NAD C298

NAD C298

NAD has introduced some of the most innovative amplifier technology in its nearly 50 year history, starting with the 3020 on through such cutting edge models as the 2200, the 208, and the M2. Now we are making the amazing new Eigentakt™ (self-clocking) technology, recently introduced to the world in the EISA Award winning Masters M33, available to a wider audience with the very affordable C298. We are thrilled to provide this unprecedented level of performance. In short, a perfect companion for the C658 BluOS Streaming DAC pre-amp.

The C 298 may be a basic Power Amp, but we have carefully thought through all the use cases typically encountered to create a rich feature content. Selectable balanced inputs make the C 298 a natural for studio use or connection to High End Preamps and Processors. These inputs include a trim control useful for matching to other components. A line out allows further addition of power on the same channel for additional speakers or subwoofers. Auto-sense with selectable threshold is perfect for automating complex systems or hiding the amp out of sight in a cabinet. We even include a Ground Lug that can be very useful for eliminating ground loops and noise in complex multi-unit systems. Added to all this connectivity is a Bridge Switch that turns the C 298 into an amazingly powerful mono block Amplifier. Start with one and add a second C 298 later when you upgrade your speakers.

It is surprising how many seemingly advanced products in the market today often miss many of the most basic requirements for satisfying performance. Low noise circuits, accurate channel balance, proper input and output impedance characteristics, high overload margins and stability with difficult speaker loads. NAD starts by getting these things precisely right and advances from there. Our line inputs, both Balanced and Single-ended, can accommodate all kinds of analog source components by offering ideal input impedance characteristics with linear ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers to prevent any sonic degradation caused by inappropriate loading of the source device. These are all details you can hear.

NAD has moved away from the old fashioned and very power hungry linear power supplies and Class AB output stages that waste nearly half of the energy consumed producing heat rather than sound. Instead we have developed even better performing circuits based on switch mode power supplies and Class D output stages. Once thought to be inferior to traditional topologies, NAD’s advanced work in this area has created some of the best performing amplifiers to feature this technology. These new designs are very linear over a wide bandwidth and provide consistent performance into all speaker loads, providing a dramatic advance over previous models.

The generously dimensioned power supply easily allows for 185 watts continuous and over 570 watts instantaneous power for short term musical transients. Innovative Asymmetrical Power-Drive fully utilises every last watt available with its vast reserves of dynamic power available to accurately reproduce musical transients without distortion or compression. It can operate with any AC mains voltage from 100v to 240v and provides pure DC power to all the various stages of the C 298. This highly efficient supply also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions and provides a solid noise-free foundation for the amplifying stages.

Purifi is a Danish technology company that has brought together several of the industry’s leading engineers to apply advanced mathematical modelling to solve the last remaining limitations of audio amplifiers. While there are many good sounding amplifiers on the market today, Purifi has taken a fresh look at every aspect of amplifier performance and found many seemingly small non-linearities that can make a dramatic difference in the overall sound. This return to first principles has resulted in a stunningly simple approach to some remarkably complex problems. With features and technology unmatched by other amplifiers in its class, the C 298 amplifier is an easy upgrade for any system and a surprising partner for the most sophisticated and advanced loudspeakers on the market.

The NAD C298 delivers an impressive 185 watts per channel, and it's 4-ohm stable so it can drive a wide array of demanding speakers. In bridged mode, this powerhouse offers 620 watts into a single channel. You can connect your source via unbalanced RCA or balanced XLR inputs.

With NAD, you're getting more than high wattage numbers. This amp offers pristine Class D amplification thanks to HybridDigital Purifi Eigentakt™ technology. It helps the amp maintain even frequency response into lower impedance loads, and minimises the occurrence of digital clipping. Of course, it also offers robust power output and accurate sound with minimal distortion, for a truly "analog-like" listening experience.

• 185 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.005% THD with 2 channels driven
• 340 watts x 2 into 4 ohms
• 620 watts x 1 into 8 ohms (bridged mode)
• 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
• Class D amplifier design with HybridDigital Purifi Eigentakt™ technology
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB
• Stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
• Stereo RCA line output for connecting a separate amplifier or powered subwoofer
• Binding post speaker connectors
• Input select switch (fixed/variable)
• Rotary input gain knob on rear panel
• Three-position auto sense level switch
• 12-volt trigger input/output
• Detachable power cord

Number of Channels: 2
Power Output per Channel (8 ohms): 185 W
Power Output per Channel (4 ohms): 340 W
Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
THD: 0.005%
Minimum Impedance: 4 ohms
Bridged Power per Channel: 620 W
Speaker Outputs: 2
Width: 435mm
Height: 120mm
Depth: 390mm
Weight: 11.2kg