NAD Keeps Making the SAME AMP! NAD C 399 Review

✅ NAD C399: bit.ly/3aiYZBt, bit.ly/3QwWPgx
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► SHOP THE NAD C399 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
NAD C 399: bit.ly/3aiYZBt, bit.ly/3QwWPgx
► COMPARABLE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS
Bluesound Powernode: bit.ly/3jPxG40, amzn.to/3hloPW8
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► TESTING THE NAD C 399 AMP
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► NAD C399 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW
00:00 NAD INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW (C399 INTRO)
00:23 NAD C399 SPECS
01:57 BLUOS NAD
02:24 NAD DIRAC LIVE - DO I NEED DIRAC
02:56 DOES THE NAD C399 SOUND GOOD
06:22 NAD C399 FOR HOME THEATER
07:00 NAD C399 VS MARANTZ MODEL 40N
07:25 NAD VS CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
07:45 NAD C399 VS NAIM UNITI ATOM
08:20 THE RIGHT NAD AMPLIFIER
08:58 NAD C399 VS M33
09:32 NAD C399 VS NAD C700
09:58 NAD MAKES TOO MANY AMPLIFIERS
10:30 KRISTI'S TAKE
11:38 ANDREW'S RANT ABOUT AMPS
16:00 KRISTI WEIGHS IN
17:22 RANT ABOUT NAD AMPS BEING THE SAME
19:03 NAD T778
23:30 SIGN OFF
Does NAD make too many amplifiers making it difficult for customers to find the right NAD amplifier? Choosing the right amplifier for speakers is already confusing enough, so when you consider the almost infinite number of options NAD presents to HiFi and Home Theater fans, it’s easy to see how decision paralysis sets in. The new NAD amplifier for 2022 is the C 399. The C399 can be upgraded to include the BluOS and DIRAC.
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#NAD #AMPLIFIER #HOMEAUDIO

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

✅ *C399: bit.ly/3aiYZBt, bit.ly/3QwWPgx: * ✅ *CLICK ❤THANKS to highlight your question &/or support the channel!* ✅ *If it’s in the video, it’s in the desx ☝CLICK “SHOW MORE”* ✅ *RULES: Please be respectful. NO OUTSIDE LINKS, URLs, email addresses, etc.*

[@martinvegas1327]

What's it like for tv watching over hdmi?

[@KristiWright]

@@martinvegas1327 06:22

[@martinvegas1327]

@@KristiWright Thanks👀

[@menacordero1]

I was lucky enough to get Onkyo RZ50 on Amazon last week. I'm a newbie on this, but I want to take advantage to get all the "juice out" of the AV receiver. Do you recommend this amplifier or a different one for the RZ50 ?

[@isaacsykes3]

Let me start by saying that I love the Cheesecake Factory!! I also like buffets, meaning that I like having options, which is why I'm somewhat confused by your rant, although extremely entertaining. 😅. I have the M33 *love ❤️ it) as well as multiple Bluesound products feeding other A/V processors, and I think that you exaggerated the 'analysis paralysis" a little bit. I do believe that the differences between the NAD products are more pronounced than you stated in your video, and I do think that this a benefit to the consumer. If there's something you don't need NAD doesn'tmake you pay for it. Also, I really wish that you would speak more about what makes the NAD amplification so special, in that they are load invariant and how that benefits the consumer in terms of speaker pairing. Now what I do wish is that NAD/Bluesound(Lenbrook) as a whole offer more products with fully balanced I/O. I would love if 778 was a Prepro, or balanced inputs on the M10. That said, just like the Cheesecake Factory, I don't have a problem with options, chances are, that after seeing everything that’s available, I can get exactly what I want, or buy one for now and something for later 😉. Keep up the great work, and look forward to the next video.

[@RicoFlako]

I mainly reframe from commenting but I feel like I have to give you guys some praise here. I’m so impressed by the editing of this video!!!! Although this video was one of the most confusing and frustrating topic, the filming, editing, transitions, little zoom in animations and sound effects, b-roll shots, all of it is just so damn good! Your guys are killing it. The quality of this video is just top notch and can compete with some of the worlds best youtube videos produced by large teams of professionals. Honestly, I’m so thankful for your time and effort in these videos. I watch your videos almost religiously and wish I could meet you both in person some day. Anyways, I just felt the overwhelming need to commend you on your achievements and how much the videos are improving. THANK YOU

[@cheeky1664]

That rant felt like it was a LONG time coming! 😂😂 Please, please, please, please, please (both of you), NEVER change - you're FAB!! 😁😁💛😁😁

[@glubb23]

Talking about your "Rant". I have NAD C388 and I saw that they released MDC2 BluOS-D with the C399. So I was like "sweet, so I can have Dirac on my amplifier", but no, my amplifier has MDC and can not be used with MDC2. So this FUTURE PROOF MDC option is now outdated after 4 years. That puts me off NAD.

