pair.

What separates it from most amplifiers at this level is the back panel. Two MDC2 expansion slots sit empty, waiting. You buy the amplifier you need today and add capability later without replacing the box.

Everything You Own Plugs In Before You Add a Thing

A moving-magnet phono stage with RIAA equalization takes a turntable directly. HDMI eARC brings in the television. Optical, coaxial, and analog line inputs cover the rest, and aptX HD Bluetooth handles a phone.

An ESS SABRE 32-bit DAC does the conversion. There is a dedicated headphone amplifier on the front and two independent subwoofer outputs on the back. The chassis measures 435 by 100 by 410mm and weighs 9kg.

Why Class D Stopped Being a Compromise

HybridDigital UcD is NAD's licensed Class D platform. Distortion holds below 0.03% from a quarter watt all the way to 120 watts, into 8 ohms and 4 ohms alike. That is the whole rated range, not a single favourable point.

Damping factor exceeds 300, which is what keeps a woofer under control rather than letting it ring on. Signal-to-noise runs better than 85dB, channel separation better than 75dB at 1kHz, and frequency response sits inside 0.3dB right across the audible band.

What the Two Empty Slots Are Actually For

The MDC2 architecture is two-way, so a module integrates with the signal path rather than bolting on beside it. The BluOS-D module is the common choice, adding hi-res streaming and multi-room to an amplifier you already own.

That is the difference between this and a sealed all-in-one. When the streaming landscape shifts again, the amplifier stays and the module changes. Nothing about the eighty watts needs replacing.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Dennis Burger reviewed the C 379 for SoundStage! Access on February 1, 2025 and gave it a Reviewers' Choice Award. He wrote that it "embodies the ethos of SoundStage! Access nearly perfectly" and called it "the best value I've encountered in quite some time."

He was more specific still, describing the C 379 as "absolutely a model for what a budget-conscious integrated amp with zero performance compromises should look like." He fitted the optional BluOS module for his testing.

He named one gap plainly. "The only thing it really lacks is a USB-DAC connection, but that's par for the course with NAD." If you plan to run a computer straight into the amplifier, that matters.

Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?

• You want to buy once and upgrade later — two MDC2 slots take modules that integrate with the signal path.
• You already own a streamer — the C 379 does not duplicate it, and the slots stay free for whatever you add.
• You play vinyl — a moving-magnet phono stage with RIAA equalization is built in.
• You run two subwoofers — there are two independent subwoofer outputs, not one split in half.
• If you want streaming working the day it arrives, this version ships with both slots empty. The C 379 with BluOS has the MDC2 BluOS-D module already fitted.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Speakers go to the binding posts and a turntable to the phono input. HDMI eARC takes the television, while optical, coaxial, and analog inputs handle your other sources.

Two subwoofer outputs let you run a pair properly. Headphones use the front-panel amplifier, and the MDC2 slots on the back are there when you want more.

Then you leave room in the plan for whatever comes next.

Pairs Well With

Building around the C 379? Here are some good companions:

• Speakers: 80 watts and a damping factor over 300 drive a real pair — see our Floorstanding Speakers.
• Turntable: Put the built-in MM phono stage to work — see our Turntables.
• Subwoofers: Two independent outputs reward running a pair — see our Subwoofers.
• Headphones: The dedicated headphone amp deserves a good pair — see our Headphones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the NAD C 379 deliver?

80 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with IHF dynamic power of 140 watts. In bridge mode it exceeds 300 watts into 8 ohms.

Does this version include BluOS streaming?

Both MDC2 slots ship empty. The C 379 with BluOS is the version with the MDC2 BluOS-D module already installed.

Does it have a phono stage?

Yes, a moving-magnet phono stage with RIAA equalization. Moving-coil cartridges need an outboard stage.

Can I connect two subwoofers?

Yes. The C 379 has two independent subwoofer outputs rather than a single output split between two subs.

Does it have a USB input for a computer?

Connect a computer through the optical or coaxial digital inputs.

What warranty does it carry?

NAD covers the C 379 with a 2-year parts and labor warranty.

See It in Action

AV Atmos walks through the C 379 and what the MDC2 slots make possible:

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Learn More

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