NAD C328 - Hybrid Digital Integrated Amplifier Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
2. Retain instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
6. Attachments - Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
7. Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water-for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.
8. Accessories - Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Cart - A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.
10. Ventilation - Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.
11. Power Sources - This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label and connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.
12. Power Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
13. Mains Plug - Where the mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
14. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
    NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER
    This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
    
15. Lightning - For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
16. Power Lines - An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
17. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
18. Flame Sources - No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the product.
19. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
20. Headphones - Excessive sound pressure form earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.
21. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
    1. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
    2. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
    3. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
    4. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
    5. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
    6. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance-this indicates a need for service.
22. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
23. Battery Disposal - When disposing of used batteries, please comply with governmental regulations or environmental public instruction's rules that apply in your country or area.
24. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
25. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, D0 NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

THE EQUIPMENT MUST BE CONNECTED TO AN EARTHED MAINS SOCKET-OUTLET.

CAUTION REGARDING PLACEMENT

To maintain proper ventilation, be sure to leave a space around the unit (from the largest outer dimensions including projections) than is equal to, or greater than shown below.
Left and Right Panels: 10 cm
Rear Panel: 10 cm
Top Panel: 10 cm

CAUTION

• Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by NAD Electronics for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
• To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
• Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
• An appliance with a protective earth terminal should be connected to a mains outlet with a protective earth connection.

WARNING

• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
• The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on apparatus.
• Mains plug is used as disconnect device and it should remain readily operable during intended use. In order to disconnect the apparatus from the mains completely, the mains plug should be disconnected from the mains socket outlet completely.
• Battery shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN.

This product is manufactured to comply with the radio interference requirements of EEC DIRECTIVE 2004/108/EC.

INTRODUCTION

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

Packed with your C 328 you will find

• Two detachable mains power cord
• AMP 3 remote control with 3V CR2025 battery
• Bluetooth antenna
• Quick Setup Guide

SAVE THE PACKAGING

Please save the box and all of the packaging in which your C 328 arrived. Should you move or need to transport your C 328, this is the safest container in which to do so. We've seen too many otherwise perfect components damaged in transit for lack of a proper shipping carton so, please: Save that box!

CHOOSING A LOCATION

Choose a location that is well ventilated (with at least several inches to both sides and behind), and that will provide a clear line of sight, within 25 feet / 8 meters, between the C 328's front panel and your primary listening/viewing position—this will ensure reliable infrared remote control communications. The C 328 generates a modest amount of heat, but nothing that should trouble adjacent components.

RESTORING C 328 TO ITS FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS

Press and hold front panel's SOURCE s button until the display shows "C3". Release SOURCE s button to complete the restoration of the C 328 to its factory default settings.

When you restore your C 328 to its factory default settings, all settings or configurations you have setup will also be reset or deleted.

IDENTIFICATION OF CONTROLS

FRONT PANEL

1. STANDBY BUTTON
   • Press Standby button to switch ON the C 328 from standby mode. When the C 328 is powered up from standby mode, this indicator will change in color from amber to red and finally blue to indicate operating mode.
   • Pressing Standby button again switches back C 328 to standby mode. The Power indicator will change to amber color.
   • The Standby button cannot activate the C 328 if the rear panel POWER switch is off.
     
     For the Standby button to activate, the following must occur:
   1. The supplied power cord from the C 328 must be plugged in to a power source.
   2. The rear panel POWER switch must be set to ON.
      
2. POWER INDICATOR
   • This indicator will be amber when the C 328 is in standby mode.
   • When the C 328 is powered up from standby mode, this indicator will change in color from amber to red and finally blue to indicate operating mode.
     
3. HEADPHONE
   • A 1/4" stereo jack socket is supplied for headphone listening and will work with conventional headphones of any impedance.
   • Use a suitable adapter to connect headphones with other types of sockets, such as 3.5mm "personal stereo" jack plugs.
4. < SOURCE >
   • Press < SOURCE > or SOURCE s to select Sources.
     
