About the NAD C 3050
Retro style meets modern amplification and streaming features
Retro style meets modern amplification and streaming features
To pay tribute to their 50th anniversary, NAD created this modern iteration of their classic 1970s 3030 amplifier. The C 3050's vintage-styled exterior features glowing analog VU meters and other classic cosmetic touches. But it's also got advanced amplification, a built-in high-performance DAC, Bluetooth, and a future-ready expansion slot that gives you the option to add BluOS network streaming.
Dynamic power
This amp will render your digital and analog sources in sparkling, authoritative detail. It uses NAD's super-efficient HybridDigital UcD (Universal Class D) technology for effortlessly powerful amplification. It can deliver 100 watts per channel of continuous power, and it has the headroom to handle dynamic peaks, from hard-hitting electronic dance tracks to explosive Marvel movies. This amp will drive even demanding low-impedance speakers with its cool-running high-current power, at vanishingly low noise and distortion levels — even when cranked.
High-end digital decoding
The high-performance built-in Texas Instruments TI PCM5242 DAC delivers smooth, musical detail from digital sources. It's known for its wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero levels of jitter (timing errors that can smear musical detail).
Flexible connections
The C 3050 has optical and coaxial digital inputs for taking advantage of its great internal DAC. You also get an HDMI eARC port for playing TV sound and controlling the amplifier volume with the TV's remote control. Analog connections include two pairs of RCA inputs, including a moving magnet phono stage that gives you precise, natural sound with extremely low noise. The phono preamp's circuit design cuts down on frequencies below the threshold of human hearing — that inherent turntable rumble — without conceding fantastic bass response.
In addition to two sets of speaker outputs, the C 3050 has preamp output jacks and a mono subwoofer output. Bluetooth with aptX® HD gives you another easy way to access high-quality streaming. A front-panel 1/4" jack connects you to a built-in headphone amplifier that can drive even demanding high-impedance cans.
An optional BluOS-D module (sold separately) adds Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming locally stored files or internet music services.
An expansion slot lets you add network streaming
The C 3050 doesn't come with network streaming built in, but you can add it with the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module (sold separately). That lets you play 24-bit high-res music from sources on your local network or from the web.
The selection of supported services — including TIDAL, Spotify®, Qobuz, and Amazon Music, among others — is one of the most impressive we've seen. Apple users can easily stream from their devices using AirPlay® 2.
Two-way communication also lets this module stream music from your connected sources — even a turntable — to BluOS components in other rooms. You can also use the module's two-way Bluetooth to stream to a pair of compatible headphones. And its Dirac Live room correction lets you compensate for your room's acoustics for improved bass clarity, imaging, and timbral accuracy.
Product highlights:
Features:
- 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 or 4 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.03% THD
- 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
- high-performance HybridDigital Universal Class D (UcD) amplifier design
- low-jitter Texas Instruments TI PCM5242 DAC for high-performance playback of digitally connected sources such as a CD player
- MDC2 slot for expanded functionality
- BluOS compatibility with optional NAD MDC2 BluOS-D module (sold separately)
- slot only accepts MDC2 modules; will not work with previous MDC modules
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX® HD
- front-panel illuminated VU meters
- independent built-in high-output headphone amplifier
- bass and treble control knobs
- push-button source selection
- speaker knob lets you select A, B, A+B, or off
- remote control
Connections:
- HDMI eARC port for playing TV sound
- 2 digital audio inputs (1 Toslink optical/1 coaxial)
- 2 stereo RCA audio inputs, including a phono input (for use with a moving magnet cartridge)
- stereo RCA preamp output for connecting a separate amplifier
- stereo RCA "main in" input for connecting a separate preamplifier and using the C 3050's amplifier section only
- mono RCA subwoofer output
- IR input and 12-volt trigger output
- 1/4" front-panel headphone jack
- 2 pairs of binding post speaker connectors for A and B speakers
- detachable power cord
Other specs:
- signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
- 17-11/16"W x 5-1/16""H x 14-5/16"D
- weight: 22 lbs.
- warranty: 2 years
- MFR # C3050
- Item # 745C3050
- California customers: Please click here for your Proposition 65 WARNING.
