NAD Electronics, internationally acclaimed for world-class audio/video production, has combined two unique technical innovations: Direct Digital Amplifier and Modular Design Construction (MDC), to introduce one revolutionary product - the C 390DD Direct Digital DAC/Amplifier.

Debuting worldwide the award-winning M2 Direct Digital Amplifier, Direct Digital Amplification boosts musical performance with a pure digital path without damaging noise or distortion, while MDC endows the C 390DD with the same "future ready" flexibility that has recently distinguished NAD's leading audio/video components.

Boasting a healthy rating of 150 watts per channel with nearly immeasurable distortion and noise, the C 390DD can effortlessly power demanding high-end loudspeakers. The C 390DD has no analogue stages in the signal path, keeping the music in the digital domain right up to the speaker outputs. This is a true digital amplifier, or more accurately, a DAC that amplifies. All preamp functions are executed in the digital domain without the phase shift, noise and distortion that plagues all analogue designs regardless of price or pedigree. Additionally, its 35-bit architecture and precision 108MHz master clock makes Direct Digital one of today's most accurate DAC technologies available.

"The NAD C 390DD is not only a new concept in amplification, but also in audio system architecture," commented Greg Stidsen, NAD Director of Technology and Product Planning. "The popularity of music downloads - especially high resolution 24/96 audio files - has many audiophiles rethinking their traditional system architecture with CD players being replaced by computers and network attached storage devices. The C 390DD offers plug-and-play convenience to this new world of computer audio while offering a significant performance advantage due to the short signal path and high speed operation that is unique to this design."

The C 390DD comes standard with 8 inputs, but can be expanded to 14 with optional MDC modules! Included are 5 SPDIF inputs including AES/EBU, and the DD USB-1 MDC Module, which includes a host USB and 24/96 asynchronous USB device for direct connection of a Mac or PC. The optional MDC modules currently available include the DD HDMI-1 with 3 x I2S HDMI inputs (with video pass through), and DD AP-1 offering both balanced and single-ended analogue line inputs along with an MM/MC Phono stage.

Inputs can be activated or hidden, and can also be renamed to reflect the specific source component attached. Listening Mode, Polarity, and SoftClipping™ can also all be easily selected and adjusted. There are also tone controls, a DSP-based crossover for adding a subwoofer or bi-amplification, and a Room EQ function for fine-tuning the bass response of loudspeakers. A RS-232 port, IR inputs/outputs and 12V triggers are included to make integration with home automatio systems simple and effective. The existing features can be upgraded with a simple software update.

Small footprint, large power, low energy consumption, future upgradability, software defined operation, backward compatibility, easy integration and a new high definition system architecture. All of this and more is combined with what is arguably the most accurate DAC/Amplifier ever devised in a radical, yet affordable package.

The C 390DD Direct Digital DAC/Amplifier and optional MDC Modules are now available from authorised NAD dealers at a recommended retail price of $2999.