Усилители мощности стерео — NAD C 298

The NAD C 298 is a stereo power amplifier that uses Purifi Eigentakt technology, aimed at high-performance two-channel systems where it is fed by a preamp or by any source offering volume adjustment, for example the C 658 BluOS streaming DAC that NAD names as a partner. The list price is USD 3,099.

Key specs that matter

Continuous output is 185 W per channel into 8 ohm and 340 W into 4 ohm, and bridged mono mode delivers 620 W into 8 ohm. Stereo clipping power exceeds 200 W at 1 kHz, and IHF dynamic power reaches 260 W into 8 ohm, 490 W into 4 ohm and 570 W into 2 ohm, rising to 1,000 W and 1,100 W into 8 and 4 ohm when bridged. Peak current exceeds 25 A into 1 ohm for 1 ms. Line stage THD is below 0.0005 percent and THD at the speaker terminals is below 0.005 percent. Signal-to-noise ratio is over 120 dB (IHF), frequency response stays within plus or minus 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the damping factor exceeds 800 referenced to 8 ohm from 20 Hz to 6.5 kHz. Channel separation is above 100 dB at 1 kHz and 80 dB at 10 kHz. Input impedance is 56 kohm with 280 pF. The chassis measures 435 x 120 x 390 mm and weighs 11.2 kg.

Engineering and use context

In stereo mode the fixed gain is 28.6 dB and the variable setting spans 8.5 to 28.5 dB, so full output needs 1.43 V at fixed gain. Bridged, fixed gain is 25.4 dB and the variable range runs from 14.5 to 34.5 dB. NAD states that the Eigentakt stage gives very low noise and distortion and stays stable with demanding speaker loads. Balanced and single-ended inputs are both provided, and a line output passes the signal on for daisy chaining. Automatic turn-on uses a signal-sensing circuit with a selectable threshold, 12 V trigger connections in and out allow linked switching, and a ground lug is fitted. Standby consumption is less than 0.5 W.

Pairing

Two units can each run bridged as mono amplifiers for a higher-power stereo pair, or feed separate speaker sections in a bi-amp setup via the line output. The C 658 streaming DAC named by NAD provides the network source and level control ahead of it, and the 1.41 V needed for full bridged output at maximum variable gain suits sources with a standard line level. A packed unit weighs 13.6 kg.

Alternatives

The NAD C 268 is the lower-powered stereo power amplifier of the brand, built on HybridDigital UcD amplification and rated at 80 W per channel, or 300 W in bridged mono mode.