NAD C 390DD operation manual

®

C 390DD

Direct Digital Integrated Amplier

ENGLISHFRANÇAISESPAÑOLITALIANODEUTSCHNEDERLANDSSVENSKAРУССКИЙ

Owner’s Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL ITALIANO DEUTSCH NEDERLANDS SVENSKA РУССКИЙ

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LATER USE.
FOLLOW ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS MARKED ON THE AUDIO
EQUIPMENT.

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. Clean only with a dry cloth.

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 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 and

to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and
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. If you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. The
primary method of isolating the amplier from the mains supply is to disconnect
the mains plug. Ensure that the mains plug remains accessible at all times. Unplug
the AC power cord from the AC outlet if the unit will not be used for several
months or more.

12 Grounding or Polarization - This product may be equipped with a polarized

alternating current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This
plug will t into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
should still fail to t, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do
not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

13 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.

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, species 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 re or electric shock.

18 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 re or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the
product.

WARNING: THE APPARATUS SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING
OR SPLASHING, AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES,
SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS. AS WITH ANY ELECTRONIC
PRODUCTS, USE CARE NOT TO SPILL LIQUIDS INTO ANY PART OF THE
SYSTEM. LIQUIDS CAN CAUSE A FAILURE AND/OR A FIRE HAZARD.

19 Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer

servicing to qualied service personnel under the following conditions:

a) When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d) 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 qualied technician to
restore the product to its normal operation.

e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
f) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance-this indicates a

need for service.

20 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.

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

21 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.

22 Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling

only as recommended by the manufacturer.

23 Heat - The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators,

heat registers, stoves or other products (including ampliers) that produce heat.

24 Headphones - Excessive sound pressure form earphones and headphones can

cause hearing loss.

25 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. Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) must not be
exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, re or the like.

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

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 MAYBE
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.

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 oce can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.

INFORMATION ABOUT COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE BATTERIES
DIRECTIVE 2006/66/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL
OF EUROPEAN UNION FOR EUROPEAN CUSTOMERS ONLY

Batteries bearing any of these symbols indicate that they
should be treated as “separate collection” and not as
municipal waste. It is encouraged that necessary measures
are implemented to maximize the separate collection of
waste batteries and to minimize the disposal of batteries as
mixed municipal waste.

End-users are exhorted not to dispose waste batteries as
unsorted municipal waste. In order to achieve a high level of
recycling waste batteries, discard waste batteries separately
and properly through an accessible collection point in your

vicinity. For more information about collection and recycling
of waste batteries, please contact your local municipality, your waste disposal service or the
point of sale where you purchased the items.

By ensuring compliance and conformance to proper disposal of waste batteries, potential
hazardous eects on human health is prevented and the negative impact of batteries and
waste batteries on the environment is minimized, thus contributing to the protection,
preservation and quality improvement of the environment.

ENGLISHFRANÇAISESPAÑOLITALIANODEUTSCHNEDERLANDSSVENSKAРУССКИЙ

CAUTION

Changes or modications to this equipment not expressly approved by NAD Electronics
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

CAUTION REGARDING PLACEMENT

To maintain proper ventilation, be sure to leave a space around the unit (from the largest
outer dimensions including projections) that is equal to or greater than shown below.

Left and Right Panels: 10 cm
Rear Panel: 10 cm
Top Panel: 10 cm

RECORD YOUR MODEL NUMBER NOW, WHILE YOU CAN SEE IT

The model and serial number of your new C 390DD are located on the back of the cabinet.
For your future convenience, we suggest that you record these numbers here:

Model no: ...........................................

Serial no.: ..........................................

