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NAD C 298
The NAD C 298 Stereo Power Amplifier is designed to deliver exceptional clarity and control for high-performance music systems. Built around Purifi Eigentakt™ amplification, it allows loudspeakers to perform with greater precision and ease across a wide range of volumes. The C 298’s performance has earned international recognition from hi-fi and mainstream press, reflecting both its engineering and musical results. Designed to partner naturally with components such as the NAD C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC, the C 298 provides a stable, transparent foundation for advanced two-channel systems.
- Purifi Eigentakt™ amplifier technology for exceptionally low noise and distortion
- 185 watts per channel of continuous power into 8 ohms
- Bridgeable mono mode delivering up to 620 watts into 8 ohms
- Stable performance with demanding loudspeaker loads
- Balanced and single-ended analogue inputs for flexible system integration
- Input level control for precise matching with preamplifiers and sources
- Line output for daisy chaining additional amplifiers or system expansion
- Auto turn-on with selectable signal-sensing threshold
- 12V trigger input and output plus ground lug for use in complex systems
- Award-winning design recognised by EISA and The Absolute Sound
Purifi Eigentakt Amplification (Section 1 of 4)
The C 298 uses Purifi Eigentakt™ amplifier technology to minimise distortion and noise across the entire audible range. This exceptionally linear behaviour allows fine detail, spatial cues, and dynamic contrasts to emerge naturally from recordings. Loudspeakers are driven with greater precision and control, helping music sound more open and effortless, even at higher playback levels.
Power with Control and Headroom (Section 2 of 4)
The C 298 delivers high continuous power with generous dynamic reserves, allowing it to handle demanding musical peaks without strain. Its ability to remain stable with demanding loudspeakers ensures consistent performance across a wide range of designs. Whether reproducing subtle passages or wide dynamic swings, the presentation remains composed and authoritative.
Flexible Stereo or Mono Operation (Section 3 of 4)
Designed to adapt as systems evolve, the C 298 can operate as a high-performance stereo power amplifier or be bridged into a powerful monoblock delivering 620 watts into 8 ohms. This flexibility makes it easy to start with a single unit and add a second amplifier later when upgrading loudspeakers or expanding a system. Balanced and single-ended inputs, along with adjustable input levels, allow seamless integration with a wide variety of preamplifiers and sources.
Designed for Real-World Systems (Section 4 of 4)
Beyond raw power, the C 298 is engineered for practical system integration. Features such as auto turn-on with selectable threshold, 12V trigger connections, a line output for daisy chaining, and a dedicated ground lug simplify use in complex setups. These details help maintain low noise, reliable operation, and consistent performance in both visible and hidden installations.
Dealers selling NAD near you
Authorized dealers for NAD C 298
- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Aalen Hifi — in-store — Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Wurtemberg, Germany (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- AES — in-store — Mitte, Hessen, Germany (website)
- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- Alex Audio Video — in-store — Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria (website)
and 279 more verified dealers
NAD C 298 — compact, high‑power Class D with surprising musicality
The NAD C 298 channels Purifi Eigentakt Class‑D modules into a modest, cool‑running chassis to deliver startling headroom and snap. Reviewers including Mark Craven and Evan McCosham highlight its combination of visceral dynamics, tight controlled bass and an open, well‑layered soundstage. The C 298 excels at transient detail and imaging while remaining largely neutral and uncoloured; it’s voiced for clarity rather than warmth. Build and ergonomics are purposeful: a conservative matte finish, balanced XLR and RCA inputs, bridge/mono option and auto‑on/trigger functions make it easy to integrate. Ideal for listeners who want a high‑power, low‑noise amplifier to drive demanding speakers or to use as bridged monoblocks. For its feature set and performance the C 298 is repeatedly judged a standout value by multiple reviewers.
Pros
- Exceptional dynamics and headroom — fast, punchy transients and the ability to drive low‑impedance loads without strain.
- Outstanding imaging and soundstage depth — precise left/right placement and layered front‑to‑back perspective.
- Clean, low‑distortion Purifi Eigentakt implementation with flexible connectivity (XLR/RCA, bridge/mono, auto‑on) and genuine power (185Wpc stereo; 620W bridged).
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Cons
- Slightly less bass weight compared with some higher‑priced reference amps — excellent grip and speed but a touch lighter in perceived heft.
- Upper treble is a little restrained/‘polite’ relative to very vivid solid‑state designs — a musical, low‑distortion balance that may not suit those seeking extra sparkle.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
93/100
Reviewers consistently praised the C 298's slam, headroom and control: quoted damping factor >800, peak current >25 A and very high IHF dynamic power (260W–570W stereo; up to 1100W bridged) back the claims. Multiple reviews note 'astonishing sense of dynamism', 'enormous power', 'drives difficult loads' and 'in-the-room' transient snap, and reviewers highlighted stable performance into low impedances and bridge mode for even greater authority. These factors justify a top-tier dynamics score for a Class-D amp in this power class.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Imaging and soundstaging receive strong praise: comments include exceptional left-right placement, remarkable depth and layering, images 'locked firmly in place' and 'holographic' presentation. Multiple reviewers found the C 298 produced more precise spatial definition than pricier rivals in some respects, making it one of the unit's standout strengths. It maintains spatial stability even when delivering high power.
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Build Quality
86/100
Build is described as solid, modest and fit-for-purpose rather than extravagant: compact 11.2kg chassis, low heat output, clean rear-panel layout with XLR/RCA, triggers and bridge switch. Reviewers note serviceable hardware and thoughtful features (fixed/variable gain, auto-sense, bridge/mono) but also that the finish and component extravagance are appropriate to its mid-price positioning rather than flagship-level. Bridge/mono capability and tidy thermal design are positives for reliability and versatility.
Value for Money
93/100
At NAD's stated street price (~$1,999) reviewers repeatedly call the C 298 'unquestionable value', 'serious value' and 'magnificent at this price', citing performance that rivals much more expensive amps (examples include comparisons with a Bryston that costs roughly twice as much). The combination of 185 Wpc stereo (340 W into 4Ω), 620 W bridged mono capability, very low distortion and extensive features makes its price-to-performance proposition compelling and well-justified in its segment.
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