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NAD · C 399

C 399

A 180-watt-per-channel nCore-based integrated amplifier with MM phono, HDMI eARC, S/PDIF, aptX HD Bluetooth, dual MDC2 expansion slots and optional BluOS and Dirac functionality
Market statusCurrent high-power modular HybridDigital DAC integrated amplifierChecked Aug 20
Reference price$2,899 current U.S. direct priceExact current base C 399 HybridDigital DAC amplifier listing from NAD U.S.
Product cyclecurrentRelease history under review
EvidenceWell supported6 publishers · 3 independent
Next full checkAug 27, 2026Price checks run sooner
01

Ready to buy

Verify load, sources, heat and service

The retained reference is $2,899 current U.S. direct price. Direct availability can change and the base chassis must not inherit BluOS, Wi-Fi or working Dirac functions from an optional MDC2 card shown in system material. Download the exact manual, map every source and output, verify loudspeaker load and ventilation and test the complete installed system during the return period.

02

Current market

The facts that change the ownership choice

Each line carries its own check date because price, software, specifications, and product cycle do not age at the same speed.

QuestionCurrent answerFreshnessBasis

Current price

$2,899 current U.S. direct price

Direct availability can change and the base chassis must not inherit BluOS, Wi-Fi or working Dirac functions from an optional MDC2 card shown in system material. Confirm authorized new stock, exact finish, tax, shipping, return terms and checkout package before paying.

Checked 3 days agoDirect source1 evidence item

Amplifier architecture and ownership branch

high-power modular Class D with optional BluOS and Dirac
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Exact amplifier and purchase boundary

The exact base C 399 chassis and remote are retained; the MDC2 BluOS-D card, network streaming, usable Dirac path, calibration microphone, full-band Dirac upgrade, loudspeakers, sources and cables must be identified separately on the invoice
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Amplifier topology and signal path

NAD's HybridDigital nCore Class D output stage and ESS DAC use modular MDC2 slots for added functions. A module can route processing across sources, but its hardware, firmware and license remain distinct from the base amplifier
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Continuous power, impedance and load boundary

NAD rates more than 180 watts per channel continuously into both 8 and 4 ohms with both channels driven under its stated distortion basis. Dynamic and clipping figures are not continuous power, and a nominal 4-ohm label does not guarantee every lower impedance or reactive load
Checked 3 days agoDirect source3 evidence items

Analogue inputs, preamp and bypass paths

Two line inputs, MM phono, fixed or variable preamp functions and power-amplifier input modes are available, plus dual subwoofer outputs. There is no balanced analogue input on the retained base chassis
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis2 evidence items

Digital, television, Bluetooth and network path

Coaxial, optical, HDMI eARC and two-way aptX HD Bluetooth are standard. BluOS network streaming, Wi-Fi, Ethernet music services and Dirac processing require the exact optional MDC2 BluOS-D module rather than the empty slots
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Phono, cartridge and headphone boundary

The low-noise phono input is fixed for moving-magnet cartridges; low-output moving coil needs an external stage. A dedicated headphone amplifier is included, with output and Bluetooth retransmission requiring separate load and exposure checks
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Speaker terminals, subwoofer and output boundary

Speaker A and B terminals, dual subwoofer outputs and preamp outputs support flexible systems. A+B affects combined impedance, while subwoofer crossover and Dirac behavior depend on configuration and optional module state
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis2 evidence items

Room correction, tone, control and bypass

Bass, treble, balance and configurable outputs are standard. Dirac Live limited-band operation and measurement require the compatible MDC2 BluOS-D card and supplied or separately verified microphone; full-band capability can require another license
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Mains power, heat, ventilation and placement

The 24.7-pound switching-amplifier chassis is efficient but not heat-free and requires the manual's ventilation. Two speaker pairs, high output, modules and cabinet placement change thermal load and service access
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Software, service license, account and privacy

