Integrated amplifiers — NAD C 388

The C 388 is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC and phono stage from NAD, sitting above the C 338 with substantial output power. The C 388 brings NAD's more accomplished current engineering to a complete integrated chassis.

Key specs that matter

Two single-ended inputs plus a dedicated phono input are provided. Input sensitivity is 490mV, with input impedance at 22,000 ohms. Output impedance is 240 ohms. Output power is a substantial 250W into 8 ohms, rising to 350W into 4 ohms - considerably more than the C 338's 80W/150W. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 95dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under an exceptionally low 0.02%. Damping factor exceeds an exceptional 150. At 435 x 120 x 390mm and 11.2kg, the C 388 represents a substantial commitment reflecting NAD's more accomplished current engineering.

Sound and use context

Expect surprisingly clean, powerful amplification reflecting the exceptional over-150 damping factor combined with the substantial 350W-into-4-ohms output, with the built-in DAC and phono stage covering both digital and analogue vinyl sources directly.

Pairing

The built-in DAC and phono stage cover both digital and analogue vinyl sources directly without needing separate outboard devices.

Alternatives

NAD's own C 399 offers a considerably more accomplished alternative within the same broader catalogue.