I bought the NAD C298 (has Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400A, similar to NAD M23) and I love it (I upgraded from Parasound 2125v2, also a very good amp). Apple Music
I've had a C 298 for several months now. Yes, it has no sound of its own, and my impression is the uncanny way it just seems to disappear. Run your speakers without a power amplifier? That's the feeling you get. Of course, a lot of "audiophiles" will not be interested in this amp. It's too good, too plain looking, and doesn't invite tweaking, the hobby of most so-called audiophiles. But if you just like to listen to your music, no fuss, no muss, this is the perfect amp.
I wasn't a fan of class D either but I had to change my mind. There's a head to head test on youtube , done by Alpha audio , between this amp (NAD C298) and the Bryston 4b cubed. Now I'm a Bryston guy , but I have to tell the truth. I couldn't hear any difference whatsoever between the 2 amps and I listened to the test multiple times. When the switch-over ocurrs , good luck telling the difference. So why should I pay $7500 for a 4b cubed when I can spend $2400 and get the same sound.
Jay, this would be more helpful if you had used and given 2-3 specific examples of preamps that was paired with and a mad preamp for comparison. Thanks!
Not Jay, but J from Australia. I am a Tidal streaming only guy running the C658 + C298. For the money, the combination is outstanding (compare to a Naim Uniti Atom at roughly similar price, at least here in Australia) and I think it is a new sweet spot for utility, value pricing and performance. C298 is clear, detailed, uncoloured, powerful and dead quiet. The C658 with Bluos and Dirac has everything you could possibly need for streaming and tailoring for room acoustics. I also run my big screen TV through optical 1. The C298 outclasses the Dali Oberon 5's I currently have so I have some Spatial Audio Sapphire M3's on order. That's as much as I need to spend for audio happiness I think.
Jay, you really did a great job with this video! You really had a lot to say and kept yourself together through the whole video! I don't usually comment much on videos, but I just had to commend you on this one. Great job!
I bought this amp 3 months ago for my office setup, a 12K system all-in, so fairly high-end, and I can tell you that IME Jay is right, this system sounds different when I use my Lumin T2 streamer in preamp mode versus running it into my Modwright LS 36.5 tube preamp. REALLY different. I too could not identify this amp as Class D in a blind test against my much more expensive Class A/B amp that I use in my home system (I used the NAD at home swapping in and out to see if I could do it, and couldn't except for times when the midrange seemed more "there" using my Class A/B amp). I paid 2K retail for the NAD, and for the first time in my audiophile journey, I feel like I didn't pay too much for a piece of gear, even though I'd had to pay retail.
Yes, this is what I expect from the amp = just do what it is supposed to do, meaning to amplify. Any other eqaualization or tone control should be left to me as I'd like to tell my audio system how to sound and when. I'm too lazy to choose an amp that was designed on emphasis or even targeted colorations (by for example uneven impedance resp.) since in that case I would have to know this behaviour and then nitpick other specific components to even that out 😀
Exactly. Spot on. After buying my vtv eval1 version of the purifi amp from the first note on there was simply music. Not sound. Being a quite seasoned (Yes, old) audiophile, my first unspoken reaction was 'oh dear, this is where the beautifull journey of equipment swapping ends'. The second: 'Blimey this is good!' Don't be afraid, audiophiles. Like Jay says, you can simply continue altering the front end and the speakers. But do as he says: take the opportunity to listen to purifi. It's super. Is another amp better? Listen to it, and you will agree that really is't the point anymore. Jay calls It a blank canvas. I call it an open window. Listen and you will understand.
and have you perhaps ever tested the C268. say if they have the solo device in stereo mode, or twice C268 in mono. I am very curious whether you also find the neutrality there compared to the C298.
I think you’re absolutely right about the C298. To me, the C275 bee , is a class act, absolute great amplifier. It’s always nice to hear your take and opinions on different gears without prejudice. As opposed to the other guy FILLIP or whatever his name is ? arrogant and prejudice in his comments. I doubt he knows much about Hi - Fi . To me people who insist they are right, and expect others to tow their line, know little. Otherwise they show their displeasure . Well that’s him. WELL DONE JAY. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
With all due respect to NAD amplifiers, I have two amplifiers that I turned into 300W RMS monoblocks so that they don't crash. And they still did not withstand the loads of INFINITY KAPPA 9 speakers. After continuous desperation, I am looking for power amplifiers to provide an adequate response to KAPPA 9. I would appreciate recommendations from the owners of such speakers. thanks
Hi Jay, thanks for the lovely review. How does it compare to the manufacturer purifi unit you reviewed previously? Is this power supply superior to the Hypex one?