5. DISPLAY
   • Show visual indicators of the Source names, Bass EQ and volume level.
     
6. REMOTE SENSOR
   • Point the AMP 3 remote control at the remote sensor and press the buttons.
   • Do not expose the remote sensor of the C 328 to a strong light source such as direct sunlight or illumination. If you do so, you may not be able to operate the C 328 with the remote control.
     Distance: About 23ft (7m) from the front of the remote sensor.
     Angle: About 30° in each direction of the front of the remote sensor.
     
7. BASS EQ
   • Bass EQ boosts overall bass response by at least 6 dB. "BASS EQ" is illuminated in the display with BASS EQ enabled.
   • Toggle to enable or disable BASS EQ.
     
8. VOLUME
   • The VOLUME control adjusts the overall loudness of the signal sent to the speakers and headphone. The Volume control is characterized by perfect signal tracking and channel balance. It provides a highly linear and low noise operation.
   • Turn clockwise to increase the volume level and counter clockwise to lower it.
   • The default volume level is -20dB.

REAR PANEL

ATTENTION
Please ensure that the C 328 is powered off or unplugged from the main power source before making any connections. It is also advisable to power down or unplug all associated components while making or breaking any signal or AC power connections.

1. BT ANTENNA
   • Connect supplied Bluetooth antenna to the BT antenna terminal.
     
2. AC MAINS INPUT
   • The C 328 comes supplied with two separate mains power cords. Select the mains power cord appropriate for your region.
   • Before connecting the plug to the mains power source, ensure that it is firmly connected to the C 328's AC Mains input socket.
   • Always disconnect the mains power plug from the mains power source before disconnecting the cable from the C 328's AC Mains input socket.
     
3. FUSE HOLDER
   • Only qualified NAD service technicians can have access to this fuse holder. Opening this fuse holder may cause damage thus voiding the warranty of your C 328.
     
4. POWER
   • The POWER switch supplies the master AC mains power for the C 328.
   • When the POWER switch is set to ON position, the C 328 goes to standby mode as shown by the amber status condition of the front panel Power indicator.
   • If you do not intend to use the C 328 for long periods of time (such as when on vacation), switch off the POWER switch.
   • With POWER switched off, neither the front panel Standby button nor AMP 3 remote control's [ON] button can activate the C 328.
     
5. COAX 1-2, OPT 1-2
   • Connect to the corresponding optical or coaxial digital output of sources such as CD or BD/DVD players, digital cable box, digital tuners and other applicable components.
     
6. STREAMING
   • Input for line level streaming devices. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the source device's left and right "Audio Output" to this input.
     
7. TV
   • Input for analog audio output of a TV. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the source device's left and right "Audio Output" to this input.
     
8. PHONO
   • Input for a Moving Magnet (MM) phono cartridge only. Connect the twin RCA lead from your turntable to this input if you are using a Moving Magnet cartridge.
     
9. SUBW OUT
   • Use RCA cable to connect SUBW OUT to the low level input of a powered subwoofer.
   • Low frequency information up to 100Hz is sent to the connected subwoofer.
     
10. GROUND TERMINAL
    • Ensure that the C 328 is plugged-in to a grounded AC wall outlet.
    • If a separate earth ground is necessary, use this terminal to ground your C 328. The C 328 can be connected to ground by connecting a ground lead wire or similar to this terminal. After insertion, tighten the terminal to secure the lead.
      
11. RS232
    • NAD is a certified partner of AMX and Crestron and fully supports these external devices. Check out the NAD website for information about AMX and Crestron compatibility with NAD. See your NAD audio specialist for more information.
    • Connect this interface using RS-232 serial cable (not supplied) to any Windows compatible PC to allow remote control of the C 328 via compatible external controllers.
    • Refer to the NAD website for information about RS232 Protocol documents and PC interface program.
    • Use this port also for firmware upgrade. Instructions on how to use this port for firmware upgrade is included in the C 328 firmware upgrade (if any) procedure available from the NAD website.
      
12. SPEAKERS
    • Connect C 328's Right speaker terminals marked "R +" and "R-" to the corresponding "+" and "-" terminals of your designated right speaker. Repeat the same for C 328's Left speaker terminals and corresponding left speaker.
    • Double check the speaker connections before powering up the C 328.