[@sjors01]

this is not what i call futureproofing, bad promise NAD!

[@tyleryosef9862]

Well that is ridiculous NAD… future con

[@mickandrews9458]

Thanks for the review. Very helpful and interesting. I now have a C399 and with the BluOS it is simply way ahead of everything else (for the price) when you consider it has Dirac too! You sort of complained about NAD amps sounding the same. But consider this. Maybe, just maybe, it is because they are the most neutral and as an electronic design engineer of many years myself, surely that is what one should be aiming for. That being the case, if they are all neutral, then they will all sound the same. This is surely a good thing! I suspect this is very much down to the Class D design. Transistors and valves, operating in class A, B and AB, are all subject to the linearity of the devices (and transformers for most valve amps). But class D, being switching, is arguably far less impacted by linearity. Yes, there is the matter of clean switching, but the technology has moved on considerably. So, with neutral sounding amps that can drive almost anything, you only have to think about the choice of speaker in terms of the sound you want. Surely, also a good thing! Thanks again for the review.

[@slowinfastout3304]

Hi, very insightful comment. Do you think the c399 is a good match for the LS50 Meta? I have a T758 (110w) and OPPO 105 then just got a emotiva basx a3 (150w amp). Not much difference compared to the receiver by itself. I think I’m good with my 2.1 setup even for videos. So the thought of the c399 w/ blue OS replacing my receiver, amp, WiiM pro and OPPO which I only use as a dac is appealing.

[@mickandrews9458]

@@slowinfastout3304 All I could really think is that if the LS50 is fairly neutral itself, then the C399 should be OK. I read of amps being bright to match speakers that are less bright, but one could be endlessly trying out pairings. In addition, with Bluos this should help compensate for speakers that have less than ideal frequency responses. Difficult to drive speakers should be OK with the C399. The LS50s do get very good reviews.

[@SeanVedell]

Greetings from Hamilton, Ontario Canada. Your videos are the best for reviewing new gear and I love the dynamic between you both at the end of each one. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much, Sean! Kristi and I really appreciate your support and hope you are well!

[@gestsessentaenove8873]

your channel is great! Sooner or later you´re gonna hit 300k, well deserved!

[@jonjbjjones686]

My first ever comment here... Love your reviews and this is why you are genuinely the only channel I am subscribed to, thank you both!!! Not only are you informative, honest, neutral and entertaining, you give your watchers something to look forward to and feel part of a community. You are #morethanjusthifi. Thank you. However.... Your chair in the background in this video looks like E.T. after a blow out Christmas Day dinner! Can't unsee it now 🙈

[@Harry-Giles]

Quite frankly, you guys just shed some MAJOR clarity on the NAD line. Huge thanks.

[@SteveSmith-cm1hx]

A great honest review Andrew and this is what we need here on KZbin. To many KZbinrs is all about the money and sponsors. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We sincerely appreciate you watching and glad you enjoyed the video, Steve. With respect to your comment about KZbinrs: One can be honest, maintain credibility and still earn a living. We are thankful for the companies who sponsor the channel so we can continue to bring you free content every week. It's unfortunate that KZbinrs are often vilified or deemed untrustworthy for simply earning a living by having channel sponsors or affiliate links. As long as one discloses as we do, I see nothing wrong with it. Hopefully, you see the next review we do as equally credible even though it will be sponsored.

[@emokidsparade8126]

thanks for this video. it gave people a solid roadmap on how to navigate the NAD lineup.

[@MrAlliant64]

Well done as usual Andrew. I always enjoy your vivid and detailed descriptions. I do like the eArc availability and dirac live as well for a starter amp that's affordable. Being neutral makes it more interesting to me. Thank you again. Keep it up.

[@lukasmurmann625]

First of all: To me, a clean, flat, and 'boring' amplifier is exactly what I want, any day of the week. I want my speaker choice to be the main factor in how my system sounds. An amplifier that doesn't add or subtacts anything allows me to take one more component out of the sound equation, and i don't have to worry about the amp not matching the speakers. In a perfect world (for me), all amps should be as close to reference as possible, as their task is to just tell the speakers how the MUSIC sounds, not alter it. Second: if all NAD amps sound pretty much the same, and the M33 sounds amazing, I'd take that to mean that the cheaper amps also sound amazing, so NAD really knows how to bring top performance down the price range, which I also don't see how you can complain about. I'll definitely be looking towards NAD for my future hifi upgrade

[@iBlindPanic]

This is simply not what people want to hear, they want to “upgrade’ their system’s sound. It’s no fun when you have a almost perfect amp. Strange really, they frown at equalizers but they love amps that have a “sound”.

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

​@@iBlindPanic generally when a speaker is very bright, you combine it with an amp with more bass response and it goes pretty well. at the same time, there are speakers that are very boomy and a neutral amp is preferred

[@iBlindPanic]

@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 not really an argument, if both the speaker and amp simply reproduce the sound as it was when recorded this in an non issue. Like I said: it seems that some like to chase the perfect system more then actually just getting it. Same with the dislike of eq, what you describe is actually eq but its not adjustable. Anyway: I have this amp incoming, looking forward to it.

