The NAD C338 is made to be a versatile integrated amplifier for modern-day music listeners, thanks to its plethora of features. The rated power output of 50 Watts per channel at 8/4 Ohms is decent for a modestly priced digital DAC amplifier and is enough to drive most bookshelf speakers. But if you want prominent low-end reproduction and very deep bass delivery, bookshelf speakers usually won’t cut it and the NAD C338 is not powerful enough to drive larger loudspeakers. Fortunately, this amplifier has a dedicated subwoofer output and we can connect an active sub to improve the overall bass performance of your stereo sound system.
It is wise to partner with a subwoofer that is right for the job and is the one you really need. To find such a matching subwoofer, we will first need to learn more about the sonic characteristics of the NAD C338 integrated amplifier. Once we have a better understanding of its sonic prowess and performance, we will then need to find out more about your subwoofer requirements. By getting to know more about what you need from a sub, we will be able to pinpoint at least the type of subwoofer which will be suitable for you. We are also planning to share with you the list of the best subwoofers that you can get and pair with your NAD C338 later on.
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Sound Characteristics of NAD C338
As mentioned earlier, the NAD C338 is packed with features such as IHF Dynamic Power which will drive more power into the speakers for just a short period of time so as to handle the sudden music peaks. There is also a built-in Chromecast, Bluetooth connectivity, Phono preamp, and even a dedicated headphone amplifier where you can connect a headphone and enjoy a private music listening experience without disturbing others. The NAD C338 has a sleek and stylish look where it will fit nicely into most listening rooms. It is not compact enough to be used as a desktop amplifier though. There is also a remote control provided which is neat as you can control the C338 without the need to be right beside the amplifier.
More Details at Amazon – NAD C338
The NAD C338 has a polite way of delivering the music which makes you think it is playing safe. The music delivery is smooth and no matter how you push it, the C338 won’t sound harsh or cringe. It also doesn’t sound engaging enough for listeners to feel like tapping their toes or standing up to dance. The lack of emotional energy and dynamics does give you a laid-back music presentation where you can easily ease into the music and just have a relaxing listening experience. The level of clarity and warmness does depend on your source. Integrating a subwoofer into the mix might add in more punch and impact, giving you a more energetic music performance. The overall sound reproduction is neutral and a bit dark sounding too. It seems that the NAD C338 will benefit more from a ported subwoofer than a sealed cabinet type.
NAD C338 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 50 Watts per channel into 8/4 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
- Wireless: Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotfiy Connect
- Inputs: 1 Line input, 1 MM Phono input, 2 Coaxial inputs, 2 Optical inputs
- Outputs: Subwoofer output, Headphone output
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 435mm x 70mm x 285mm | 17.1″ x 2.8″ x 11.2″
- Weight: 4.9kg (10.7lbs)
Your Subwoofer Requirements
Do you mainly watch movies and play video games at home using your NAD C338? If yes, then you should absolutely go for the ported subwoofer as it has a higher bass output and will provide a more exhilarating listening experience. If listening to music is your main entertainment we will still recommend going for the ported sub unless you are critical about the bass quality then a sealed sub will be more suitable. The type of music you are listening to will also affect the type of subwoofer you should go for. For bass-heavy soundtracks, ported subwoofers will be a better option. Are you a bass fanatic? If yes, then a ported subwoofer is the one for you.
The size and power of a subwoofer will depend on how loud you play and how big is your listening room. The louder you play and the bigger your listening room is, the larger and more powerful subwoofer you should get for your sound system. Available space will also determine the size and power of a sub. If space is very limited, you can go for a compact size subwoofer with very high amplifier power to accommodate the limited space and your bass level preference. Compact subwoofers with powerful bass performance usually are not cheap and so the budget you have allocated will also greatly influence the subwoofers you can get.
To have a balanced sound system, your main speakers must be suitable for your need and room size, a subwoofer is meant to supplement the overall bass performance and deliver the deep low ends which the speakers can’t produce. A subwoofer will take up a permanent space in your room/home and so you might want to ask your spouse for approval before getting one. These are some of the usual requirements which you might want to take a look at first. We will also suggest you add in more subwoofer requirements of your own and work out a more thorough checklist. When you are done with the checklist and is 100% ready then you can start taking a look at the best subwoofers which you can go for and match it with your NAD C338.
