NAD C388 BluOS Obsessed Garage

If you’re looking to get into bigger, more expensive speakers or if you want more amplitude, clarity, and mid-bass punch, you’ll want to add theNAD C388 to your audio setup. This digital amplifier delivers a solid 150-watts per channel, which makes it a top pick in my eyes.

It’s identical to the NAD C368; however, the output is what distinguishes the two (the C368 does 80-watts per channel). I will always lean towards more power, so this would be the amp I’d recommend you get. 

The sound on this thing is terrific. I think it sounds better than the M33 I have in my garage in many ways. It uses an advanced Class D amplifier for undeviating performance. It’s equipped with BluOS, which allows you to enjoy 24-bit high-res music directly from your phone without any loss of sound quality.

For me, I’m not buying this for the multi-room feature – it’s strictly for my garage application because that’s where I listen to music the most outside of being in my car.

All the amplifiers I sell on the site are Matty picks but this is without a doubt a favorite. 

Specifications

• 150 watts x 2 channels into 8 or 4 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.009% THD
• 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
• Class D Asymmetrical PowerDrive amplifier design
• Connects to your home network via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi for music streaming
• Apple® AirPlay® 2 lets you stream directly from an iPhone® or iPad® and ask Siri to play Apple Music (via future firmware update)
• BluOS compatibility for further expansion with Bluesound wireless speakers
• Compatible file types: MQA, MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and AIFF
• 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter for high-performance playback of digitally connected sources such as a CD player
• Built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from a compatible device or wireless headphone listening
• Independent built-in high-output headphone amplifier
• 2 MDC (Modular Design Construction) slots for adding additional capabilities and features (one slot has the pre-installed BluOS module)
• Remote control
• Compatible with leading third-party control systems like Control4, Crestron, RTI, and URC

Connections:

• Ethernet port for wired connection to a home network
• USB (Type A) input for connecting USB thumb drives and compatible external hard drives
• second USB (Type A) input for connecting included Wi-Fi dongle
• USB mini (Type B) input for service only
• Four digital audio inputs (2 optical/2 coaxial)
• Three stereo RCA audio inputs, including a phono input (for use with a moving magnet cartridge)
• Stereo RCA preamp output for connecting a separate amplifier or powered subwoofer
• RS-232C port for use with external controllers
• IR in/out and 12-volt triggers
• Full-size headphone jack
• Two pairs of binding post speaker connectors for A and B speakers
• Detachable power cord

Dimensions and warranty:

• Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
• 17-1/8″W x 4-3/4″H x 16-5/8″D (6-3/8″H w/antenna)
• Warranty: 2 years

FAQ

NAD C388 BluOS Data Sheet