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

@@iBlindPanic I mean that's typicali how you make a stereo setup, some amps just don't sound good with certain speakers, others make them sound just right. It's not just eq, some speakers just demand more power, my 948s drop to 2.5 ohms nominal, so although they are relatively sensitive, they need more power to really move the woofers. Let me know how you like it. I currently run separates, Azur 851N and 851W, but I'm considering selling and getting the 399.

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

My first NAD was the M10 v2. I paired it with Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend MK2 and pretty damn happy. I have then added Bluesound Node on my Parasound and GR Research XLR Encore, Bluesound Vault in my office and a few Pulse and flex in smaller rooms. I plan to get a few more. The BlueOS is wonderful. Good review and i get the confusion but it's not that bad.

[@drummerboy1324]

Agreed! I actually spent a lot of time deciding which NAD product to get and had a little analysis paralysis about it. I ended up going with the M10 V2 as I liked the form factor and I wanted Dirac. Very happy with it so far.

[@69leehammond]

Great no nonsense review. Unfortunately never had the opportunity to own an NAD product, but very tempted by the M10v2. Keep up the awesome work you two :-)

[@marksilgalis9400]

100% agree. When I started building a 2.x system a couple of years ago, that paralysis is EXACTLY what I felt looking at NAD and just went elsewhere.

[@adamlink7561]

I have zero experience with NAD other than seeing / hearing it in the showroom. So I will comment on what I do know. The new Eames is gorgeous, it looks fantastic in your home. Have a great weekend!!!

[@TamiyaPhilippW]

Wow, you hit the nail on the head! Me, as a newbie, was looking through their product line and it is totally confusing! Like you mentioned, you find product x interesting and further down the row there is product y which may also be interesting and from their on you do not really know why you found product x interesting because you just forgot all the feature it has! It just makes no sense that when you have a list in you head, where you want like HDMI, blue sound and maybe a display you can't really get it except you spend like 5k because in each lower products always one thing of you wanting list has been not implemented. This review really pushed me even further to the powernode! Thank you !

[@nonametofame]

I enjoyed this mini rant on the whole NAD portfolio. I came away actually more impressed by the sheer volume of the variety of units at all different price points in there lineup. There's something for everyone. I still regret selling my NAD 778 last year for separates. I miss its gorgeous color touchscreen, cool running class D amps, and built-in BluOS. It's the best sounding AVR I've ever heard and competes favorably against separates.

[@nonametofame]

@@lsaideOK an audiocontrol pre-pro. I wish NAD would update the M17.

[@baronvonaux8294]

I understand the rant, however I feel like the point that is being missed here is that amplifiers by rights shouldn’t add or subtract anything, and consequently we’ll designed amplifiers operating within their limits should sound the same or at least very similar. We have all become accustomed to amplifiers adding flavour to our systems and this move towards high performance class D is walking away from that. There’s going to be an adjustment period as we all become familiar with this.

[@wezzman1]

I sometimes disagree with you guys, but the thing that I absolutely love is that you are not afraid to take the companies to task like Yamaha. Your channel is big enough for them to listen.....you don't get that on KZbin nowadays. Great job 👍🏽

[@daniannaci3258]

I agree with commenter Cheeky. Many of us are only vaguely interested in the latest gear of the week that’s reviewed. Why we watch is to see your reaction to it. Today, Andrew, you let it all out, you REALLY told us what you thought. That’s what makes a great video review. You made me care. Thanks. It was great fun watching! And I learned something.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much, Dan! We appreciate you watching.

[@glenncurry3041]

Although yes a good bit of rambling, not having kept up with all the corporate machinations over the decades I appreciated the overview of the current NAD and Bluesound and a good overview of the NAD integrated/ Receiver line. An NAD 1300 Preamp drives my system currently. So it was worth the lengthy listen, on a dreary Sunday morning waiting for the Packer Game.

[@hawkins55]

Last time I seriously looked at buying NAD hence looking at their line up in detail was right when they came out with M10 Gen 1. The line up was already long. But I managed to narrow down to C658 pre-amp streamer with BluOS as I already had an amp. But ended up getting separate dac, network bridge and Roon. Just went to check their models while watching this video. There are many even more now!

[@ronalcasid3844]

In this day when most people are buying equipment unheard, I would argue having everything in their lineup sound virtually identical makes purchasing easier. Potential customers can make their decisions on quantifiable qualities like price, form factor, inputs and other features.

[@umrryan]

Thanks for keeping it real on the rants. While I don't like the situation, I absolutely appreciate your stance.

[@thegreener196]

I'm still running my C375BEE paired with klipsch RF-7's sounds amazing!.

