NAD C298 Stereo Amplifier Review

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

Well, I have understood for many, many years, that, if I cannot tell the difference in sound, it is the aesthetics that one must choose by.
But many (even here) are still looking for the difference in the sound to make their decision by.

Agree. Speakers only difference I can discern.

 

[EJ3]

Agree. Speakers only difference I can discern.

I can eliminate many of them without even listening or seeing any true specs.
Just eliminate the "FUGLY" (at least to me) gets rid of 2/3 of them, then the ones that won't fit where I need them & then the ones I can't afford:
"Oh S*&t, there' nothing left"!
Ha, Ha, I guess I'll stick with what I have.

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

I can eliminate many of them without even listening or seeing any true specs.
Just eliminate the "FUGLY" (at least to me) gets rid of 2/3 of them, then the ones that won't fit where I need them & then the ones I can't afford:
"Oh S*&t, there' nothing left"!
Ha, Ha, I guess I'll stick with what I have.

You are quite the cynic.

 

[EJ3]

You are quite the cynic.

Well, due to an accident (not of my making), I have not worked since Feb 1, 2023 (& cannot yet work, although I am incrementally getting better). So, unless I somehow magically receive an influx of money, that is the condition that I am in right now.
It will change but it will take another couple of years.

 

[Jimmyblues1959]

I've always thought that NAD amplifiers have a house sound that is detailed and pleasant.
My late 1980's NAD 3130 has always punched above its weight class sonically, and been very
reliable over the years.

 

[Julf]

I've always thought that NAD amplifiers have a house sound that is detailed and pleasant.

Does that house sound show up in frequency response or distortion?

 

[Jimmyblues1959]

Does that house sound show up in frequency response or distortion?

No idea.

 

[Julf]

No idea.

Problem with "house sound" is that it is mostly a myth (if you don't take into account old tube/valve gear and "high end" crap voiced with intentional coloration), that's why I would love to see actual objective evidence.

 

[NISSE]

The case is fine in the $1500 less expensive C268. For $2400, many might expect better. But it is in keeping with the NAD entry level line cases.

Yes, for about half the price, several sellers frequently mentioned here get you Purifi. I think this may mostly appeal to those with NAD classic series in the rack or wanting traditional size components available locally. Even for those folks, it mat be a tough sell at current retail pricing.

True, it is in keeping with the NAD entry level line cases, and thats alright. With almost no heat involved ther are no need for "beautiful" cooling-ribs, it`s Class D. For the most you pay for NADs Purifi license, which give them the to develope the Eigentakt-modules as they see fit. Previous owner of NAD, Peter Lyngdorf, is one of the investors and cofounders at Purifi and over the years he has put a big mark on the industrie. He has now set his mind on developing the Class D ampifiers, to give the world high-end sound to affordable prices. The C298 is, high-end under $3000.
Purifis Eigentakt is probably the biggest brakethrough in Class D amplifier development, and C298 is a part of that. It`s worth the money for that reason.
Please listen to beast, it`s great. Distorsion are gone, it`s just a big silent hole, until the violin strikes and put you io the ground .
The M-series are a step up, but keep in mind, it cost almost the double of the C298.

 

[ahofer]

True, it is in keeping with the NAD entry level line cases, and thats alright. With almost no heat involved ther are no need for "beautiful" cooling-ribs, it`s Class D. For the most you pay for NADs Purifi license, which give them the to develope the Eigentakt-modules as they see fit. Previous owner of NAD, Peter Lyngdorf, is one of the investors and cofounders at Purifi and over the years he has put a big mark on the industrie. He has now set his mind on developing the Class D ampifiers, to give the world high-end sound to affordable prices. The C298 is, high-end under $3000.
Purifis Eigentakt is probably the biggest brakethrough in Class D amplifier development, and C298 is a part of that. It`s worth the money for that reason.
Please listen to beast, it`s great. Distorsion are gone, it`s just a big silent hole, until the violin strikes and put you io the ground .
The M-series are a step up, but keep in mind, it cost almost the double of the C298.

The question being: Could anyone hear the difference between the M-series and the c298. I’d bet no.

 

[EJ3]

The question being: Could anyone hear the difference between the M-series and the c298. I’d bet no.

You are (most likely) right.
But that is an aesthetic choice for many.

 

[ahofer]

You are (most likely) right.
But that is an aesthetic choice for many.

Totally. My amp is hidden in a cabinet, so it could be shaped like a Hummel Figurine for all I care.

 

[boXem]

For the most you pay for NADs Purifi license, which give them the to develope the Eigentakt-modules as they see fit.

Paying the license gives them the right to manufacture them as specified by Purifi. Modules are strictly identical to the ones sold by Purifi, firmware included.

 

[pogo]

The layout is identical, but they are within tighter tolerances and are matched. This is a prerequisite for a well-functioning bridge-mode.

 

[boXem]

There is no such thing as "tighter tolerances" in electronics manufacturing. I regularly run modules in bridged mode without sorting them. Runs well, measures well.
You guys need to stop wishful thinking about differences between "branded" amplifiers and "noname". They are more expensive due to different business and distribution models, nothing else.

 

[Julf]

The layout is identical, but they are within tighter tolerances and are matched. This is a prerequisite for a well-functioning bridge-mode.

What is your source for that information?

 

[pogo]

Among other things, you can read about the differences to off-the-shelf modules here: Link
T+A and Lyngdorf have also made further refinements.

 

[EJ3]

Totally. My amp is hidden in a cabinet, so it could be shaped like a Hummel Figurine for all I care.

View attachment 398652

Most of my stereo (3 NAD 2200's and many other things) are also in a heavily vented (but aesthetically acceptable to my wife to allow me to have it in the living room.
It's all an aesthetic choice whether you care about that choice or do not care at all about it.

 

[pogo]

Could anyone hear the difference between the M-series and the c298.

Yes, this has been described independently in several tests, including here: Link

 

[Julf]

Yes, this has been described independently in several tests, including here: Link

I wouldn't call that piece a test. It seems like a bunch of subjective opinions.