NAD C 399 - User Manual

Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH
Hybrid Digital DAC Amplier
© NAD C 399
®
C 399

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Operational Safety

Covers safe operation, handling, cleaning, power sources, and environmental hazards.

Service, Placement, and Electrical Warnings

Details service, component replacement, mounting, placement, and electrical safety warnings.

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Protection

FCC Statement and RF Exposure Guidelines

Addresses FCC compliance, modifications, and RF exposure limits.

Environmental Protection and Battery Disposal

Covers environmental notes and proper disposal of waste batteries.

Introduction and Getting Started

Package Contents and Initial Setup

Lists package contents and guides through the initial setup process.

Optimal Location and Factory Reset

Provides advice on choosing a location and performing a factory reset.

Identification of Controls

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Details all buttons, indicators, display, and ports on the front panel.

Rear Panel Connections and Terminals

Explains the purpose and connection of all rear panel terminals and ports.

MDC Upgrade Slots and Module Features

Describes the MDC architecture and the MDC2 BluOS-D module capabilities.

SR 9 Remote Control Operation

Outlines the functions and usage of the SR 9 remote control handset.

SR 9 Remote Control Library Management

Explains how to load and manage library codes for the SR 9 remote.

Operation Guide

Menu Navigation and Tone Control

Guides through menu access, tone settings, bass, treble, and balance adjustments.

Network, CEC, and IR Communication

Covers network standby, CEC power, HDMI control, ARC, and IR channel setup.

Standby Modes and Bluetooth Functionality

Configures auto standby and details Bluetooth sink/source modes.

Display, Source, and Speaker Configuration

Adjusts display brightness, volume display, source setup, and speaker output.

Source Renaming and Volume Control Modes

Explains how to rename input sources and set volume to variable or fixed.

Analog Settings and System Information

Configures analog gain, auto sense, analog bypass, and views system data.

Software and Firmware Upgrades

Provides instructions for managing software and firmware upgrades.

Reference Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

Presents detailed electrical specifications, measurements, and dimensions.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Front Panel Controls
4. Remote Control (SR 9)
5. Menu Options (via Display and Controls)
6. Connectivity
7. Maintenance Features

The NAD C 399 is a Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier designed to provide high-fidelity audio reproduction with versatile connectivity and advanced features. It serves as a central hub for various audio sources, delivering powerful and clean sound to loudspeakers and headphones.

Function Description

The C 399 functions primarily as an integrated amplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC). It accepts both analog and digital audio inputs from a wide range of sources, processes them with high precision, and amplifies the signal to drive loudspeakers. The "Hybrid Digital" aspect refers to its advanced amplification technology, which combines the benefits of traditional analog amplification with modern digital processing for enhanced performance and efficiency.

As a DAC, it converts digital audio signals from sources like CD players, streaming devices, or computers into analog signals that can be amplified. The integrated amplifier section then boosts these analog signals to a level suitable for passive loudspeakers. It also includes a dedicated headphone output for private listening.

The C 399 supports NAD's MDC2 (Modular Design Construction) architecture, allowing for future upgrades and customization. This modularity ensures that the amplifier can evolve with new technologies and user needs, extending its lifespan and relevance. For instance, an optional MDC2 BluOS-D module can be installed to add network streaming capabilities, including support for various streaming services, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. This module also integrates Dirac Live room correction, which measures the room's acoustics and applies correction curves to optimize sound quality, particularly improving bass clarity, imaging, and timbral accuracy across all connected sources.

The amplifier features multiple input options, including HDMI ARC/eARC for TV audio, optical and coaxial digital inputs, line-level analog inputs, and a phono input for turntables with Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges. It also offers pre-out connections for use as a pre-amplifier with external power amplifiers, and subwoofer outputs for integrating powered subwoofers.

Usage Features

The C 399 is designed for user-friendly operation, with controls available on both the front panel and via the supplied SR 9 remote control.

Front Panel Controls:

• Power Indicator: Displays the unit's status (amber for standby, blue for ON).
• Standby Button: Toggles the unit between ON and standby modes.
• Navigation and Enter Buttons: Used to navigate through menu options and selections on the display.
• Headphones Output: A 1/4" stereo jack for headphone listening, with volume, tone, and balance controls active.
• Display: Shows visual and menu information, including Settings, Source Setup, and System Info.
• Remote Sensor: Receives commands from the SR 9 remote control.
• Source Selection: Buttons to cycle through available input sources.
• Volume Control: A rotary knob for adjusting the overall loudness, characterized by precise signal tracking and channel balance. The volume level defaults to -20dB upon waking from standby if it was higher, but preserves lower settings.

Remote Control (SR 9):

The SR 9 remote is a universal NAD type, capable of controlling the C 399 and other NAD components like CD players, tuners, and receivers.

