NAD C 298 Power Amplifier With Purifi Eigentakt Amplification

[pogo]

Would I get profit by adding C298 as power amp to my 375Bee as preamp?

That would actually be expected. Do you only want to use one C298 or two in bridge mode?

 

[Fa11en.Universe]

That would actually be expected. Do you only want to use one C298 or two in bridge mode?

I'm going to use only one C298 as power amp and then, I'll buy better preamp for it next.
However, I like my NAD 375Bee input options.

 

[Angsty]

Why would you think any of that is audible?

The preamp section of the C375BEE has some specs that are on the edge of being audibly differentiable. It may or may not be audible depending on the rest of the audio environment. Nonetheless, I would not recommend replacing the audio amplifier section with the C298 to get better performance. The preamp section would be less transparent and the C375BEE amplifier specs are not meaningfully different. If the member likes the input options, just keep the whole kit.

https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Data-Sheet-C-375BEE-Integrated-Amplifier-1.pdf

https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/C-298-Data-Sheet-final-Accessible.pdf

 

[Fa11en.Universe]

The preamp section of the C375BEE has some specs that are on the edge of being audibly differentiable. It may or may not be audible depending on the rest of the audio environment. Nonetheless, I would not recommend replacing the audio amplifier section with the C298 to get better performance. The preamp section would be less transparent and the C375BEE amplifier specs are not meaningfully different. If the member likes the input options, just keep the whole kit.

https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Data-Sheet-C-375BEE-Integrated-Amplifier-1.pdf

https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/C-298-Data-Sheet-final-Accessible.pdf

Thanks for your advice. I don't want to sell my 375Bee, because I've got several audio setups, where I can move 375.
Anyway, I think It's time to upgrade my main setup to something better. I'm also looking at NAD 399.
Could it be a better way to move after my 375Bee?
Or should I stick with 298 and any of the standalone pre amps?

 

[Angsty]

Thanks for your advice. I don't want to sell my 375Bee, because I've got several audio setups, where I can move 375.
Anyway, I think It's time to upgrade my main setup to something better. I'm also looking at NAD 399.
Could it be a better way to move after my 375Bee?
Or should I stick with 298 and any of the standalone pre amps?

My point is that the C298 is not better than the C375BEE performance-wise. Getting a separate pre-amp with the C298 will yield measurable benefits only if the pre-amp is very transparent (like the Benchmark models), but the difference may not be audible. What type of inputs are you using?

 

[pogo]

I'm also looking at NAD 399.

That would be a modern upgrade, especially with regard to Dirac Live (optional with BluOS).
Personally, I would go for a newer platform, i.e. the Bluesound Node Icon with Dirac Live. Add a Purifi power amplifier and you are fine.
You get the better DAC and power amp section compared to the C399.

 

[proux]

Hello I am interested in comparisons of this to the Primare A35.2, which i understand has its own class D tech, and looks prettier but more expensive, and to smaller class D specialists like Nord and Apollon. I do understand the distortion of the NAD measured worse than Nord and Apollon units, so perhaps that's all I need to know, and the rest is up to my preference for looks, and details like gain options etc. Thanks!

 

[ahofer]

Hello I am interested in comparisons of this to the Primare A35.2, which i understand has its own class D tech, and looks prettier but more expensive, and to smaller class D specialists like Nord and Apollon. I do understand the distortion of the NAD measured worse than Nord and Apollon units, so perhaps that's all I need to know, and the rest is up to my preference for looks, and details like gain options etc. Thanks!

Honestly, I think it's all a matter of the features, reliability, and repair/warranty. They will all sound the same.

 

[ninja1]

Which Purifi module will one get inside, if order new nad c298 ?

 

[steadilyfred]

Which Purifi module will one get inside, if order new nad c298 ?

It will be the one NAD produced based on the original 1ET400A module.

 

[mocenigo]

It will be the one NAD produced based on the original 1ET400A module.

Which is probably identical to the 1ET400A exceot possibly for some passive components.

 

[ninja1]

I am in process of buying class D amp. I like this NAD..but...

I can get this one for 1375 EUR (VAT an shipping included)
https://apollonaudio.com/product/purifi-eigentakt-1et6525sa-st-stereo-amplifier/
In this price range is also boxem..

and C298 for 1999 EUR (VAT an shipping included)...

Sound wise, power, features they should be more/less the same.

I like NAD as big heavy box, well known brand etc. but I also like smaller and lighter box from Apollon. Both available in EU with 2 years warranty)..but I also like 624 EUR

Could someone enlighten me why to spend 624 eur more. I am talking about technical reasons.