[@snekmeseht]

Watching the video today on NADs 50 year history prompted me to visit their website to look at the stereo amplifiers. After 5 minutes or so, I felt hopelessly lost. I would have no clue what to buy so I left the website. Interesting how your video raises the concerns that I felt. Regarding the industry in general, I bet 95% of potential audiophiles are driven away by the daunting task of just figuring it all out.

[@danjo9520]

well said and thanks for pointing this out. only a seasoned pro like you has this kind of context. no need to sugar coat...

[@stevethetoolman2435]

I agree with you and Christie! So I bought my first Bluesound powernode years ago. Then moved on to the Bluesound players. So I’m like an addict and love the blue OS. Now I want better sound with separate speakers and they dangle DIREC LIVE at me. And I was looking at the c658 pre with c298 but like you said the Dac is a lower cheaper model than the c399? It’s very frustrating. The convenience of these all in one box units keeps us hooked. I don’t want a touch screen but may end up with one. I like things that last. Ty

[@rondickinson8741]

You're absolutely right I've ended up buying other products so I just couldn't make up my mind because I'd have to give up a feature to get the power that I wanted

[@susanl6078]

Great review and discussion. Thanks

[@scottscottsdale7868]

I have thought of the bluOS aspect. But a lot of folks like me probably have the blusound node as one of first things bought. It is for flexibility. I would love the HDMI but then you have my 368 with bluOS and hdmi and now we are at 2000 bucks. I like it.

[@maxpower78-15]

Always good to hear Kristi’s 2 cents. A second perspective is good. Even if you both agree, there is usually something else to consider after the second review. And when you disagree, its great TV, so to speak. Cheers

[@umrryan]

Good morning from the Midwest. I love the new chair in the space, especially with those Cornwall's!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks. Once we saw the new finish options Herman Miller just released we knew it was the perfect chair for our new home.

[@DantesInFresno]

Great review. Let me lend my experience to support your rant and validate Kristi’s recommendation. 4 years ago I was looking to buy into an NAD product. The C338 couldn’t accommodate a BluOS module whereas the C368 could but cost extra. I ended up buying the T758 v3 AV Receiver as it came with the BluOS module and was less expensive than the base C368. Crazy way to plan a product line up……..

[@rolandlickert2904]

Not really when you need power for your speaker to shine which was in my case

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

"are you still here?!" LOL! The Kristi / Andrew exchange was my favorite part! Kristi, I feel you would make a brilliant qualitative researcher! Always relevant way to clarify or follow-up to go deeper into the discussion! Andrew, keep doing what you're doing. Sound authentic and down to earth! Well done guys!

[@thomass.9167]

Try buying a 2023 Toyota Camry (US) and you’ll find 13 different models to choose from, each with its own sprouting tree of options to add on. Now, pick one of the top models and start comparing features and specs to the equivalent Lexus models (US) and you’ll soon reach for that bottle of Tylenol and just take the bus instead.

[@KristiWright]

Speaking of cars, one of the funniest car shopping experiences we've had was looking at a Volkswagen Tiguan Ltd a few years ago. Sitting in the front passenger seat, I said "where's the phone charger?" and the sales person said "oh the Limited model doesn't come with one". Hilarious that in 2020 a car wouldn't come without one but I guess the model name "Limited" was true to its word.

[@zachariahadams]

Geez, try buying a Corolla hybrid. Has one trim and one option. The sales floor doesn't even want to look at you.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

@@KristiWright 😂 "you damn right it's limited!" I believe is the monologue I broke into 😂

[@KristiWright]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews I think that was my line but regardless of who said it, we had a good laugh and the promptly got TF out. :)

[@zachariahadams]

@@drewyoung2102 Chevy Nova with one brown door sounds like my kind of ride. Can I get the Bondo around the front headlamp option?

[@Fnyga]

I'm a NAD fan, but I completly agree with the rant! Too many models in the lineup these days, w/ small spec variations.

[@westcoast708]

Totally agree with you both on keeping things simple and not complicated when choosing model features and price point thx guys ...

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for watching as always, we appreciate it!

[@TopGSvaLLe]

I'm thoroughly enjoying my M32 driving my B&W 804D3s. After adjusting the tone control the 804s really sing, and provides so much joy. Now I borrowed a brand new M33 (even had to do the unpacking) and compared it to the M33. They were so similar in the sound profile. The M33 provided a very slightly more controlled bass, however in some songs I preferred the M32 and others the M33, so I took the M33 back to the dealer and are stille enjoying my M32. The amount of value is immense in the NAD products. However I must admit that the price increase on the M33 is not justified at all. The M32 shipped with a very fair price, even when you factor in the Bluos MDC module.

[@paulinboston]

Great review --- I like integrated amps. I don't like integrated amps with DACs or other technologies that are in the process of evolving. For two, three, four and five thousand dollars, I think your money is better spent on a rock solid integrated 2 channel amp with no add-ons. With this in mind, I am looking at a Zen Streamer. At four hundred dollars, it can be replaced in a few year and my rock solid integrated amps remains relevant.