What's in the box:
- Integrated amplifier
- 6' AC power cord
- Remote control (SR 10)
- 2 "AA" batteries
- Antenna
- Quick Setup Guide
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Card
More details on the NAD C 3050
Features & specs
| Performance Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) | 100 | |
| Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) | Not given | |
| Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) | 100 | |
| Frequency Bandwidth | 20-20k | |
| THD | 0.03% | |
| Minimum Impedance | 4 ohms | |
| Amplifier Class | HD | |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 95 | |
| DAC Bit Depth | 32-bit | |
| DAC Sample Rate | 384 kHz | |
| Features | ||
| Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) | Yes | |
| Wi-Fi | N/A | |
| Built-in Radio Tuner | None | |
| Room Correction | No | |
| High-res Audio Playback | ||
| From Network | No | |
| From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) | No | |
| From Computer (USB-B) | No | |
| Bluetooth | ||
| Version Info | Built-in | |
| Receiver Mode | Yes | |
| Transmitter Mode | Yes | |
| AAC Playback | No | |
| aptX Playback | Yes | |
| aptX-HD Playback | Yes | |
| LDAC Playback | No | |
| Connections | ||
| RCA Line-level Inputs | 2 | |
| XLR Line-level Inputs | No | |
| Phono Input | Yes | |
| Optical Digital Inputs | 1 | |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs | 1 | |
| USB Input | Yes | |
| HDMI Inputs | 1 | |
| Stereo Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
| Subwoofer Outputs | 1 | |
| Recording Output | No | |
| HDMI Output | 0 | |
| Home Theater Bypass | No | |
| Pre-out/Main-in Loop | Yes | |
| Headphone Output | 1/4" | |
| Removable Power Cord | IEC 3-prong | |
| Streaming Compatibility | ||
| Apple AirPlay | No | |
| Apple AirPlay 2 | No | |
| DTS Play-Fi | No | |
| Google Cast | No | |
| Roon | No | |
| HEOS | No | |
| BluOS | No | |
| Dimensions and Warranty | ||
| Width (inches) | 17-11/16 | |
| Height (inches) | 5-1/16 | |
| Depth (inches) | 14-5/16 | |
| Weight (pounds) | 22 | |
| Parts Warranty | 2 Years | |
| Labor Warranty | 2 Years | |
Product Research
Audio & Amplifier Section
Analog, Digital, & Bluetooth Sources
Custom Control Integration
Audio & Amplifier Section
HybridDigital UcD Amplifier Technology: Employing NAD’s acclaimed HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, the C 3050 integrated amplifier can deliver 100 watts x 2 channel of continuous power and 135 watts x 2 channel of instantaneous power (in 8 or 4 ohm), for effortless delivery of musical transients, with virtually unmeasurable noise and distortion. The result is neutral, distortion-free sound, even at high listening levels, with exquisite detail, superb portrayal of space, and thrilling dynamics.
Texas Instruments (TI) PCM5242 DAC: The digital section of the NAD C 3050 is built around Texas Instruments' PCM5242 high-resolution differential DAC (32-bit/384kHz); a design noted for high tolerance to clock jitter and excellent dynamic performance. This high-performance DAC enables the C 3050 to reproduce all your digital sources with amazing musicality, stunning clarity, and pinpoint imaging.
MDC2 Architecture: The C 3050 incorporates the latest generation of NAD's Modular Design Construction future-proofing technology. With MDC2, you can add new features and functions by inserting an MDC2 module (sold separately) into a slot on the back of the integrated amplifier. MDC2 features a all-new architecture that enables two-way communications between the module and host component. There is one empty MDC2 slot for adding NAD's MDC2 BluOS-D Module (sold separately).
Note: You can only use NAD's new MDC2 modules with this unit. Previous MDC modules are not supported.
Tone Controls: The NAD C 3050 integrated amplifier is outfitted with Bass & Treble controls to adjust the tonal balance of your speaker system. There is also a Balance control that adjusts the relative levels of your connected eft and right speakers.
A/B Binding Post Speaker Outputs: The amplifier features A & B speaker terminals to power two pair of loudspeakers. The speaker terminals consist of eight binding posts that will accept banana plugs (single or dual), pin connectors, spade lugs, and bare wire (up to 10AWG). The amplifier supports 4-ohms speakers when only one pair is connected, however, when two pair of speakers are connected a minimum impedance of 8-ohm is recommended.
Stereo RCA Pre-Outs: The stereo RCA pre-outs lets you use the C 3050 as a high-performance preamplifier with a more powerful external amplifier (sold separately). In combination with the C 3050's Main Input, the unit can be used in between an external processor and power amplifier. It also supports connection to the Bose 901 speakers with active equalizer.
Mono-RCA Sub Output: The NAD C 3050 is equipped with a mono-RCA sub output to connect a powered subwoofer. The subwoofer output has a built-in low pass crossover that can be adjusted in the BluOS app from 40-200Hz (80Hz default).
Discrete Headphone Amplifier: The NAD C 3050 incorporates a discrete headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage capability, enough to drive even high impedance studio monitor headphones. Connecting a set of headphone to unit's front-panel 1/4" jack will mute the speaker outputs and preouts. Volume, tone, and balance controls are all operable during headphone listening.