<PS
or even Purifi 1ET7040SA ST Stereo Amplifier for 1720 EUR... (0pa 1656, 4 gain settings, balanced+rca Inputs.... same as for 1ET6525)

I am not buying amps every day so if there is any reason to spend more...it is OK with me, but would like to know why.
I am open to other solutions as well ! Budget is max 2500 Eur

Thx

 

[mocenigo]

I am in process of buying class D amp. I like this NAD..but...

I can get this one for 1375 EUR (VAT an shipping included)
https://apollonaudio.com/product/purifi-eigentakt-1et6525sa-st-stereo-amplifier/
In this price range is also boxem..

and C298 for 1999 EUR (VAT an shipping included)...

Sound wise, power, features they should be more/less the same.

I like NAD as big heavy box, well known brand etc. but I also like smaller and lighter box from Apollon. Both available in EU with 2 years warranty)..but I also like 624 EUR

Could someone enlighten me why to spend 624 eur more. I am talking about technical reasons.

<PS
or even Purifi 1ET7040SA ST Stereo Amplifier for 1720 EUR... (0pa 1656, 4 gain settings, balanced+rca Inputs.... same as for 1ET6525)

I am not buying amps every day so if there is any reason to spend more...it is OK with me, but would like to know why.
I am open to other solutions as well ! Budget is max 2500 Eur

Thx

With the NAD you get also all the advantages of an EU warranty and service. Possibly also better resale value. I would suggest you try, and check whether the power supply is still a bit noisy (it should vibrate a bit, some people complained, it is il to you to decide — maybe the issue has been addressed in more recent batches).

 

[Angsty]

I am in process of buying class D amp. I like this NAD..but...

I can get this one for 1375 EUR (VAT an shipping included)
https://apollonaudio.com/product/purifi-eigentakt-1et6525sa-st-stereo-amplifier/
In this price range is also boxem..

and C298 for 1999 EUR (VAT an shipping included)...

Sound wise, power, features they should be more/less the same.

I like NAD as big heavy box, well known brand etc. but I also like smaller and lighter box from Apollon. Both available in EU with 2 years warranty)..but I also like 624 EUR

Could someone enlighten me why to spend 624 eur more. I am talking about technical reasons.

<PS
or even Purifi 1ET7040SA ST Stereo Amplifier for 1720 EUR... (0pa 1656, 4 gain settings, balanced+rca Inputs.... same as for 1ET6525)

I am not buying amps every day so if there is any reason to spend more...it is OK with me, but would like to know why.
I am open to other solutions as well ! Budget is max 2500 Eur

Thx

Earlier Apollon amps have been positively reviewed here. The difference is likely in the brand, service availability and resale - all of which are commercial, not strictly technical, reasons.

Apollon NCx500ST Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Apollon NCx500ST stereo class D amplifier based on Hypex NCOREx NCx500 modules. It was kindly drop shipped from the member and costs 1,090.00€ (US $1,168) with standard opamp. While the case is stamped aluminum, it is a heavily customized one...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[ninja1]

With the NAD you get also all the advantages of an EU warranty and service. Possibly also better resale value. I would suggest you try, and check whether the power supply is still a bit noisy (it should vibrate a bit, some people complained, it is il to you to decide — maybe the issue has been addressed in more recent batches).

This is price for NEW NAD, so obviously a new batch ?. Warranty is 2 years for Nad. It is from local dealer . NAD EU warranty is also 2 years,a and valid only for purchaser; not transferable..

Apollon have 2 years warranty, with option of 3 extra years (total 5 years) for 10% higher price. (aprox 1550 EUR) (Apollon is 2,5 hours driving from my place...)

 

[mocenigo]

This is price for NEW NAD, so obviously a new batch ?. Warranty is 2 years for Nad. It is from local dealer . NAD EU warranty is also 2 years,a and valid only for purchaser; not transferable..

Apollon have 2 years warranty, with option of 3 extra years (total 5 years) for 10% higher price. (aprox 1550 EUR) (Apollon is 2,5 hours driving from my place...)

Of course you have an european warranty with Apollon as well, and they are good. I know them well, I am a former customer and the only reason I left them is because I built my next amp myself for fun. I can definitely recommend them. However, they are a small business and they may require a longer time to handle a repair. This said, if you are geographically close to them, do not hesitate: purchase from them.

At least you know you will have no problems with the power supply!