• The blue terminals must never be connected to ground (earth).
• Never connect the blue terminals together or to any common ground device.
• Do not connect the output of this amplifier to any headphone adapter, speaker switch or any device that uses common ground for left and right channels.

NOTES

• Use 16 gauge (American Wire Gauge or AWG) or lower stranded wire. Connections to the C 328 can be made with banana-type plugs.
• Bare wire or pins can also be used by loosening the terminal's plastic nut, making a clean, neat connection and re-tightening. To minimize the danger of a short circuit, ensure that only 1/2-inch of exposed wire or pin is used to connect and no loose strands of speaker wire.

AMP 3 REMOTE CONTROL

1. ON: Power up unit from Standby mode to operating mode.
   OFF: Switch unit to Standby mode.
   
2. SOURCE /: Select through source input selections.
   
3. DIM: Reduce, turn off or increase display brightness level.
   
4. MUTE: Temporarily switch off or restore audio. MUTE mode is indicated by "- - - -" as shown in the display window. Rotate VOLUME knob or press VOLUME / to restore audio.
   
5. VOLUME /: Increase or decrease loudness level.
   
6. BASS: Turn ON/OFF BASS EQ function.
   
7. BLUETOOTH PLAYBACK CONTROL (applies to active Bluetooth connection): Any or all of the following functions maybe applicable depending upon the Bluetooth device or source being played back.
   : Start/pause playback.
   : Skip forward to next song.
   : Skip back to previous song.

OPERATION

BLUETOOTH AS A SOURCE

Initiate pairing of your Bluetooth device with C 328 by following below procedure.

1. Ensure that the Bluetooth antenna is connected to the BT antenna terminal at the rear panel. Ensure also that your Bluetooth is active or turned ON.
2. Using your iOS, Android or your Bluetooth device, go to Settings – Bluetooth and then scan for Bluetooth devices.
3. Select the unique device ID of your C 328 among the available devices listed in your Bluetooth settings. Pair or connect together your C 328 and Bluetooth device.
4. Upon successful pairing of your Bluetooth device and C 328, you may start music playback from your Bluetooth device.

The front panel display indicator "BT" will illuminate when music is streamed via Bluetooth connection.

UNPAIR BLUETOOTH CONNECTION

Undertake below procedure to unpair or disconnect Bluetooth connection to C 328.

1. While at operating mode, press and hold "4" button of AMP 3 remote control until "BT" begins to flash in the front panel display.
2. Release "4" button as "BT" flashes for three times. Bluetooth connection is cleared and available again for pairing or connection.

AUTO STANDBY

Auto Standby feature is an integral feature of C 328 that conforms to European ecodesign regulations. The C 328 can be setup to automatically go to standby mode if there is no user interface interaction or no audio at current source within 20 minutes. Follow below procedure to enable or disable auto standby mode.

Enable/Disable Auto Standby mode
At operating mode, press and hold together SOURCE s and BASS EQ buttons until "ON" is shown in the front panel display. "ON" is the default auto standby mode setting.
Repeat the same to disable Auto Standby mode but this time the display should show "OFF".

AUTO STANDBY MODES
There are two types of auto standby mode with auto standby set to ON.

ECO Mode
Activate ECO mode: Press and hold front panel Standby button until the display shows flashing "OFF". C 328 will then go to ECO auto standby mode.

• ECO standby mode switches the C 328 to standby mode at lowest power consumption (less than 0.5W).
• At ECO standby mode, the C 328 can only be switched to operating mode by the following method.
  • Press the front panel Standby button or AMP 3 remote control's [ON] button.
  • Resume playback of analog or digital sources.

Control Mode

• If there is no user interface interaction and no active source input within 20 minutes, the unit switches to standby mode at reduced system performance level (less than 2W).
• Bluetooth connection is maintained at Control Mode.
• At Control Mode, the C 328 can be switched back to operating mode using any of the following methods:
  • Resume playback of analog or digital sources.
  • Play paired Bluetooth source.
  • Rotate VOLUME knob.
  • Press any of the a SOURCE s or BASS EQ buttons.
  • Press front panel Standby button or AMP 3 remote control's [ON] button.

