User Review: C 390DD Direct Digital Powered DAC Amplifier - Fine, precise, gentle, but.

January 21, 2012

Products: C 390DD Direct Digital Powered DAC Amplifier

Today I had a listen to it. I was quite convinced to go for it, when I plugged in my USB key, both front and rear side. It couldn't read my Apple lossless files! Not even see them. None. Maybe somewhere there's written something reguardin such aspect, but that was really deceiving. I hope there's a way to make it work.. Otherwise that's just disappointing. Apart from this, which imho is a huge down side for a supposed all digital machine, it's a very well playing machine. Very. Very high detail, clean and Never rough, good with all kind of voices, an impressive soundstage. It's fair to music. I couldn't test any other than 16/44. Pity. If it had alac support and airplay support (the second being a plus) I'd go for it. Definitely.

NAD Response

We appreciate your feedback about one of our latest digital components. After reviewing your feedback, I'm under the impression you are recording music using your Apple device, therefore you have agreed to abide by the restrictive rules that Apple imposes. With such a large influx of Apple users in the market today, we understand the plea for NAD Apple-supported products; however, if we were to manufacture an Apple-supported MDC Module for the C 390DD with Apple authentication, this product would most likely cost more than an Airport Express because of Apple licensing fees.

This successful product strategy has been applauded by several reviewers and audiophiles all throughout the market, and allows us to keep costs low in a large price tag market.

In saying that, there are several ways to play ALAC files on the C 390DD
1. Connect an Apple PC to stream files
2. Connect an Airport Express or Apple TV via Optical connection
3. Covert your ALAC files to FLAC on your MAC and transfer those to the USB stick.

Kind Regards,
NAD Electronics

Mister - Italy