[@pdemetriou92]

... Andrew, Kristi, I went for the superb Bluesound Powernode 2022 and is delighted. Used the rest of the savings to go on holiday and put a deposit on a brand new car!!! ☺️😂👍🇬🇧 ...

[@KristiWright]

Smart!

[@mdchavez07]

Absolutely loved the rant. NAD is a great company that makes great products, but the constant overlapping feature sets across various lines is absolutely an odd choice. They would do well to pare everything down to 3 simple products, budget, mid, and high end, and disperse feature set/power ratings accordingly.

[@billywindsock9597]

I don't need the swoop noise. I can see you zoom in and out, the swoop noise is just annoying. Good points well made. As someone that started in HiFi with a 3020, NAD has a warm place in my memory. A little sad to see them messing around.

[@jmax5105]

Ok, ok, ok....excellent points brought up in this review - and very helpful, but I think my burning question from after watching this whole video for me is, - WHERE DID THE BLACK POLK R700s COME FROM!!!!??? ;-) lol. Were they so good that you are now owners of a pair? (I changed my order from the R600s to the R700s when they went on sale, but still waiting for them to show up). Anyway, that was my "hey! whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on a minute" take from the review, lol. You guys do such fantastic work and I can't ever truly say thank you enough for all you do for all of us out here watching. Keep up the great work and know that it's all very much appreciated!

[@KristiWright]

Jason, Polk sent us a black pair after all the confusion about the white ones so that we could continue to use them as a reference speaker for reviews. They are on "loan".

[@bsbabcock]

Agreed... Dirac in the 40n could have been a massive advantage over the 399. Makes one wonder though if the lack of DSP might be a reason you prefer the Marantz, along with the amp topology.

[@chewingcheung]

Already a member. Just showing my appreciation!

[@KristiWright]

That's very kind of you, Che-Wing. Thank you so much.

[@crispincrunch2453]

Um, I liked the rants. Especially, since this actually helped clarify the whole NAD/Bluesound line for me, for the first time ever!! AND this whole video kinda become a stoked out value proposition promo for the C 700. “Wait a minute, it’s a Bluesound PowerNode WITH a volume knob AND a screen? Yes, please!!” 😆😁 Really, this vid is THE best thing to happen to NAD marketing.

[@KristiWright]

NAD waking up today: this is NOT the best thing to happen! 😆

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Well I appreciate your comment though I doubt NAD will see this video as anything but a negative.

[@Novalarke]

I find these sorts of discussions amusing. twenty years ago I went to powered monitors for my daily listening and never looked back. I've been through a series of different monitors, but I find I like Adams, EVENT, and Dynaudio a lot. Rotel pre-amp, SOTA turntable (Rega/Sumiko), NAD CD player, Panasonic tuner for the rare moments I listen to the radio at home. No amp. Simplified my life, one less thing to try and match to my old passive monitors (Hanson Zilberberg). Waste of time and energy.

[@erikb.788]

Hi Andrew, Great review and as a NAD M10 owner, unfortunately, I agree with conclusion. Short after I bought the M10 the new Powernode N330 and little later the C700 where released… If I was a few months later in the market for a new amp it saved me a lot of money 😏. I had a NAD T758v3 before and that had a different, more dynamic and warmer sound. Without Dirac the sound difference between a M10 and N330 is minimal. Nevertheless, I enjoy the M10 (paired with the new Dynaudio Emit30). Awesome clean design, the screen, huge fan of BluOS and very detailed and relaxed sound for hours of listening pleasure

[@felipedantas4666]

Great approach. It looks like one of those..."if you can beat them, confuse them" situation. Straight forward comps are hard to find. Been burning some "gray matter" for some time to make a move. Frustration led me to get a good headphone for now 😀 Best regards Felipe

[@starbase218]

Got a C 162 and C 272. Will probably replace the 162 with a Node. Sound-wise the power amp will drive my speakers and I like that sound.

[@jerrymorrison7501]

While you are on the NAD train…. Have you looked at the C658? I would really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for the great reviews!

[@davidjurney]

I completely agree with big thing that you’re frustrated with. It makes no sense. I do like the NAD “sound.” I find to lean neutral which has been my preference. The M10 v2 screen is sexy. It’s one of the reasons I went with it. Oh, and kudos to Kristi for bringing up the T778. It’s great and is what is powering the Arendal 1961s in my home theater.

[@jarkiro]

The one thing that is drawing me to the C 399 over say the C 700 is the option to easily have an outdoor 2.0 speaker option connected to the same amp. If I'm wanting this feature set with a second set of stereo speakers outside do you think it's the correct option? or can you hook up 4 speakers to lower models like the powernode? Love your content.

