Integrated amplifiers — NAD C3050

The C 3050 is an accomplished integrated amplifier with built-in DAC and phono stage from NAD, evoking the vintage-inspired design language of the C 3030 with considerably greater output power. The C 3050 brings NAD's most accomplished current engineering to a nostalgic integrated format.

Key specs that matter

One single-ended input plus a dedicated phono input are provided. Input sensitivity is 540mV, with input impedance at 28,000 ohms. Output impedance is 440 ohms. The phono stage uses a sophisticated current-sensing design at 46,000 ohms. Output power is a substantial 250W into 8 ohms, rising to 300W into 4 ohms - considerably more than the vintage-styled C 3030's 50W. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 95dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under 0.03%. At 450 x 110 x 355mm and 10kg, the C 3050 represents NAD's most accomplished current vintage-inspired integrated amplifier commitment.

Sound and use context

Expect surprisingly clean, powerful amplification reflecting the substantial 300W-into-4-ohms output, with the sophisticated current-sensing phono stage handling both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, delivered through NAD's characteristic vintage-inspired design language updated with considerably more accomplished current engineering.

Pairing

The current-sensing phono stage handles both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges directly without needing separate step-up transformer.

Alternatives

NAD's own C 3030 offers a more traditional, lower-power vintage-styled alternative within the same broader catalogue.