NAD Electronics has announced the new C 338 HybridDigital™ Integrated Amplifier (£599.00 SRP) is now shipping. The first hifi amplifier to feature Chromecast built-in for music streaming, the C 338 is a Class D amplifier designed in NAD’s Classic Series tradition.

With Chromecast built-in the C 338 allows users to stream and listen to music, podcasts, and playlists from many popular apps. Working with hundreds of Chromecast-enabled music & audio apps, users can simply tap the cast button on an iPhone®, iPad®, Android phone or tablet, Mac® or Windows® laptop, or Chromebook, to stream music directly to the C 338. The C 338 can also be voice-activated, powered by the Google Assistant, to play music via Chromecast with a Google Home speaker or the Google Pixel phone.

With Bluetooth® also natively integrated, the C 338 can wirelessly connect to any smartphone, tablet, or Bluetooth-enabled device within range. It also serves as an UPnP Client for network streaming from a local NAS library. The C 338 works with the NAD Remote App, transforming a smartphone or tablet into a powerful control interface that allows users to easily control power, volume, and select sources. The free app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

“Using music streaming apps has become the primary way for so many of us to listen to music,” said Greg Stidsen, NAD’s Director of Technology and Product Development. “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.”

The C 338 uses a Class D amplifier. Using HybridDigital™ technology, the C 338 amplifier delivers 50 Watts of Continuous Power per channel (into 8 and 4 Ohms) and a remarkable 150 Watts of Dynamic Power at 4 Ohms, all with virtually no noise or distortion. The C 338’s active power supply, controlled by NAD’s latest Asymmetrical PowerDrive, is capable of 160 Watts continuously and over 300 Watts instantaneously. Yet the C 338 consumes less than half the power of other amplifiers in its class. It can operate with any AC mains voltage from 100 to 240 volts and provides pure DC power to all the various stages of the C 338. This supply also provides regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions.  The preamp stage features a solid-state volume control, with a hi-res dynamic range of 120dB in 0.5dB steps. The C 338’s onboard DAC uses eight high-end DAC channels configured in a dual-differential array to also boast 120dB dynamic range. “The C 338 dramatically improves every aspect of the music experience, reaching a new level of innovation and precision to make this one of the most versatile amplifiers we have ever made,” said Greg Stiden, NAD’s Director of Technology and Product Planning. “Its carefully engineered Class D amplifier uses HybridDigital technology and the most efficient power supply to deliver incredible performance, while allowing users to easily connect and listen to all their music sources—from turntables to streaming apps.” With the resurgence of vinyl, the NAD MM Phono stage returns. Add a turntable to the C 338 using the phono input. The C 338 is equipped with a wide array of connections including MM Phono, Stereo Line, Optical Digital and Coax Digital.

C 338 Key Features and 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 C 338 HybridDigital Integrated Amplifier joins NAD’s newest line of Classic Series amplifiers, including the C 368 and C 388 HybridDigital DAC Amplifiers, which are all shipping and available where NAD products are sold.