NAD is a trademark of NAD Electronics International, a division of Lenbrook Industries Limited

Copyright 2012, NAD Electronics International, a division of Lenbrook Industries Limited

3

INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL ITALIANO DEUTSCH NEDERLANDS SVENSKA РУССКИЙ

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .........................2

INTRODUCTION

GETTING STARTED ...............................................5

WHAT’S IN THE BOX ..................................................5

CHOOSING A LOCATION .............................................5

IDENTIFICATION OF CONTROLS

FRONT PANEL ....................................................6

REAR PANEL .....................................................7

MDC CLASSIC UPGRADE SLOT .......................................9

DD HDM1 DIRECT DIGITAL HDMI ..................................9

DD AP1 DIRECT DIGITAL ANALOGPHONO .........................9

DD BluOS .............................................................9

AVR 4 REMOTE CONTROL ........................................11

USING THE AVR 4 REMOTE CONTROL ............................... 11

LIBRARY ............................................................ 14

OPERATION

USING THE C 390DD .............................................15

SELECTING SOURCES ............................................... 15

DISPLAY THE MAIN MENU .......................................... 15

MAIN MENU ........................................................ 15

BASS/TREBLE ....................................................... 15

BALANCE ........................................................... 15

SETUP MENU ....................................................... 16

EQUALIZATION/ROOM EQ .......................................... 16

POLARITY ..........................................................16

LISTENING MODE .................................................. 17

SPEAKER COMPENSATION .......................................... 17

PRE OUT/SUBWOOFER ............................................. 17

DIGITAL SOFT CLIPPING ............................................ 18

USING THE C 390DD .............................................19

IR CHANNEL ........................................................ 19

AUTO STANDBY .................................................... 19

SOURCE SETUP ..................................................... 19

SINGLEENDED/BALANCED ........................................ 20

PHONO ............................................................. 21

SPEAKERS ON/OFF  HEADPHONE ..................................22

USB MODE ......................................................... 22

LISTENING TO USB DEVICE ......................................... 22

LISTENING TO A COMPUTER ........................................ 22

RENAMING A SOURCE INPUT ....................................... 22

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING NAD.

The NAD C 390DD is a new concept in amplication exemplied by
leading edge audio system architecture. The C 390DD has no analog
stages in its signal path, keeping music in the digital domain right up to
the speaker output. All preamplier functions are executed in the digital
domain without the phase shift, noise and distortion that plague all
analog designs. The C 390DD has small footprint, large power, low energy
consumption, future-proof upgradability, software dened operation,
backward compatibility, easy integration and a new high denition system
architecture. The C 390DD’s 35 bit architecture and 108MHz master clock
make it as one of the most accurate DAC technologies available.
As with all our products, NAD’s “Music First” design philosophy guided the
C 390DD design that it can condently promise you both state-of-the-art
technology and audiophile-quality music listening for years to come.

We encourage you to take a few minutes now to read right through this
manual. Investing a little time here at the outset might save you a good
deal of time later, and is by far the best way to ensure that you make the
most of your investment in the C 390DD.

For warranty information contact your local distributor.

NAD SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY TECHNICAL OR USER
INTERFACE DISCREPANCIES IN THIS MANUAL.THE C 390DD
OWNER’S MANUAL MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR
NOTICE. CHECK OUT THE NAD WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST VERSION
OF THE C 390DD OWNER’S MANUAL.

REFERENCE

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................23

RESTORING C 390DD TO ITS FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS ......... 23

SPECIFICATIONS ................................................24

4

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Packed with your C 390DD you will nd

• A detachable mains power cord

• The AVR 4 remote control with 2 AA batteries

• C 390DD Quick Start Guide

SAVE THE PACKAGING

Please save the box and all of the packaging in which your C 390DD arrived.
Should you move or otherwise need to transport your C 390DD, this is by
far 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 390DD’s front panel and your primary
listening/viewing position - this will ensure reliable infrared remote control
communications. The C 390DD generates a modest amount of heat, but
nothing that should trouble adjacent components. It is especially important
that sucient ventilation be provided.

INTRODUCTION

GETTING STARTED

ENGLISHFRANÇAISESPAÑOLITALIANODEUTSCHNEDERLANDSSVENSKAРУССКИЙ

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ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL ITALIANO DEUTSCH NEDERLANDS SVENSKA РУССКИЙ

IDENTIFICATION OF CONTROLS

FRONT PANEL

4 5 6 7 81 2 3

1 STANDBY BUTTON

• Press this button to switch ON the C 390DD from standby mode.
The Standby LED indicator will turn from amber to blue and
illuminate the VFD. Pressing the STANDBY button again turns the
unit back to standby mode.

