NAD COVERS ALL BASES, C338 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER & BUILT-IN CHROMECAST

No, NAD are arguably one of the most evolving brands in the HiFi space today. Their latest release, the C338 is one perfect example.

A 'HybridDigital' Integrated Amplifier that is one of the first to feature Google's Chromecast built-in for music streaming, paired with a highly versatile Class D amplifier designed in NAD’s Classic Series tradition.

Aside from native Bluetooth Integration which means the C338 can wirelessly connect to any smartphone, tablet, or Bluetooth-enabled device within range so users can seamlessly stream their favourite music apps or music libraries, it also works with NAD's Remote App. This transforms your smartphone or tablet into a powerful control interface that allows control of power, volume, and select sources. The free app is available for iOS and Android.

Where things get interesting though is with Chromecast. The list of Chromecast-enabled music & audio apps is growing rapidly, and users can simply tap the cast button on an smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers to instantly stream music directly to the C338.

George Jetson would be proud, as thanks to Google Assistant, the C338 can also be voice-activated to play music via Chromecast with a Google Home speaker or the Google Pixel phone.

Greg Stidsen, NAD’s Director of Technology and Product Development told StereoNET:

Using music streaming apps has become the primary way for so many of us to listen to music. The C 338 supports Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth streaming right out of the box, drives speakers with power and precision thanks to our latest HybridDigital design, and lets users experience NAD’s legendary audio performance with the latest streaming technologies.

As for power, the C338 uses an innovative Class D amplifier, which takes advantage of NAD's HybridDigital technology and delivers 50 Watts of Continuous Power per channel (into 8 and 4 Ohms) and a remarkable 150 Watts of Dynamic Power at 4 Ohms, that NAD says "with virtually no noise or distortion".

Len Wallis, one of Australia's most trusted industry figures and Sydney based retailer said:

The appeal of the NAD C338 (which sells for just $999) is that it is first and foremost a very fine sounding amplifier. In fact it’s surprising how good a small system built around an amplifier of this calibre can sound. Add a pair of bookshelf loudspeakers, plus a CD player and/or utilise its streaming capabilities and you have a relatively inexpensive, yet very enjoyable system.

And that right there is the point. NAD have continued to evolve and deliver a high performance integrated amplifier, with excellent connectivity, included a more than capable moving magnet phono pre-amplifier for turntable connection, a headphone jack, dedicated TV input, plus a learning remote control and smart device control. All this for under $1000, it's no wonder that the C338 could be just as successful as the classic NAD 3020.

C338 Key Features & Specifications

• 50W x 2 Continuous Power into 8 or 4 ohms
• 90W / 150W / 200W IHF Dynamic Power into 8 / 4 / 2 Ohms
• First hi-fi amplifier to feature Chromecast built-in
• Integrated Bluetooth® for added music streaming flexibility
• Built-in Phono Preamp for Turntables
• Stereo Line, Optical Digital and Coax Digital inputs
• NAD Remote App support for tablet and smartphone
• Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
• Subwoofer Output
• TV Audio Input
• Bass EQ

The C338 Integrated Amplifier is available now.
For more information, visit the NAD Electronics brand page.