[@jstones9872]

so what would be a better alternative around this or lower price point? just looking for good stereo sound and tv, cd's and streaming music. no surround

[@henkcusters9544]

Only recently discovered your channel which has a nice way of reviewing products. Personally I think that it is a compliment to NAD that they all sound the same. As Quad used to state, a good amplifier is like a straight wire with gain. So if you have big sonic differences between amps, at best one of those amplifiers is good and the others aren't. I think NAD has a very interesting line up with innovative technologies. But there is a big BUT. I own a C390DD which failed after a few years. It refused to switch on. It actually had some switching on issues from the beginning where occasionally it would not start. I was able to solve this by replace some capacitors in the standby power supply. Then I noticed that all elcaps they use are from unknown Chinese companies. When doing some google searches it turned out that many users encountered the same issues as I did, with various NAD products. Therefore, I would be very reluctant to buy any NAD product again and certainly the gorgeous M33 which uses also too cheap components. Why don't they use Panasonic or Nichicon elcaps? Their products would become so much more reliable.

[@jasonallen1205]

Thanks for getting this one. Had all the features I wanted....streaming/DAC/Dirac and HDMI. Thanks for being honest

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

It has all the features if you pay more for the card FWIW.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

I love the Cream Eames chair .. and love the slow horizontal panning. ...Speaking of Marantz with Dirac ... ;-) NADs.. ( hehe ) Im hard pressed around all of what you discussed in this as well. I've been pretty set on getting Hegel H120 for my Lumina 2 .. .... however, NAD is my local brand.. supports my local retailers, near by support.. etc etc. ( same would have been for speakers in PSB ) C388 BluOS version - I think is what you are discussing? - .. Yes, I've a few things to look for ( sound aside ) before I make my final buy on that Hegel ( < ..hegel just presents SO great on Sonus faber - imo)

[@drtod]

I have the C368 and preferred to front-end it with Schiit Bi-frost2 DAC to obtain the sound I wanted.

[@lgude]

NAD seems to be a consistently good amplifier company going back to the 70s and my similarly neutral 3020 (I think). I live in Australia where audio prices are higher so I recently bought an older NAD 757 AVR to use for Audio only knowing I’ll get an honest audio amp rather than a bunch latest AVR features but a lesser amp in a new entry level AVR. I found it interesting that these very serious new NAD audiophile amps are also home theatre amps. I have a lot of different vintage speakers and a 7.1 AVR gives me plenty of options. Helpful review that illuminates the state of play for those of us primarily or exclusively interested in the audio side of home theatre. Thanks.

[@stephanela572]

With the C399 l used the audioquest nrg y3 cable and the sound is more Dynamic and " round".

[@t3dewys]

I have the 388 powering my Fortes and absolutely love the combo.

[@KristiWright]

Indeed, they make good products!

[@daversj]

Sounds like NAD hired a new MBA that told them how to market their line for better profits……Your car sales analogy was spot on. Playing games with features trying to push you up a model. Subscriptions for features could be next. Like paying monthly for heated seats in your BMW. What a mess.

[@rolandlickert2904]

Don't see your point. They have enough models for various budget I don't see anything wrong with that and people forget they provide modules that gives flexibility for the future "I call that progress". Been a HiFi guy for over 50 years I like the progress NAD has made. The world market is diverse and NAD is in many countries the USA is only one player. As I worked in over 20 countries I saw firsthand how diverse HiFi markets can be.NAD is playing the world market People forget that.

[@cameronkrause4712]

wow- what a rant from Andrew! But, he is right about the direction that NAD is taking. NAD is selling the same thing over and over and relabelling it and then doing it again and again. This was not as easy to do when their amps were AB amps. All of those amps, while having a house sound, still maintained their sonic individuality.

[@davidthomson8164]

Hi, I enjoy your videos, but with respect I have to disagree. I own a T758 and a Powernode 2i. This week I demo'd the T758 connected to a C298, the C399, and the M33. To my ears the C399 sounded significantly better than T758/C298 combo and the M33 sounded better than the C399. I was so impressed with the demo that I plan to buy a C399 for music playback. If the M33 did HT bypass, I would have been tempted to buy it as there's a really good deal on it in the UK at the moment. Thanks!

[@thomastrubetskoff5958]

You hit the nail on the head with a sludge hammer, the utterly confusion now to what to buy is spured by what you just said. I just went through this with amp shopping at a very good shop that offered full cost of an amp if you traded up to 2x the value to get away from this withina year. The lesson I learned is to buy the highest power you can of a brand to bring out your speakers sound to the highest sound. And yes it seems the elusive hdmi port is the bargaining chip.

[@musiclassica]

Excellent point, Andrew!

[@zardoz2627]

I've been a huge NAD fan since the 80s and still run an old 2400PE. I just haven't jumped in the class D pond. One day maybe. Until I absolutely have to have a new feature on my 2.1 system, I'll stick with it

[@Trump1776]

Andrew thanks for this great insight, tell it as it is , So that we don’t get ripped off from these greedy manufactures.