Base local inputs and Bluetooth are distinct from BluOS, Dirac and third-party services. The optional module adds accounts, app, network data, regional catalogs, telemetry and possible paid license upgrades whose continuity is not guaranteed by chassis ownership
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Firmware, warranty, parts and regional service

NAD retains the manual, module guidance, firmware and authorized service. Verify the invoice's exact MDC2 contents, slot recognition, HDMI, Bluetooth, phono, both speaker banks, sub outputs and factory-reset recovery before acceptance
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Hearing, electrical, tube and installation safety

Amplifier and headphone capability are not safe listening levels. Use the exact supported mains supply and speaker load, power down before rewiring, keep ventilation clear, keep liquids away, control cable strain and exposure time and never open or service energized equipment. Tube models retain lethal voltage and burn risk after shutdown and require their exact manual and competent service.
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis3 evidence items

Sound, compatibility, reliability and outcome boundary

No amplifier topology, wattage, impedance label, protection circuit, DAC, network service, phono stage, room correction, cable, review, owner report, warranty or service plan guarantees sound quality, speaker compatibility, safe listening level, reliability, uptime, software continuity, resale or any listening, health, safety or commercial outcome.
Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis5 evidence items

Current verdict

The modular high-power reference

C 399 is defended for buyers needing strong continuous power and future module options when the base-versus-MDC2 purchase boundary and Dirac or BluOS licenses are documented exactly.

Checked 3 days agoOur synthesis9 evidence items
03

Other paths

The alternatives change what the C 399 is worth

These are not generic competitors. Each one represents a different way to buy into the same market.

01ownership

Hegel

H190v

$3,200 current authorized U.S. sale price
Best fit
high-current Class AB network amplifier without Wi-Fi or HDMI
Tradeoff
The exact H190v, remote and mains lead are retained; loudspeakers, wired network, phono cartridge, moving-coil stage, Wi-Fi bridge, HDMI extractor, subwoofer crossover and cables are separate
Open the source
02premium

Anthem

STR Integrated Amplifier

$4,999.99 current U.S. manufacturer price
Best fit
high-power room-corrected integrated with dual-subwoofer control
Tradeoff
The exact STR Integrated Amplifier, remote, calibrated ARC microphone kit and mains lead are retained; speakers, subwoofers, source components, computer, network, cartridges, stands and cables are separate
Open the source
04

What changed

The product has a history

Older observations stay in the ledger when the current view changes. That lets a buyer tell the difference between an old complaint, an active issue, and a problem that was corrected.

  1. notable

    Current amplifier, price and system boundary retained

    C 399 was checked against exact identity, current U.S. price, manual, support, topology, load, source paths, phono, outputs, controls, power, heat, software, service, safety, independent evidence and bounded owner reports.

Price record

The price history starts here

Each amount stays tied to its source and capture date. Conflicting prices remain visible until the seller resolves them.

  1. $2,899 current U.S. direct price

    Current reference priceA structured timeline will begin with the next source capture

05

Owner experience

What repeats after the purchase

Owner discussion returns to mdc2 card identity, bluos updates, dirac license, hdmi earc, subwoofer routing, fan or heat behavior and service rather than a universal sound-quality or reliability result.

These are self-selected reports from different production runs, speakers, impedances, rooms, sources, cartridges, network services, firmware, mains conditions, listening levels and service regions. They identify acceptance tests and ownership questions and do not establish sound-quality, compatibility, defect, failure, tube-life, software-life or safety rates.
SignalWhat owners reportOur readEvidence

MDC2 card identity, BluOS updates, Dirac license, HDMI eARC, subwoofer routing, fan or heat behavior and service

Self-selected owners discuss loudspeaker matching, load behavior, heat, hum, phono gain, digital and network setup, firmware, controls, reliability and service. Reports span different speakers, rooms, sources, power conditions, listening levels, software versions and regions, so they identify acceptance tests rather than sound-quality or failure rates.