NOTE

In order to turn ON the C 390DD from standby mode or back to standby

mode, the rear panel POWER switch must be in the ON position.

2 STANDBY LED

• This indicator will light up amber when the C 390DD is at standby
mode.

• When the C 390DD is powered up from standby mode, this
indicator will illuminate blue.

3 NAVIGATION and ENTER BUTTONS

The navigation [d/f/a/s] and [ENTER] buttons have various
applications specic to given modes. The middle round button is
designated as [ENTER] button; this is normally pressed to complete a
selection, procedure, sequence or other applicable functions.

4 DIGITAL USB FRONT

• Connect a USB mass storage device to this input. Typical USB mass
storage devices compatible with C 390DD include portable ash
memory devices and external hard drives (FAT32 formatted).

• Refer also to the item about LISTENING TO USB DEVICE at the OTHER
FEATURES section of the OPERATION page.

6 REMOTE SENSOR

• Point the AVR 4 remote control at the remote sensor and press the
buttons.

• Do not expose the remote sensor of the C 390DD to a strong light
source such as direct sunlight or illumination. If you do so, you may
not be able to operate the C 390DD with the remote control.

Distance: About 23ft (7m) from the front of the remote sensor.
Angle: About 30o in each direction of the front of the remote sensor.

7 a SOURCE s

• Toggle through the input selections - Digital Coaxial 1, Digital
Coaxial 2, Digital Optical 1, Digital Optical 2, Digital AES/EBU,
Computer, Digital USB Back and Digital USB Front.

• If the optional modules like the DD HDM-1 (Direct Digital HDMI) and
the DD AP-1 (Direct Digital Analog/Phono) modules are installed,
the source selections will continue on with the corresponding
sources of said modules.

8 VOLUME

• The VOLUME control adjusts the overall loudness of the signal being
fed to the loudspeakers. Volume control is characterized by perfect
signal tracking and channel balance. It gives a highly linear and low
noise operation.

• Turn clockwise to increase the volume level; counter clockwise to
lower it.

5 VACUUM FLUORESCENT DISPLAY (VFD)

• Display visual information about the current Source. Information
supplied is generated by the Source.

• Show menu options and other related functions.

6

IDENTIFICATION OF CONTROLS

REAR PANEL

87 9 10

4 6

ATTENTION!

Please make sure that the C 390DD is powered o or unplugged from the mains 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 COMPUTER

• Using Type A to Type B cable connector (not supplied), interface
computer audio to this asynchronous Type B USB input to directly
stream 24/96 PCM content from your PC or MAC.

• Refer also to the item about LISTENING TO COMPUTER at the OTHER
FEATURES section of the OPERATION page.

2 DIGITAL USB BACK

• Connect a USB mass storage device to this input. Typical USB mass
storage devices compatible with C 390DD include portable ash
memory devices and external hard drives (FAT32 formatted).

3 DIGITAL AES/EBU

• Digital audio stream from professional audio sources like SACD/CD
Players or processors can be connected to this XLR connector.

• For high-end sources with higher sampling rates like 176kHz and
192kHz, it is highly recommended that such sources be interfaced
with the AES/EBU IN connector. The AES/EBU IN is well suited to
handle such sources with high sampling rate.

4 COAXIAL IN 1-2, OPTICAL IN 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.

COAXIAL OUT, OPTICAL OUT

• Connect the optical or coaxial DIGITAL OUT to the corresponding
digital audio input of compatible devices such as receivers,
computer soundcard or other digital processors.

NOTE

Only digital sources are available at COAXIAL OUT/OPTICAL OUT.

All other sources including the digital sources can be heard through
SPEAKERS terminal and also streamed via PRE-OUT/SUBW terminals.

5 SPEAKERS

NOTE

Use stranded wire of at least 16 gauge (AWG). Connections to the

51 2 3

Connect the right speaker to the terminals marked “R +” and “R-”
ensuring that the “R+” is connected to the “+” terminal on your
loudspeaker and the “R-” is connected to the loudspeaker’s “-” terminal.
Connect the left speaker to the terminals marked “L +” and “L-” ensuring
that the “L+” is connected to the “+” terminal on your loudspeaker and
the “L-” is connected to the loudspeaker’s “-” terminal.

