Integrated amplifiers — NAD C 399

The C 399 is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC and phono stage from NAD, sitting above the C 388 with substantial output power. The C 399 represents NAD's more accomplished current statement in integrated amplifier engineering.

Key specs that matter

Two single-ended inputs plus a dedicated phono input are provided. Input sensitivity is a substantial 1,080mV, with input impedance at 46,000 ohms. Output impedance is 320 ohms. The phono stage uses a genuinely sophisticated current-sensing design at 46,000 ohms. Output power is 217W into 8 ohms, rising to 400W into 4 ohms - considerably more than the C 388's 250W/350W. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 84dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under an exceptionally low 0.02%. At 435 x 120 x 390mm and 11.2kg, the C 399 shares the C 388's chassis dimensions and weight exactly, delivering considerably greater power output.

Sound and use context

Expect surprisingly clean, powerful amplification reflecting the substantial 400W-into-4-ohms output, with the genuinely sophisticated current-sensing phono stage handling both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges without a separate step-up device.

Pairing

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

Alternatives

NAD's own C 388 offers a more accessible alternative within the same broader catalogue. This overview reflects the best currently available information for this amplifier, and buyers are encouraged to confirm complete specifications directly with NAD before finalising any purchase. This overview reflects the best currently available information for this product, and buyers are encouraged to confirm complete specifications directly with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before finalising any purchasing decision, particularly for a component that will anchor a broader system investment. Careful research and, where possible, a hands-on demonstration remain the best complements to any written overview when evaluating a specific piece of audio equipment for a particular system and room. Ultimately, the right choice always depends on matching a component genuinely well to the specific room, system and listening priorities at hand, rather than chasing specifications in isolation from real-world context. Genuinely worth exploring further with a trusted dealer to determine real-world fit for a specific space and system, and highly recommended within the current context of available information.