[@saltaormina9404]

Happy Sunday Andrew & Kristi! Another banger of an episode ❤️👍 Would you say the sound signature is similar from the Bluesound Node all the way up to the NAD Master series?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Maybe with the exception of the C399 here (which uses Hypex amps like the M33), the Powernode up to 99% of the "classic line" from NAD, yes!

[@bryanwilliams9810]

Andrew, I would like to do some experimentation with in-room response for speaker placement and sound deadening. What do you use when doing your evaluations ? Was giving serious consideration to the M10 V2, completely understand your frustration with NAD. Thanks again for what you and Kristi do !!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Appreciate you watching, Bryan. Kristi leaves that info for you down in the description under "Testing".

[@YSIFIVEOH]

Awesome! I would LOVE to see a comparison between the new NAD M66 vs the Bryston BR-20! I'm potentially in the market for either one of these. I currently own a NAD M12 with the BluOS module (usgin a Bryston 4b3 amp, Tekton Lores went I want a real sense of what live music sounds like and B&W 804D3's when I want more detail and resolution). Curious to see how much of an upgrade the M66 would be over the M12 , sound wise not so much features or that it has 4 sub outputs. The M12 gives me everything I need today and sounds great with the bryston amp but curious to see how much better new new unit sounds. I like both brands NAD and Bryston, they have a similar competing products in specs, features and price! I think it would be a great match up! Oh and it would help me a ton, thank you Andrew!!!

[@mw4609]

NAD/Bluesound fan here too (C388, M12, Node2i, NodeN130, C658 all currently in-house), and I agree completely about product confusion. Adding and taking away wierd mix of features. For instance, the Node2i , NodeN130, and M12 (DAC/preamp) have coax out (for external DAC), why doesn't the C658 (also a DAC/preamp) or the C388 - or the C399? How hard could it be to have a coax out when the digital signal is already available there - even in the lowest-cost unit. They should all have coax output.

[@a-tg-c1024]

Which amp is better paring with LaScalas. Mac 8950: Hegel 590 or NAD c399? Thanks

[@brianlockhart5151]

I’m looking for a two channel with HDMI to watch TV/movies as well as listen to music. I know you like the sound of the Marantz 40N (I like the warmer sound as well), but could that power a pair of Polk R700s sufficiently or should I stick with the extra power from the NAD C399 and Dirac benefits? Love the channel, thanks for all the insights!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Hi Brian, really appreciate the support! If you already own the NAD or were planning to go that route, that will be a very good pairing and offer improvements due to DIRAC, but yes, the 40N will work with the R700s, it's a combo we use frequently.

[@DC_loves_scotch]

Great review,, Would you say the rapid change in tech, for example HDMI versions and wireless connectivity features, supporting latest surround sound formats, has hurt some companies that don’t have the deep pockets for r&d? So to try to keep up they do what frustrates , exchanging features between their models to seem competitive and trying to keep things fresh. I loved NAD and Harman Kardon in the 90’s and early 2000’s but then their products seemed behind the times when technology suddenly starting changing in a yearly basis. NAD’s current flagship AVR is outdated since no HDMI 2.1 for example. And Harman Kardon discontinued their AV and amplifiers. Thanks

[@MartinBischof]

I need a Headset jack, so the C700 or M10 is not an Option for me. Hope my C399 will arrive finally after ordered in February.

[@71moonprince]

Try the C658 pre amp ,Love the Burr brown chip, I've got a Emmotiva pair to mine.

[@brooksc900]

I have a Bluesound node (N130) and really like BluOS. The sound not quite so much. I found it a bit metallic and added an external Topping E70 Velvet to take the metallic edge off a bit. It works, kinda but think a better quality R2R DAC may be a better (and more costly) way to go to improve it all. However, I intend to go for the C 399 to get more power, HDMI, Dirac, etc. Should I expect the same sound as the Node or a better, more musical sound for the price of the C399?

[@Boxkerp]

You just describe what I went through looking at NAD products when I decided to put together a 2-channel setup in my computer room. I knew I wanted to go Blue OS but I didn't know if I wanted to go node and different brand integrated amp or with one of NADs consolited options. Eventually, I decided to go a node and Outlaw RR2160.

[@KristiWright]

The Node is highly underrated.

[@Boxkerp]

@@KristiWright Yeah it is. It sound great and easy to use. For a while I switched to a Cambridge CXN V2 which I thought sounded a better than the node but I didn't like the app so I went back in the node. I see the black/grey Polk Reserve 700s in your b-roll. Does that mean you guys bought them? Your review model was whit.

[@mcbrion1951]

Thank you for this, but - and perhaps because i am unfamiliar with online reviews (not to the audio world: I've been in that for 5 decades) - I am not hearing comments about how certain pieces of music actually sound when played thru the component. But then, maybe - for some - the features are more important. I'm primarily interested in how music - classical, jazz and blues - sound on it. It does not seem to be a review of the 399 amp, merely the features of it.