Analog, Digital, & Bluetooth Sources
Analog Line-Level & Phono Inputs: The NAD C 3050 offers an analog Main, Line, and MM Phono input - all consisting of stereo RCA jacks. There is an Analog bypass function for the line-level and phono inputs, allowing the analog signals to remain in the analog domain without analog-to-digital conversion.
- Main Input: The Main stereo RCA input bypasses the NAD C 3050's preamp section and allows you to use the C 3050 as a power amplifier. In combination with the C 3050's Stereo Preout, the unit can be used in between an external processor and power amplifier. It also supports connection of the Bose 901 speakers with active equalizer.
- Line-Level: This analog stereo RCA input can accommodate all kinds of analog line-level source components (CD player, Tuner, etc.) by offering ideal input impedance characteristics with linear ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers to prevent any sonic degradation caused by inappropriate loading of the source device.
- MM Phono: The NAD C 3050 integrated amplifier includes 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.
Optical & Coaxial Digital Inputs: The NAD C Series C 3050 is equipped with one optical (toslink) digital input and one coaxial (RCA) digital input. These digital inputs will support 2ch PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz (not compatible with Dolby Digital or DTS).
HDMI eARC: The NAD C 3050 features an HDMI eARC jack to connect the integrated amplifier to your TV's HDMI eARC or ARC input. The integrated amplifier's eARC jack only supports 2ch PCM (up to 24-bit/192kHz).
- The HDMI eARC jack does not support Dolby Digital, DTS or other multichannel audio formats.
- The HDMI eARC jack only supports audio transmission; video is not supported.
Bluetooth aptX HD: The NAD C 3050 features two-way wireless Bluetooth capability that is powered by aptX HD for the highest possible sound quality available. aptX HD supports 48kHz/24-bit LPCM audio over a Bluetooth wireless connection for a "better-than-CD" listening experience. The C 3050 can act as a Bluetooth Receiver or Bluetooth Transmitter (but not both at the same time). The C 3050 supports SSP (Secure Simple Pairing) for wireless Bluetooth connectivity of compatible devices. You can pair multiple devices with the C 3050, but only one device can be connected and used at a time (the BluOS Controller app must be used for pairing). The NAD C 3050 has a Bluetooth wireless range of approximately 33'.
- Receiver Mode: In Receiver mode, you can wirelessly stream stored music and music apps from your smartphones, tablets and laptops to the NAD C 3050. You can control basic playback functions (Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) from the remote, but your Bluetooth source device will have to be used for more advanced music navigation. The C 3050 does not display song/artist/album information. However, you can view song/artist information and album art from the BluOS app on your Apple iOS or Android device.
- Transmitter Mode: In Transmitter mode, you can wirelessly stream analog & digital inputs of the C 3050 and BluOS network content to a set of Bluetooth enabled headphones (only one set of headphones can be connected at a time). Because the NAD C 3050 does not support Receiver & Transmitter mode simultaneously, you cannot listen to a Bluetooth audio streaming source on a set of Bluetooth headphones through the C 3050. There is no audio output from the C 3050's speaker, preamp, or headphone outputs when the unit is wirelessly streaming to a set of Bluetooth headphones.
Note: To utilize the Receiver mode or Transmitter Mode for Bluetooth, make sure the included Bluetooth antennas are connected and installed on the back of the integrated amplifier.
Custom Control Integration
Front-Panel Controls with VU Meters: The NAD C 3050 features front-panel controls that consist of rotary dials and push-buttons which operate a variety of functions including Power On/Off, Source Selection, Speaker A/B, Volume Up/Down, Bass & Treble, Balance, and more. The C 3050 is also equipped with a pair of analog VU meters on the front-panel that monitor the input signal and speaker output levels.
IR Remote: The included IR remote control handles the key functions of the C 3050 integrated amplifier and playback controls for BluOS. It has additional controls to remotely operate NAD CD players, AM/FM tuners, and dedicated AM/FM/DB Tuners. It will operate up to a distance of 23'. The remote requires two "AA" alkaline batteries (included).
HDMI CEC: The NAD C 3050 also supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronic Control), allowing you to power the integrated amplifier On or Off using your HDMI connected TV's remote control.
Trigger Out: The +12V trigger output (3.5mm) lets you turn on/off another device along with the C 3050.
IR In: The IR input (3.5mm) is used to control this unit using an optional infrared repeater or the IR output of another component.
Auto Sense/Standby: The C 3050 can be setup to automatically go into standby mode if there is no user interface interaction and no active source input for 15 minutes. The Auto Sense feature enables the C 3050 to wake up from standby mode when triggered by an active source input with an audio signal.
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Silky smooth sound with plenty of power to spare. Makes my A./D/S 780/2 sound even better than they already did, if that's possible.
Mark from Toms River, NJ