Best Subwoofers to pair with NAD C338
The SVS PB-1000 Pro is one of the best subwoofers to pair with the NAD C338 amplifier. This is a high-performance subwoofer with incredible bass output that will shake your room and provide you with a more impactful low-end punch. PB-1000 Pro has a 12″ high-excursion SVS driver and is driven by a Sledge amplifier with up to 820+ Watts of peak power. The midbass punch and thunderous deep frequency of this subwoofer will provide you with a more exciting listening experience for both movies and music. SVS PB-1000 Pro is suitable for small to medium-sized listening rooms.
More Details at Amazon – SVS PB-1000 Pro (Black Ash)
The Klipsch R-120SW is a very highly rated subwoofer and is more than worthy to be a subwoofer partner for your NAD C338 amplifier. It is extremely well-received by users and has received tons of positive reviews. The R-120SW is a modestly priced subwoofer with a 12″ high excursion spun-copper Imp woofer and has 400 Watts of peak power. It can go really loud, delivering you a clean and punchy bass performance. An excellent ported subwoofer for action movies and will work well for music, especially EDM, dubstep, drum & bass, etc. It will be worth your effort to audition them.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch R-120SW Black
For listeners who have a large listening room, the SVS PB-2000 Pro will be the ideal choice to go for. This is an award-winning ported subwoofer with an incredibly powerful amplifier where it has 550 Watts RMS power and goes up to a whopping 1500+ Watts of Peak power. Furthermore, this 12″ ported subwoofer can dig deep into the bass extension and produce 16Hz low frequencies with prominence. The overall bass response is accurate and the agility is really amazing for a ported subwoofer of this size. The SVS PB-2000 Pro will be proficient in handling all of sorts bass demands.
More Information at Amazon – SVS PB-2000 Pro (Black Ash)
The Rythmik Audio LVX12 will be one of the best subwoofers to match with your NAD C338. It is designed and made for audiophiles, the bass quality is impressive for a ported subwoofer in this price range. The LVX12 has a 12″ high excursion driver and an amplifier power of 400 Watts RMS. It has amazing control and is capable of delivering very accurate bass frequencies. Rythmik Audio LVX12 is capable of digging deep into the bass extension of down to 14Hz which is simply remarkable for a subwoofer at this price point. It is a solid performer for your NAD C338 DAC amplifier.
If you are having a tight budget then the Klipsch R-12SW is a fine subwoofer choice to go for. It is probably the best budget subwoofer which you can choose to partner with the NAD C338 integrated amplifier. It is incredibly well-received by its satisfied owners, thanks to its bang for buck bass performance. The R-12SW is pretty powerful for a budget sub, it has 400 Watts of dynamic power and a 12″ copper-spun front-firing woofer. The Klipsch R-12SW will be enough to fill a small listening room with clean low frequencies and provide a punchier overall sonic performance.
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch R-12SW
For listeners who have high budgets and are critical when it comes to bass quality, the Rythmik Audio F12 Signature Edition will be an excellent choice to go for. It is a 12″ audiophile quality sealed subwoofer and uses a Class A/B patented servo-controlled amplifier providing 370 Watts of RMS power. This is a very reliable award-winning sealed subwoofer that will deliver articulate and agile bass performance with accurate delivery. Producing subterranean level bass frequencies of down to 14Hz with realism and prominence. Rythmik Audio F12SE is most certainly a worthy subwoofer partner for your NAD C338 digital amplifier.
To Conclude
You might want to hear both ported and sealed cabinet subwoofers first so that you can find out which type best suits your preference. The listed subwoofers here are some of the best on the market and they deserve your attention or at least some of your time to just have a look at their details. You might also pick one or more subs for an audition so as to have a better idea of their bass quality and performance. We will suggest doing a side-by-side comparison so that it will be easier for you to tell which active subwoofer is better than the other.