You are absolutely right, every amplifier has its own color in sound. Even the primary A35.2 has coloration, but it is very close to the Nad. I also have a C399 and the sound there is indeed super neutral. those who love Bas come away disappointed. and for me it is the perfect match with the Focal Cora 826 and 8216. Focal has a perfect soundstage that no other brand has. These speakers ensure that the music no longer comes out of the speakers, it is as if they disappear. awesome.
Very interesting. How would you say it compares to the M33 or the Eigentakt manufacturing demo you previously reviewed? I'm wondering if the M33 loses something with the internal preamp stage that NAD use.
The advancements of Class D audiophile topography over the last 10yrs, has been nothing short of amazing. It’s truly become the “next level” in HiFi. Thanks to the engineering brilliance of Bruno Putzey, Michael Borresen, Jeff Rowland & many others. The synergy of today’s integrated’s are a major consideration, & eliminate many cabling concerns. I’ve taken that step forward, by buying an Aavik U300, & have no regrets, it just sounds real. The quality of this technology is expensive, with upper tier mfgrs. Embrace the future, or be doomed listening in the past.
My 25+ year old NAD 2400 is about to give up on me and im looking for a power amp to replace it. would the C298 be a good replacement? I use a NAD 1000 pre-amp for this.
Good review, very well done, thank you! I am about to buy this power amp, but exploring people experiences with the same unit, I found out: The power supply makes a fair amount of mechanical noise. Looking around the Internet other people have reported this issue, some of them have been told that this is normal for this type of power supply. What do you think about this? Some people have no such a problem. I could not use amp with that noise/buzzing. Please replay....Regards!
Thanks for the review - I was looking at benchmark but now this is looking like best performance for the $$$ - I do wonder if this is so clean if the actual artists or producers ever experienced their music in this way
Thanks for the review. I just bought one based on your review. My only wish is that the NAD be as reliable as a Marantz. Hope their new models are better in this regard.
I guess NAD C268 amp will be a little brother of this amp, only difference will be power output (80W vs 185W at 8ohm) and minus the Purifi technology am I right?
Hi Jay! Do you know if the NAD C298 is a good match for Totem Sky Tower? I am interested in this amp mostly, but also consider the Hegel H90. Thank you.
NAD humble shape and Class D for $2k. NAD is not fancy ultra high-end company, is that a good deal? There should be parts saving like big transformers or capacitors and etc, where is the parts saving money?
Always a good question to ask what are you getting for your money. NAD has and does make higher-end/higher-cost gear in the well-regarded "Master" series of products.
I'm looking for a power amp to go with my NA6006 Network Streamer from Marantz, as it has variable output in RCA configuration. Do you think this amp is a good bet? (The other two candidates are Marantz (own) MM7025 or the Rotel RB1552 MkII) Thanks for this review, awesome as ever! Stay safe!
Oh, sorry, just looked it up, it's the C268 that I was thinking of. (That is in the same price range as the Marantz and Rotel) Is the C268 basically the same, but, only with a lower output? (2x80W in 8ohms)
The Purifi modules are safe at 2 ohms, does the NAD handle 4 ohm speaker in bridged mode? That would make it worth getting a pair. Who has 8 ohm speakers that could ever use 500 or 620 watts? That power level is ideal for most big 4 ohm speakers.
Hi JAY. For C298 having adjustable gain at back panel, do you know what type of gain control it is? is it variable attenuation, traditional variable resistor, or volume ic? this is important to me, because my pre stage is having high voltage level that i need a low gain power amp. but if the music signal will pass through that variable resistor which might be harmful to sound quality, than C298 may not be my choice anymore.
Please see our measurements for the best explanation... www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2493:nad-c298-stereo-amplifier-measurements&catid=97:amplifier-measurements&Itemid=154
You get lower distortion with amplifiers using the Purifi modules. Though Bryston amplifiers still have quite low distortion lower than most amps. Probably won't even notice the distortion differences audibly when listening to music or a movie track. The Bryston amplifiers do have more power wattage into 8ohm and 4ohms.
Hi Jay, I have the C298 for a few weeks now, with the Quad Z2 speakers and the Topping D70S DAC set as preamp. Coming from the XTZ Edge and the Schiit Saga+, which I then exchanged for the Musical Fidelity M5si and a Topping E30 DAC. I have to say that the C298 is like you described overall great with details and good bass control. I am now wondering what speakers did you try and which ones match the great with the C298? Same question for preamp. I was waiting for one of you guys (Thomas&Stereo, Zero Fidelity, Steve G, etc.) is going to review this Purifi amp. Thanks!