• Power ON/OFF: Separate buttons to switch the unit ON or OFF.
• Device Selector: Allows the remote to command different NAD components (though it doesn't affect the C 399's function directly).
• Input Selectors: Dedicated buttons for various inputs (e.g., OPT 1, COAX 1, PHONO, LINE 1, USB, BT).
• Numeric Keys: For direct input of tracks (for CD players) or channel/preset access (for tuners).
• MUTE: Temporarily silences the audio output.
• SOURCE ◄►: Toggles through source input selections.
• DIM: Adjusts the brightness of the front panel display.
• VOL ▲/▼: Increases or decreases the volume level.

Menu Options (via Display and Controls):

• Tone Control: Enables or disables Bass, Treble, and Balance adjustments. When active, Bass and Treble levels can be boosted or cut within a ±7 dB range. Balance adjusts the relative levels of the left and right channels.
• Auto Standby: Configures whether the unit maintains network connection in standby mode.
• Bluetooth Mode: Sets the C 399 to either "Source" (to receive audio from a Bluetooth device) or "Sink" (to stream audio to a Bluetooth device).
• Network Standby: Controls network connection in standby mode.
• CEC Power: Activates or deactivates HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) features, allowing for integrated control with CEC-enabled TVs and devices.
• IR Channel: Allows assignment of an alternate IR channel to prevent conflicts when using multiple NAD products with similar remote commands in the same zone.
• Auto Standby: Sets the C 399 to automatically enter standby mode after a period of inactivity.
• Bluetooth Mode: Configures the C 399's Bluetooth functionality, allowing it to act as a source (receiving audio from a Bluetooth device) or a sink (streaming audio to a Bluetooth device).
• Dimmer: Adjusts the brightness of the front panel display (Normal, Bright, Dim).
• Temporary Display: Configures the display to turn off temporarily after 30 seconds of non-user interface activity.
• Speaker: Enables or disables speaker outputs.
• Volume Display Mode: Allows selection between "Decibel" and "Percent" for volume level display.
• Source Setup: Configures individual input sources, including enabling/disabling them, renaming them, setting volume control behavior (Variable or Fixed), Auto Sense, Analog Bypass, and Analog Gain.
  • Variable Volume: Volume is adjusted via the knob or remote.
  • Fixed Volume: Output level is fixed, bypassing the C 399's volume control, useful for integration into a surround sound system (Cinema Bypass).
  • Auto Sense: Enables the C 399 to wake from standby when an active source is detected on a designated input (not applicable for Phono or BluOS).
  • Analog Bypass: Bypasses DSP circuitry for analog signals, maintaining full tone control functions (applicable for Phono, Line 1, and Line 2 sources).
  • Analog Gain: Adjusts the gain level for analog inputs.
• System Info: Displays information about current firmware versions (MCU, LCD, FPGA) and, if the MDC2 BluOS D module is installed, BluOS firmware version, IP address, and MAC addresses. It also indicates if an "Upgrade Available" for software is present.

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth Antenna Terminal: For installing the supplied Bluetooth antenna.
• RS 232: For connecting to a Windows-compatible PC or external controllers (AMX, Crestron) for remote control.
• IR In/Out: Mini-jacks for integrating with IR repeater systems or multi-room setups.
• +12V Trigger In/Out: For controlling or being controlled by external equipment with +12V trigger inputs/outputs.
• HDMI ARC/eARC: For connecting to a TV supporting HDMI Control (CEC) and Audio Return Channel (ARC) or Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for TV audio output.
• Optical 1-2/Coaxial 1-2: Digital audio inputs for CD/BD/DVD players, digital cable boxes, etc.
• Phono In: Input for Moving Magnet (MM) phono cartridges, with a ground terminal.
• Line 1-2 In: Line-level analog inputs for CD players, tuners, and other compatible devices.
• Pre Out: Analog audio output for connecting to external amplifiers or receivers.
• Sub Out 1, 2: Low-level outputs for powered subwoofers, with crossover settings configurable via the BluOS Controller App (if MDC2 BluOS D is installed).
• Speakers A, B: Two sets of speaker connections for driving loudspeakers (parallel connection).
• Power: AC mains input for the supplied power cord, with a main power switch.
• Fuse Holder: Accessible only by qualified service technicians.
• Ground Terminal: For connecting to a grounded AC wall outlet or external ground for phono/turntable sources.

Maintenance Features

• Cleaning: Unplug the product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth; avoid liquid or aerosol cleaners.
• Packaging Retention: Users are advised to save the original packaging for safe transport of the unit if needed.
• Firmware Updates: The SERVICE USB port can be used for USB firmware updates. With the optional MDC2 BluOS D module and internet connection, software upgrades can be initiated automatically via the System Info menu.
• Factory Reset: The C 399 can be restored to factory default settings (either MCU settings only or BluOS settings only) by pressing and holding the front panel < SOURCE > buttons. This deletes all configured or saved settings. A chassis factory reset can also be initiated via the rear panel RESET button.
• Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance on various issues, such as remote control range, speaker connections, and proper grounding. For complex issues, users are advised to consult a competent electrician or NAD service center.
• Environmental Protection: The product is designed for recycling at the end of its useful life, and users are encouraged to dispose of it at designated collection points for electrical and electronic equipment. Battery disposal should comply with governmental regulations.

NAD C 399 Specifications