AUTO SENSE

Auto sense feature enables the C 328 to wake up from standby mode when triggered by an active (digital/analog) audio source input.

Enable/Disable Auto Sense mode
While in operating mode, press and hold BASS EQ button until "A" (On) is shown in the front panel display.

Repeat the same to disable Auto Sense mode but this time the display should show "-" (Off).

A (On): Unit wakes up from standby mode when triggered by active audio source input.
- (Off): Unit remains at standby mode even if it is triggered by active audio source input.

With Auto Sense mode set to "On", the unit cannot go to standby mode as long as there is an active audio source input. Undertake the following to enable the unit to go to standby mode with Auto Sense set to "A" (On).

• Shut down or pause your audio source input(s)
• Set Auto Sense setting to "-" (Off)

INFRARED LEARNING

Infrared (IR) Learning enables any non-NAD remote control learn IR remote control codes. With the learned codes, the configured non-NAD remote control can be used to command or operate the C 328. The IR remote control codes are based from the supplied AMP 3 remote control.

HOW TO LEARN IR REMOTE CONTROL CODES

1. Press and hold at the same time front panel BASS EQ and a SOURCE buttons until "F1" appears on the front panel display. The display of "F1" indicates that the unit is at IR learning mode.
2. A total of twelve IR remote control codes can be learned. These codes are defined as "F1, F2....F12" and are identified by their allocation in the AMP3 remote control layout below.
   
3. Use front panel a SOURCE or SOURCE s to toggle through F1, F2...F12.
4. For example, to learn "F5" (Volume Up), toggle a SOURCE or SOURCE s until "F5" is shown in the front panel display.
5. Press BASS EQ and "F5" will begin to flash.
6. While pointing the non-NAD remote control to the front panel display, press the corresponding button on the non-NAD remote control where "F5" will be learned. "F5" will stop flashing, briefly stay solid and then the next command (F6) is displayed. The solid "F5" indicates that "F5" code is already learned by the non-NAD remote control.
7. Repeat the same process above to learn other IR remote control codes.
8. To save the learned IR remote control codes and at the same time exit IR learning mode, press and hold the front panel BASS EQ and a SOURCE buttons until the front panel display reverts to volume level display.

SPECIFICATIONS

All specs are measured according to IHF 202 CEA 490-AR-2008 standard. THD is measured using AP AUX 0025 passive filter and AES 17 active filter.

AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS

ANALOG IN/HEADPHONE OUT

ANALOG IN/SUBWOOFER OUT

ANALOG IN/SPEAKER OUT

PHONO IN/SPEAKER OUT

THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz)	<0.03% (200 mW to 40 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>75 dB with IHF MM cartridge (A-weighted, ref. 5mV input, 1 kHz and 1W output in 8 ohms)
Frequency response (RIAA deviation)	±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz) Note: The RIAA response is consistent with a pre-emphasis that is rolled off at 50kHz by a second order filter, such as used in Neumann cutting lathes.
Channel separation	>80 dB (1 kHz, 8 ohms, 50 mV input, 13W out) >60 dB (10 kHz, 8 ohms, 50 mV input, 13W out)
Input sensitivity (for 40 W in 8 ohms)	3.6 mV

DIGITAL IN/SPEAKER OUT

DIMENSION AND WEIGHT

* - Gross dimension includes feet, volume knob and extended rear panel terminals.
Specifications are subject to change without notice. For updated documentation and features, please check out www.NADelectronics.com for the latest information about C 328.

FCC STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help.

NOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

At the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household waste but must be returned to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The symbol on the product, user's manual and packaging point this out.

The materials can be reused in accordance with their markings. Through re-use, recycling of raw materials, or other forms of recycling of old products, you are making an important contribution to the protection of our environment.

Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.

Documents / Resources

References

• NAD Electronics | High Performance Hi-Fi and Home Theatre

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