Jay. Thanks for this review which I found very useful. You described the NAD C298 (US$2,000) as balanced/neutral/colour-less. The Benchmark Media AHB2 (US$3,000) is often described using those same words. Are you able to provide a comparison of these two products. Thanks.
Interesting amp. Would like to hear it someday. So no dryness or glare in the upper mids or treble like typical class D eh? Cool. Also, I assume the “thousands of amplifiers” and “thousands of speakers” was an exaggeration? I’ll grant you hundreds maybe, but thousands?
@@WhatEver-dx3eu Of course, I know it's not class D. However, it sounds better than my previous integrated amp and it was much cheaper[on sale]. Clean pure sound and plenty loud, dont even have to pass 10 o'clock. But yea dont take my advice, I am very new to audio. Started in june of last year. This unit[298] is interesting, some day I will purchase it. Heard raves about this system even prior to this video, didn't know what it was. Got way too much audio going on right now. Got to relax on that LOL.
@@mikegoddard7354 The C326BEEV2 (did a typo above) is an excellent amp, the C298 is more than double the price and there's no pre-amp, so should be better! Enjoy. Nice thing is you can upgrade by connecting pre-out to a power amp such as C298, the level of improvement depends a lot on your speakers.
@@WhatEver-dx3eu Indeed, I totally agree. It's technically my keeper, I sold my marantz integrated amp which I got open box and it was older model[18' 19'], but its msrp was a 1000, this NAD is 599 msrp I believe. I honestly didn't even know my speakers could or did perform the way they do vs what they were outputting while using the marantz. It was a night and day difference Not sure, but I hear that denon sounds better than marantz. Marantz does some things to their units which actually hurt the sound and introducing things that shouldn't be there and wouldn't if not for design. Not certain if that's the reason why there's a such a difference or that the NAD is a non digital amp.
The NAD c298 is not exactly neutral IMO. It’s well balanced, but presents ever so slightly on the warmer side of neutral. It is smooth and detailed. Offering excellent dynamics, grip and bass control. It doesn’t have the last word on texture, but does exhibit great balance top to bottom, it’s a pleasure to listen to. Did I mention it has excellent punch and grip!! Enjoy
Most music since the 80s have been mixed on the warm side to begin with, because so many home systems and portable systems were /bright/. Chances are you’re hearing it as warm because of this - not because the amp itself is introducing that character. An easy way to tell this is by recording your own samples, then listening to them played back with zero editing.
First thing, thank you for your time & efforts Jay. Much appreciated. Sounds like pretty much the perfect amp. Could I ask, if you've had the experience, is it the same basic presentation as Benchmarks AHB2? That is a wonderfully precise & accurate amp but is rather sterile & involving. Fully appreciate the measured prowess but a Schiit Aegir, if appropriate for your space & speakers for example, I found to be so much more involving & somehow more like 'real' people/instruments. Funny folk us audiophiles :-)
@@aweidenhammer funny that. Often it is the high current that is synergistic with maggies, rather than wattage or damping factor. The old adage "doubling power into half the ohms" still seems to be the best guide. But class D, maybe is Different, switch mode power supply and all.
Neutral, balanced isn't the right words as manufacturers can do this by clever manipulation. The right word is uncoloured. The Purifi modules get close to playing the sound source without adding anything or taking anything away. The Orchard Audio Starkrimson is another class D amplifier with super low distortion. Very uncoloured but using GaN technology to deliver a very pure sound.
I see now your video. I also Like pure sound. I have handmade speakers from drivers SEAS CX871. They are great, That Pure sound. Last week I visited a shop to listen to NAD M33, cause I will buy another amplifier. The sound in the store with speakers from Olympica NOVA, €4875,00, was very bad! The sound was not open, it was too much demping. What I want to say is: You need great speakers with sound you love, after that then buy a amplifier.
