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Home News

NAD Electronics C389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier

Cornerstone of a high-performance audio system

Marco Lisi by Marco Lisi
July 13, 2026
in News, Amplifiers
Reading Time: 2 mins read
nad-electronics-c389-hybdriddigital-dac-amplifier

At Munich High End, NAD launched their new C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier, which could well be the perfect cornerstone for and audiophile-worthy stereo system. And now we are inching closer to its release into retail we thought it would be nice to take a look at what this new DAC has to offer.

What’s on display?

Featuring NAD’s proven HybridDigital UcD amplifier design the C 389 has been engineered to deliver thrilling dynamics and transparent, detailed sound. The digital section is built around a ESS Technology Sabre DAC chip renowned for its near-zero levels of clock jitter, exceptionally wide dynamic range, and ultra-low noise and distortion, delivering astonishing clarity and holographic imaging on all sources.

nad-electronics-c389-hybdriddigital-dac-amplifier-front

Build to last

NAD built this machine with the future in mind. They went big on modular design for this one. The C 389 incorporates the latest iteration of NAD’s Modular Design Construction technology, MDC 2, and with its two MDC2 expansion slots, the C 389 can adapt to technical advances and evolving user needs. MDC2 is an all-new design that allows two-way communications between the expansion module and host component. The slots can be seen on the left of the picture below, which also shows all the available ports the C 389 boasts.

nad-electronics-c389-hybdriddigital-dac-amplifier-back

More details about the NAD C389.
Visit the NAD website.

Tags: DacDigital amplifiersNAD
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Marco Lisi

Marco Lisi

Publisher

Marco Lisi is the publisher of Best of High End, part of AV Concepts BV. His path into audio started early: as a teenager he was drawn into the world of free radio, presenting shows and living immersed in music every day. In his early twenties he ran his own production studio for five years, creating jingles and commercials — hands-on training in sound design, pro-audio workflows, and critical listening through studio monitors that still shapes how he evaluates gear today. He also spent years DJing in clubs before moving into publishing, first at two earlier online magazines before founding Best of High End. His hi-fi and home cinema passion was inherited from his father, an inveterate system-swapper. Marco's first setup — a confirmation gift — paired AKAI separates with entry-level Bowers & Wilkins speakers, a brand he stayed loyal to for years as his system grew from stereo into full surround and home cinema. Like many enthusiasts, he went through an extended "audiophile" phase chasing the next upgrade, before settling into a more grounded view: gear as a means to enjoy music and film, not an end in itself. Years of critical listening have given him a well-trained ear — the ability to characterize a system or pinpoint a change in the chain quickly and accurately. Just as important, his teaching background (a Belgian "regent" degree in Dutch language) gives him the tools to translate those listening impressions into clear, readable writing.

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