There are two sets of SPEAKER output and these are identical in
function (parallel connection) and are provided for ease of Bi-wiring
with heavy audiophile cables. Double check your speaker connections
before powering up the C 390DD.

BI-WIRING

Most modern high quality loudspeakers oer the option of Bi­wiring. This separates the HF crossover from the LF crossover and
oers enhanced performance by preventing LF returned currents
from aecting the HF performance. If you decide to bi-wire, be sure
to remove the “links” at the loudspeaker that connect the LF and
HF sections (these are provided for convenience when single wire
connection is used). Your loudspeaker instruction manual should cover
this subject as well.

C 390DD 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 carefully. To minimize the danger
of short circuit, ensure that only 1/2-inch of exposed wire or pin is
employed when connecting.

11 12

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ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL ITALIANO DEUTSCH NEDERLANDS SVENSKA РУССКИЙ

IDENTIFICATION OF CONTROLS

REAR PANEL

6 GROUND TERMINAL

The C 390DD requires a grounded AC receptacle or a separate earth
ground. Use this terminal to properly ground your C 390DD. The
C 390DD can be connected to ground by connecting a ground lead
wire or similar to this ground terminal. After insertion, tighten the
terminal to secure the lead.

EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATION OF GROUNDING THE C 390DD VIA THE
REAR PANEL GROUND TERMINAL

NOTES

• The above illustration shows the C 390DD being connected to ground
via a metal water pipe. There maybe other grounding conductor points
in your home. Consult with a licensed electrician to properly locate
or correctly install a grounding conductor in your home. NAD is not
responsible for any malfunction, damage or costs associated with the
installation, connection or grounding of your C 390DD.

• The grounding wire is not supplied with your C 390DD.

7 +12V TRIGGER OUT

The +12V TRIGGER OUT is used for controlling external equipment that
is equipped with a +12V trigger input.

• Connect this +12V TRIGGER OUT to the other equipment’s

corresponding +12V DC input jack using a mono cable with 3.5mm
male plug.

• This output will be 12V when the C 390DD is ON and 0V when the

unit is either OFF or in standby mode.

9 RS 232

NAD is a certied 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 390DD via compatible external controllers.

• Refer to the NAD website for information about RS232 Protocol
documents and PC interface program.

10 PRE OUT/SUBW (1,2)

• These output terminals have dual function. They are used either as
PRE OUT or SUBWOOFER terminals.

• These terminals are enabled or disabled via the Pre Out/Subwoofer
sub-menu of the SETUP menu.

• Refer also to the item about PRE OUT/SUBWOOFER at the USING
THE C 390DD section of the OPERATION page.

11 AC MAINS INPUT

The C 390DD comes supplied with a separate detachable mains power
cord. Before connecting the plug to the mains power source, ensure
that it is rmly connected to the C 390DD’s AC Mains input socket rst.

• Always disconnect the mains power plug from the mains power
source rst, before disconnecting the cable from the C 390DD’s AC
Mains input socket.

12 POWER

• Supply the AC mains power to the C 390DD.

• When the POWER switch is set to ON position, the C 390DD goes

to standby mode as shown by the amber status condition of the
Standby LED. Press the front panel Standby button or AVR 4 remote
control’s [ON] button to switch ON the C 390DD from standby
mode.

• If you intend not to use the C 390DD for long periods of time (such
as when on vacation), switch o the POWER switch.

• With POWER switched o, neither the front panel Standby button
nor AVR 4 remote control’s [ON] button can activate the C 390DD.

+12V TRIGGER IN

With this input triggered by a 12V DC supply, the C 390DD can be
switched ON remotely from standby mode by compatible devices such
as ampliers, preampliers, receivers, etc. If the 12V DC supply is cut o,
the C 390DD will return to standby mode.

• Connect this +12V Trigger input to the remote device’s
corresponding +12V DC output jack using a mono cable with

3.5mm male plug. The controlling device must be equipped with a
+12V trigger output to use this feature.

8 IR IN

This input is connected to the output of an IR (infrared) repeater
(Xantech or similar) or the IR output of another component to allow
control of the C 390DD from a remote location.

8