What is class D sound ? That doesnt exist man , its a technique , class D amplifier in audio is exact same thing as SMPS power supply in your computer , your GPU can not tell if its getting 12V from SMPS or a Transformer , it makes no difference its 12V . And same goes for AC signals , there is no difference how you achieve that . There is no class D sound Go buy Class D amplifier moduls on E bay , buy 10 of them , go buy A/B modules 10 of them , mix them up and tell me witch one is Class D and witch one is Integrated IC Mosfet AB class . You cant , i cant becasue there is no Class D sound , its just sound
This video is devastating! Lol. Was thinking to buy M10, now can’t help but be confused and now thinking c658 combined with this. Was hard to justify cost of M10, now harder to make a decision for $1500 CAD more. Darn
Counterpoint: I've had NAD equipment for decades and loved the brand. I was excited to have a NAD C298 in my house for 3 months, driving a pair of Paradigm 800F tower speakers well known for their neutrality. The NAD was exhausting to listen to. I could only listen to a single album at a time before my ears were ready to take a break. It's super-bright, super-precise and frankly not fun at all. For soulful vocal music it was downright "robotic" - which is how my non-audiophile girlfriend described it. Maybe it puts down fabulous numbers, but IRL it wasn't anything I want to listen to again. I replaced it with a Hegel H120 and I'm not looking back.
I had NAD C368 and hated it. It was bright and forward. Midrange was thin sounding and bass was all over the place. My ears hurt listening to it. Then just like you and thanks to Jay. I bought H120. It is great matching with Vienna Acoustics Hayden SE. Now I am happy. After watching this video, I would love to audition this amp and may get a tube preamp to feed the C298.
@@rains00the Yes, that's a fair point and I agree the pre-amp was a big contributor to my negative experience. I was using a NAD C510 DAC connected to PC via USB and playing hi-res files with Roon. That C510 adds brightness to any amp but with this C298 the final result was over the top.
I had the same when I had the Topping E30 dac connected to it (either directly or through the preamp of a Musical Fidelity M5si integrated). Now I have a Topping D70S as DAC/Preamp connected and it sounds great. Better than the M5si with the D70S. So if your DAC is not up to par, then you will hear it with the C298. So try another DAC and or preamp and you will see you can tune the C298 to your liking, cause it adds no color, it just shows how good or bad your gear is connected to it.
@@tomchan2559 Totally agree. Please reply here later if you discover that you prefer the tube/C298 to your Hegel. Every time I listen to this Hegel I fall in love with it again. I'm making it a mission to audition the high-end Hegel stuff to determine if it's worth the price. I expect I'll need to re-arrange my financial affairs.
@@soundstagenetwork coloring instruments. Rather than pursue the ideal of straight wire with gain, color and “flavor” dominate choices. It’s more like the wine industry.
One easy way to disqualify class-D is to listen to a DSD piano recording, aaargh horrifying! Intermodulation distortion in buckets. The Purifi 1ET400A is NO exception. When you have learned how it sounds, you will hear it in all kind of music, then go buy a class-AB amp and be happy.
I got a NAD amp that cost me $900 and a Jaycar amp that cost $300. The Jaycar (at least subjectively) kills my NAD that cost me three times more. Probably cos the numeric amp is supposed to be a MOSFET. Maybe it's a "MOSFET". Iol To give you an idea of the difference: The Jaycar cymbal sound is more metal like than with the NAD. It not only kills my NAD, it's twice the power output as well. Unfortunately the Jaycar company has gone down hill and the amp is DISCONTINUED.
@@wric01 What does that have to do with ANYTHING? The NAD and the POS Jaycar tube amp he's talking about aren't running off batteries! Have you lost your mind?
@@soundstagenetwork I was referring to the Purifi amp. I didn't see the original review but would have been miffed about wasting my time on something I can't get.
@@gitmobob1714 Understandable, but for those who get to hear it, the Purifi Eigentakt provides a frame of reference to just others against. In the written NAD C 298, Evan McCosham uses it as a point of comparison.