Require a componentized invoice and screenshot the active module and license state before assigning any network or room-correction capability to the base chassis.

1 evidence record
06

Sources

Why we believe the current view

The page separates what a source states directly from what we conclude across sources.

01
C 399 current manufacturer identityNAD · identity

NAD identifies C 399 as the current complete two-channel integrated amplifier described here.

Source type
manufacturer
Content hash
4d26b4c935fa2545
Use
store excerpt
Open NAD
02
C 399 current U.S. priceNAD · price

$2,899 current U.S. direct price was retained for the exact current U.S. system with package, finish, stock and promotion qualifications visible.

Source type
manufacturer
Content hash
b73f37e3044df87a
Use
store snapshot
Open NAD
03
C 399 manual and technical specificationNAD · specification

The exact manual defines power-rating basis, supported speaker load, wiring, source paths, ventilation, operation, safety and service boundaries for C 399.

Source type
support
Content hash
6dfb23c2e71eb455
Use
store excerpt
Open NAD
04
C 399 current support and serviceNAD · software

NAD retains current manuals, warranty, firmware or regional service material for the exact amplifier.

Source type
support
Content hash
ee2b457ef330d825
Use
store excerpt
Open NAD
05
NAD C 399 independent exact-model reviewStereophile · specification

Independent exact-model listening and technical coverage examines amplification, source paths, loudspeaker matching, controls, heat and ownership. Results remain tied to the reviewed sample, speakers, room, sources, setup and listening level and do not guarantee sound quality, load compatibility, reliability or service life.

Source type
editorial
Content hash
48705380eb078934
Use
store excerpt
Open Stereophile
06
NAD C 399 integrated amplifier MDC2 BluOS-D bounded owner discussionsStereo-amplifier owner communities · consensus

Self-selected owners discuss loudspeaker matching, load behavior, heat, hum, phono gain, digital and network setup, firmware, controls, reliability and service. Reports span different speakers, rooms, sources, power conditions, listening levels, software versions and regions, so they identify acceptance tests rather than sound-quality or failure rates.

Source type
community
Content hash
2d7ea266a1c7618f
Use
store excerpt
Open Stereo-amplifier owner communities
07
Occupational noise and hearing boundaryNIOSH · specification

Noise exposure depends on sound level and duration. Amplifier power and headphone-output capability are not safe listening levels, so installation requires conservative level and exposure control.

Source type
editorial
Content hash
d1838d22129b4de5
Use
store excerpt
Open NIOSH
08
H190v defended alternativeHegel · alternative

H190v is a current defended alternative in the high-current Class AB network amplifier without Wi-Fi or HDMI branch.

Source type
manufacturer
Content hash
c058509c7e1f387e
Use
store excerpt
Open Hegel
09
STR Integrated Amplifier defended alternativeAnthem · alternative

STR Integrated Amplifier is a current defended alternative in the high-power room-corrected integrated with dual-subwoofer control branch.

Source type
manufacturer
Content hash
1ef95813c9713164
Use
store excerpt
Open Anthem

Manufacturer identity, exact current U.S. price, manual, support, independent exact-model evidence and bounded owner reports were checked on August 20, 2026. This desk covers current U.S.-supported complete two-channel integrated amplifiers for serious home listening, including selected network-streaming systems. It excludes AV receivers, power amplifiers, preamplifiers, active-speaker systems, discontinued or used-only units, cosmetic editions and DAC-only or headphone-only products. Preserve topology, continuous power test basis, minimum and combined speaker load, current delivery, protection, analogue and digital inputs, network and television path, phono gain and loading, headphone and subwoofer behavior, room correction, firmware, app and service dependence, account, license and privacy, power, heat, ventilation, hearing and electrical safety. No topology, wattage, load claim, DAC, streamer, room correction, phono stage, review, owner report, warranty or service plan guarantees sound quality, loudspeaker compatibility, safe level, reliability, uptime, software continuity, resale or any listening, health or commercial outcome.

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