NAD Electronics C 368 DAC Integrated Amplifier with MDC Bluos-2i Card Installed

NAD Electronics C 368 BLUOS Overview

Enjoy high-quality and upgradeable sound with the C 368 BluOS DAC Integrated Amplifier from NAD Electronics. Featuring NAD s Hybrid Digital amplifier, the C 368 delivers 80 watts of power continuously for efficient stereo performance. Connect a wide variety of components via optical, digital coax, stereo RCA, and stereo MM phono stage input. Additionally, the C368 has two MDC slots for upgrades and future proofing. Thanks to NAD s forward thinking and dedication to making products that last, the MDC slot allows you to easily add newer technology to already existing amplifiers.

The C 368 BluOS comes with the BluOS-2i module preinstalled. The BluOS 2i module offers built-in access to Bluetooth with aptX wireless, two USB-A inputs for music playback from USB storage devices, and an RJ45 Ethernet connection to connect your network router. Once connected to the network, you have the ability to control it from the user friendly BluOS app and access hi-res streaming. Wi-Fi streaming is available by connecting the supplied USB dongle to one of the available USB-A ports and a USB extension is provided to reposition the dongle in case of a weak signal.

Built for Sound First

NAD Electronics never overlook the most crucial of requirements. From low noise circuits to precise volume control action, to accurate channel balance, and proper input and output impedance characteristics, NAD does everything they can to get these things exactly right. They also include an MM Phono stage with precisely accurate RIAA equalization, high overload margins, extremely low noise, and an innovative circuit to suppress infrasonic noise that is present on all LPs all without affecting bass response. The line inputs can accommodate all kinds of analog source components by offering ideal input impedance characteristics with linear ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers to prevent any sonic degradation. Also included is a separate headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage capability, enough to drive even high impedance studio monitor headphones. Low impedance line outputs that can connect to subwoofers extend the versatility of this well thought out amplifier.

Sophisticated Power

In the last few years, NAD has moved away from the old-fashioned linear power supplies and Class AB output stages that waste energy, and have instead developed even better performing circuits based on switch mode power supplies and Class D output stages. Once thought to be inferior to traditional topologies, NAD s advanced work in this area has created some of the best performing amplifiers regardless of basic design principle. These designs are very linear over a wide bandwidth and provide consistent performance into all speaker loads, providing a dramatic advance over previous models.

Furthermore, the power supply is capable of 80 watts continuously and over 120 watts instantaneously to allow for short-term musical transients. 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 368. This highly efficient supply also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions and provides a solid noise-free foundation for the amplifying stages.

The C 368 uses a customized version of the proven Hypex UcD output stage. This allows for massive power with nearly unmeasurable distortion and noise in the audible range. Every detail of this design has been carefully planned and perfectly executed to produce every last drop of performance.

Built-in Two-Way Bluetooth

You can connect instantly to the C 368 with Bluetooth allowing you to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device. The high performance aptX codec is fully supported for true CD-quality sound. Bluetooth can also be used to listen to other sources connected to theC 368 via wireless Bluetooth headphones. There is also a control app that allows your smartphone or tablet to control all functions of your C 368.

Making Obsolescence Obsolete

Modular Design Construction (MDC), allows you to customise your NAD amplifier with additional capabilities and features, now or in the future. The two available MDC slots can accommodate a variety of upgrade modules including 4K video capable HDMI switching, additional Digital Inputs, additional analog and phono Inputs, and one of the most advanced Hi-Res Audio multi-room wireless systems available, the BluOS music management system developed by Bluesound. BluOS connects to your network and is controlled via smartphone, tablet or desktop to manage your music collection and connect you to a growing list of high-quality streaming music services.

Wireless with MDC BluOS 2i Module Preinstalled

Replacing the previous BluOs MDC module, the BluOS 2i has a new more powerful ARM Processor for a quicker, more responsive user experience. As an internal module there are no external wires or power supplies required and integration with the firmware is hand-in-glove. Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi operate in a synchronous mode for lowest jitter performance and allow connection to music stored anywhere on the local network or streamed directly from the Internet using popular music services like Spotify Connect, Tidal, and TuneIn. You can also play music from a USB drive or hard drive via the USB-A port. Bluetooth with aptX is also natively integrated so you can wirelessly connect to any smartphone, tablet, or Bluetooth-enabled device within range and stream your favourite music apps or libraries in high-fidelity.

Voice Control with Alexa

While the C 368 BluOS does not include a microphone, you can add the BluOS Voice Skill inside the Amazon Alexa app and enjoy hands-free voice control of personal music collections, streaming services, and more using a list of simple streamlined commands. Using an Echo device you can ask Alexa to play popular songs from Tidal, queue up saved playlists, adjust the volume in different rooms, or ask what s playing in the Kitchen. No Echo device and want to try it out? No problem. Download the Amazon Alexa app, activate the skill, tap the speech bubble in the bottom drawer of the Amazon Alexa app and say anything from the list of commands.

Stream Your Music Directly

While the expected functions of Play/Pause/Skip are present, BluOS also brings all of your music together integrating locally stored music (like iTunes) and music streaming services. BluOS does not rely on middleware like UPnP/DLNA/AirPlay with their inherent limitations, but instead creates direct shares with music in all formats including FLAC, ALAC, and WAV with data rates up to 24-bit/192kHz. Playlists can be created and managed right inside the BluOS App. Gapless playback is supported and the BluOS-2i module is fully compatible with Bluesound High-Res Wireless Multi-room Players to form integrated whole-house systems.