[@tomalaerts8839]

Well, there is an audio difference. The more basic models use Hypex ucd amps This and the M10 and some other M products use hypex ncore amps The m33 and c298 use Purifi amp circuits Measurably Purify > ncore > ucd. However differences between good amps are small anyway so you would need a super revealing speaker to really appreciate the subtle audible differences.

[@jaygannon1095]

Vintage NAD, built like tanks and colored like them as well, was *amazing*. The new stuff is...just good?

[@dannyblaha9344]

i have c658 preamp sounds good been waiting for cards for usb in and digital out dont think i can even get with new product. bluos,dirac.usb in, and digital out blusound is close but no dirac

[@PierreVilleneuve88]

Well summed up, well filmed and good audio capture. The fake wind sound will zooming in is a bit distracting though.

[@vrenlos]

Right in the NADs! 🤣

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

😂

[@KristiWright]

Comment of the day.

[@colinfrancis4719]

🤣🤣

[@micahmeng8639]

Agree with you. They need to greatly simplify the line up. Just standardize on purifi amp modules and BluOS. And make Dirac an option on everything. I’m still hoping their random product generator algorithm spits out an M10 minus the screen for like $1600.

[@danielcaswell9945]

I'm curious what your opinion of the C298 amp would be. Would there be enough of a sonic difference to justify the amp over an integrated?

[@foblivio]

Great review/analysis. I currently have the NAD C 338 powering my Polk R600s in a smallish room. Your take on that NAD is that it has the typical NAD house sound, meaning the treble is a bit rolled off. I’m thinking of upgrading to the C 298 and possibly moving the system to a larger room. Would the C 298 add a bit more sparkle/air to the top end (as that’s what I’m seeking)? It’ll also be Hypex UcD vs. Purifi. I agree with you about the weird overlap in the offerings.

[@Joenerk]

Re C298: Air, definitely. Sparkle, depends on the source and the speakers. It won't add any sparkle to the source, and if your speakers are laid back it will only sound more airy (better contrast between silence and noise). After decades of lower tier amps, I bought the C298 4 months ago and I am delighted by the how it sounds at all listening levels. Dirac is absolutely a revelation. I was shocked at how much more natural, immediate, and present the adjusted sound is.

[@pv8203]

"Too many things to themselves", so true for many companies, in and out the hifi sector.

[@bokolobs1264]

Excellent review! I have the C338 and looking at this for an upgrade because I like the sound signature (or lack thereof) of NAD. But maybe I’m all set with my rpi/ropieee streamer with allo digital HAT. On another topic, would you guys consider doing a comparative Roon vs Plexamp review?

[@JonathanSwiatek]

Aye NAD and ropieee ftw! Far and few between

[@borlach321]

I ditched my NAD C399 for a Rega integrated. Sounds better anyway.

[@russellewandowski843]

How far apart do you place your speakers? They look somewhat the same as mine.

[@Audiorevue]

The one thing I find with NADs newer class d amplifiers, regardless of which model or how much it costs, is there very particular when it comes to speaker pairing, more so than any other amplifiers I've ever used. Pair them with ELAC and they sound dull, pair them with Klipsch speakers and they sound bright, pair them with q acoustics and they sound muddy. I personally found that they shine with focal as well as mission and also most spectacularly with dali speakers.

[@MotoMatini]

Bluesound M smart speaker is revelation in sound stage when using Dali custom made DSP algoritam.

[@armanddimeo6575]

I have an NAD D 3020, V2, which I use in a second system. It is unbeatable for the price ($400 a few years ago). NAD is the king of the budget integrated amp but as you get closer to $1,000, there are better options. My local dealer wanted to sell me a C 399 for my main system. I ended up getting a Rega Elex-R, which for the same money is better in terms of sound and build quality. Since I listen almost exclusively to vinyl and CDs, I do not need the connectivity options of the C 399.

[@maxpower78-15]

The only thing about this hobby that is frustrating to me is the fact that there are so many brands and options, i cant test them all. This channel and others like it are so fun because i can at least get opinions about gear i may not have considered. Thanks again. Another great cup of coffee and another great review

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thanks for tuning in and we hope our videos help narrow down your choices so you're not so overwhelmed.

[@maxpower78-15]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews the internet can be the best and worst thing to happen to human communication. Content like this is what is good about the internet in general. I think this is what its for. True network of like minded people getting to cut out the salesman/middleman for information. Just thanks

[@morganmessina]

I really like the sound of the new Bower 705 and the KEF LS50 Meta, but I'm not sure which NAD to pair with them...there are sooo many options and I heard the power node has trouble driving the KEFs. That leaves me at the M10v2 considering I don't have the physical space for deeper receivers (my cabinet is only 12 inch deep, so I'm limited on the options for my amp). Is this what you'd pair to the aforementioned speakers? I'm so confused on all this stuff