NAD C388 Hybrid Digital Dac Amplifier; now is it a depreciated bargain?

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System Tested With:
Tested With:
Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 XD, NAD M10 v.1, NAD C388 w/BluOS Module, Ayre C-5xe SACD, Peachtree GaN400, Peachtree Pre/dac, Peachtree220 amp, Peachtree Novapre, HiFi Rose RS250, iFi Zen One Signature Dac, Arylic S50 Pro+ Streaming/Dac, Audience & Audioquest cables.

[@seanjoell]

Thanks again for the detailed look at this Amp, looking forward to the speaker review.

[@Senninha1960]

Anyone not named Andrew who reviews audio gear is a thumb up from me! Love the comparison data mate 👌

[@RSCLifeontwowheels]

Hello from Canada, I just discovered your channel today. Great video by the way, with straight to the point information. Its great to see some video content on used stereo equipment. Most videos are products that are brand new, or super vintage. This is a refreshing change. I do have a question. I am looking to get something for my JBL studio 580's for 2 channel listening. Would the NAD or peach tree be a good pairing you think or do you have any other thoughts on it . I know that 580's are not high end or audiophile grade and people may look down on them. But I like them and I like the sound of them. They are better then my klipsch Rp8000, Rp600, polk audio rti10, energy RC30's etc etc etc. Thanks for your great videos and your time. Keep up the great work and content!!!

[@spodaras1]

Hello from Athens, due to failure of my Marantz PM7000 int. amplifier, I am about to purchase a new one. Would you recommend NAD C388 over Marantz PM7000N ? The rest gear is Benchmark DAC1, JPW Ruby3 speakers (37 dB/6 Ohms) and Argon Audio Solo streamer.

[@dan-sc7fm]

I bought a new c388 for less than 1200 dollars a week ago to replace a 40 year old amp and pre amp. I couldn't be happier. What I like is that unlike my old amp it stays very cool running. I'm not a technical geek but I do appreciate a good listening experience, and this integrated amp doesn't disappoint my ears. I'm sure a sophisticated audiofile would laugh at my setup, but in the end I am the only one that is listening for my musical pleasure. I am very pleased that I chose the c388 with just a couple day's research into today's audio world which is completely different 45 years ago. And on a whim I decided to add a pair of the bower &wilkins 704 s2 for 1000 dollars each, another decent bargain. Paired with my 45 year old speakers I couldn't be happier listening to my Miles Davis cds again. Now I'm wondering if I should upgrade my cd player, I guess that's how it starts.

[@MaxPower-zp7wy]

Hey guys. I'm not a audiophile geek and i don't understand all the ins and outs of it but I am looking to get into my first separate HiFi system.

[@borlach321]

Just picked up a pair of Martin Logan 40i towers...this should drive them no problem.

[@charleskatz2606]

Jason just a first note that the NAD C298 has gotten good press and the Purifi modules are an advance in musicality over the B&O and Hypex brands.But for me I would wonder if the C388's lack of eArc didn't make the 399 worth the extra outlay.I know this question is off topic but as an installer I think you might be the reviewer to ask.I am just getting into streaming (now computer wit Amazon and a WIIM puck) and after looking at a number of boxes like the Cambridge CXV and the Arcam ST-60 etc.But I think the Blusound Node makes most sense.The Blusound app plus cost ($600 for Node and $900 for Powernode with a second analogue in) makes

[@adamnocon9432]

NAD C298 received a poor “6 LP” rating on 10 Audio due to an obvious lack of low-level resolution. Jason, can you review some of the NuPrime power amps, highly recommended by HIFI-ADVICE (NuPrime ST-10, NuPrime AGM STA). Thanks!

[@jamestartaglia7686]

All cool..👍

[@joaquinbarreto9398]

Excellent review!

[@vallanddess]

Do you know much about the Heaven 11 Billie hybrid amp? Sort of intriguing.

[@donsimpsonshead8809]

I hated, hated the Peachtree Nova 300 with my DT Demand 17’s. No synergy with them at all. I brought up my thrift store Sony AVR and the 17’s came alive. Now I keep hearing about the Hypex modules but how do they compare to class A amps? Right now I’m leaning towards the Emotiva BAS X stack, with maybe a Denefrips J2 if needed.

[@babolababs4732]

It could be, the developments around class D amps are at a galloping speed at the moment, those recently special modules were reserved only for very high end class D amps but now finding their place in mid-tier, very soon to be available at the budget level too. I see class D amps as a commodity soon to become prevalent in all, even most hard core audiophile systems. Yamaha, one of the last hard core class AB manufacturers is rumored to replace all of their prosumer hifi line with the in-house developed hybrid class D, to follow what they did with their entire professional audio line. What does that tell us? I also have a NAD C388 but worry in a few years will be relegated to a hand me down or up for a replacement with the latest and greatest in Class D domain. This is something Class A or AB don’t sufferer much from as they reached status quo and pinnacle development wise, so you’re likely to keep them for a lot longer as there won’t be a new earth shattering, game changer AB amp anytime soon to replace your existing with.

[@noeolivero2585]

Hola chicos, buenas noches. Actualmente tengo en mi sala un NAD C368 y estoy muy contento. Quisiera poder sacarle un mayor provecho con unos bookshelf decentes. Qué me recomiendan? Gracias.

[@lsaideOK]

The 388, being discontinued, is going to be hard to find new. The 389 is its replacement and is selling for $1499. So would you recommend that one?

[@codyhuber]

Have you ever had your C388 turn on and start streaming music at full volume? Beware it can happen. Not good! Only ever happens when turning on via phone app. Setting the max volume limit setting won’t fix it but that’s a good idea on these units. NAD tech support never able to help diagnose or fix unfortunately. Otherwise a good unit.

[@DelicioAlamedo]

With NAD C 658 you will get the maximum sound distortion you ever heard. NAD is garbage. I bought the Master series, the M3 amplifier and the Super Audio CD M5, they broke down twice each and currently the two "masters" are unusable. The technical service does not have the spare parts because NAD does not supply them. The sound of these was not great either. I bought the Nad C 658 and its sound is really rubbish, pure distortion. I plugged it into my Accuphase E 280 and it was like plugging a beer can tied to a cat's tail into it. The distortion levels are very high. I set this NAD preamp to -27 db so I don't hear distortion in the highs and midranges, it got a little better but still gross. I do not recommend NAD for audiophiles, they are boxes for the deaf. NAD is garbage. I regret having trusted this brand.