NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier - Classic meets Modern

The new NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier is a stereo integrated amplifier whose design was inspired by vintage hi-fi, but which, from a technical point of view, is a state-of-the-art solution, according to Canadian hi-fi manufacturer NAD Electronics, which also promises to have designed a high-performance audio component.

On a more sober note, however, it can be said that, as expected, NAD Electronics is now presenting the new NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier, the production model of the strictly limited NAD C 3050 LE Stereophonic Amplifier, at the High End 2023 in Munich.

The production model of the limited edition NAD C 3050 LE Stereophonic Amplifier

To celebrate its 50th birthday last autumn, NAD Electronics announced a very unusual amplifier system, the NAD C 3050 LE Stereophonic Amplifier. The amplifier was designed in the style of bygone days, the NAD 3030 Stereophonic Amplifier from 1974 served as a model, but was equipped with the most modern features.

As already mentioned, the amplifier was to be a strictly limited edition, and in view of the company’s founding year, exactly 1972 units were produced.

However, NAD Electronics also made it clear that they were working on a regular model, and this is exactly what they want to present with the new NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier at the High End 2023.

Foto © NAD Electronics | NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier

Retro charm of the 1970s

Of course, the retro charm of the early 1970s, the heyday of hi-fi, is also relied upon here. The NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier presents itself with a dark grey front, which is a charming contrast to the walnut-look cabinet.

The front is not only adorned with numerous 1970s-style controls and VU meters, but also with a logo that corresponds to that of NAD Electronics in the 1970s, as well as the product name in italics.

NAD HybridDigital UcD Amplifier Technology

The NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier is based on the so-called NAD HybridDigital UcD Amplifier Technology, whereby in this case two times 100 watts of power are to be available, namely on speaker systems with 4 as well as 8 ohms impedance.

For this NAD HybdridDigital UcD Amplifier Technology, the manufacturer promises signal processing with a particularly appealing sound, almost with analogue warmth, it is supposed to prove particularly musically accurate.

Foto © NAD Electronics | NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier

Foto © NAD Electronics | NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier

Integrated phono preamplifier, integrated DAC

When it comes to inputs, the range of interfaces is manageable, but probably sufficient for many users, as there is only one analogue input, but an additional phono preamplifier designed for drives with MM cartridge systems. On the digital level, too, there is only one coaxial and one optical S/PDIF interface on the inputs, but also one HDMI port, which has HDMI CEC as well as an eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel).

The signal conversion of digital content is done by Texas Instruments TIPCM5242 Differential DAC.

The new NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier features a pre-out/main-in connection, a separate output for subwoofers and an integrated headphone amplifier. In addition to solid screw terminals for connecting speaker systems – four pairs for A/B configurations – 12 V triggers are also included.

NAD Modular Design Construction – expandability with the NAD MDC2

The rear panel of the NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier features an NAD MDC2 slot, which can be used to add an NAD MDC2 BluOS-D module. This module equips the NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier with extensive streaming functionality based on the BluOS platform.

Foto © NAD Electronics | NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier

Optional NAD MDC2 BluOS-D Module

Integrated into the network via RJ45 Ethernet interface or WiFi, BluOS can be used to access your own content as well as all relevant streaming services. Control is via apps that are available for Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS and allow control of up to 64 BluOS devices in the network.

Audio data is processed up to 24 bit and 192 kHz, DSD is unfortunately not supported, but content is encoded in lossy MQA.

The NAD MDC2 BluOS-D supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect, voice control via Apple Siri, Google Android and Amazon Alexa, integration into all major smart home platforms and Bluetooth is of course also available to use smartphones and tablets directly as a source. Since it is a bi-directional Bluetooth module, a so-called transceiver, you can also integrate Bluetooth headphones with it.

Dirac Live Room Correction

The NAD MDC2 BluOS-D module also provides the NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier with a very versatile, accurate room calibration and correction system, Dirac Live Room Correction. This powerful software from Dirac Research AB uses test tones to analyse the room and uses the results to create correction filters to counteract common acoustic problems such as standing waves and unwanted reflections. It should be mentioned, however, that this is a limited version of the software, but the full version can be purchased as an option.

“The C 3050 may look like a throwback to the 70s, and of course that is intentional. But at the same time, it puts many of today’s amplifiers to shame in terms of upgradeability, performance and forward-looking features.”

Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager at NAD Electronics

Prices and availability

The new NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier will celebrate its premiere at the High End 2023 in Munich, but should also be available in specialist shops fairly quickly, the manufacturer promises. The recommended retail price is € 1.599,-. The NAD MDC2 BluOS-D module should definitely be added to the list, as it costs € 599,-.

Getting to the point

As announced by NAD Electronics, the strictly limited NAD C 3050 LE Stereophonic Amplifier is now followed by the series model, the new NAD C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier. The stereo integrated amplifier also relies on the vintage charm of the early 1970s, but at the same time also on modern equipment. However, only half of the “power” is available ex works, the full range of functions only opens up when you treat yourself to the optional NAD MDC2 BluOS-D module.