I usually find your overviews to be interesting but this one is highly repetitious and rather shows your lack of experience with the "neutrality goal" which was a characteristic of British amplifiers for music dating back to the 1960s. You showed far too little of connecting 'business end' of the NAD -- merely a 4 second movie mode sweep which would have made more sense than chanting at a camera. Frankly, your "journey" through audio excellence is of far less importance than conveying excellence based on the accrued knowledge and experience of users and designers. NAD was seen as a low price company competing with 'high end' manufacturers such as QUAD, NAIM and LINN (although the latter used electronics from NAIM but had a very clever PR department which allowed their brand to be become almost a cult in the '80s and '90s). What NAD achieved in the late 1970s was to produce a medium price integrated amp 3020 which drew, stylistically, upon QUAD's very plain and functional appearance including controls and function nomenclature. New Acoustic Dimension (NAD) was founded in London by an American medical doctor and a Swedish industrial designer, both passionate about mainly classical music at an exciting time in Britain. I recall Mr P Walker OBE of QUAD examining and using the NAD 3020 in his office and he praised it highly. Whereas QUAD products had a home audio department, the company was in the 1970s still a main supplier of equipment to the BBC and the general ethos cross-fertilized within their modestly large factory on the edge of Huntingdon. NAD's 3050 was not intended for 'hard to drive' speakers such as QUAD electrostatics but Mr Walker especially praised the sheer quality and innovation of electronics giving a pure path at low RMS and the respective companies eventually joined the same Canadian capital investment group which allowed for product evolution at a steady pace. Overtures from US and Japanese companies were not deemed to be suitable because their aims in audio purity were too large scale. As a matter of fact, Mr J Vereker of NAIM (who died young) and the ex-BBC engineers who went on to create KEF were professional friends spanning a generation and included Wharfedale designers then the famous Peter Jones as a young man. NAD steadily devised more mainstream 'receiver amps' to line up with US and Japanese makes but always kept their direct employee numbers quite low so that the team spirit was fostered. I still own a NAD 'tuner amp' (as we Brits call them) and it remains reliable after 45 years in all main ways as well as being welcoming of refreshed caps now and then. My Quad 400 series pre and power amps have only needed free servicing in the same time span. I have never been tempted by streaming as a pure enough source but QUAD and NAD make these, as does NAIM, although assembly has mostly moved to the far east. When I see the extremely high prices of much 'high end' gear and especially when I consider what the term "audiophile" is supposed to mean I wonder if music has become lost in a chimera alternative reality. The people I was lucky enough to meet as a young man (referred to above) were all passionate about music and authenticity. Music first and the need to innovate technologies for its faithful and reliable reproduction second -- usually based on rigorous training and knowledge of physics which they could apply to their shared goal.
I always here reviewers talk about equipment by words and meanings. If you got crap in you get crap out. Lps , cds may only have a few great produced music. It is sad reviewers cant play music within their reviews. I don't want to listen to classical, solo singers . Always trying to outdo each other with more watts , current, and r&d expense that the average person cannot afford. Don't get me started on what speakers your listening too.
You would be listening to youtube compression(lower quality) and coloring of the sound from your own gear. It's not sad music isn't played. It would be misleading if they did.
I bought the NAD C298 (has Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400A, similar to NAD M23) and I love it (I upgraded from Parasound 2125v2, also a very good amp).
Apple Music
I've had a C 298 for several months now. Yes, it has no sound of its own, and my impression is the uncanny way it just seems to disappear. Run your speakers without a power amplifier? That's the feeling you get. Of course, a lot of "audiophiles" will not be interested in this amp. It's too good, too plain looking, and doesn't invite tweaking, the hobby of most so-called audiophiles. But if you just like to listen to your music, no fuss, no muss, this is the perfect amp.
What preamp are you running with it?
Using the C-298 with C-658 pre-amp/streamer with Dirac room correction. . Awesome combo. Clean, detailed and great soundstage.
I agree. No more tweaking. Except I just bought another one to run it in bridge mode. Silly me. Nad c658 into 2x nad c298
I wasn't a fan of class D either but I had to change my mind. There's a head to head test on youtube , done by Alpha audio , between this amp (NAD C298) and the Bryston 4b cubed. Now I'm a Bryston guy , but I have to tell the truth. I couldn't hear any difference whatsoever between the 2 amps and I listened to the test multiple times. When the switch-over ocurrs , good luck telling the difference. So why should I pay $7500 for a 4b cubed when I can spend $2400 and get the same sound.
Jay, this would be more helpful if you had used and given 2-3 specific examples of preamps that was paired with and a mad preamp for comparison. Thanks!
Thanks for the informative review, Jay. I’ve been awaiting this one. Would be great to hear your thoughts on the matching preamplifier - NAD C658.
Not Jay, but J from Australia. I am a Tidal streaming only guy running the C658 + C298. For the money, the combination is outstanding (compare to a Naim Uniti Atom at roughly similar price, at least here in Australia) and I think it is a new sweet spot for utility, value pricing and performance. C298 is clear, detailed, uncoloured, powerful and dead quiet. The C658 with Bluos and Dirac has everything you could possibly need for streaming and tailoring for room acoustics. I also run my big screen TV through optical 1. The C298 outclasses the Dali Oberon 5's I currently have so I have some Spatial Audio Sapphire M3's on order. That's as much as I need to spend for audio happiness I think.
@@johnthompson3894 Thank you, John! I appreciate your thoughts. Great system too.
My man. Currently have Dali Oberon 5s through a bluesound powernode 2i, looking to upgrade to c568/c298. Sounds like I won’t be dissatisfied!
This is very cool. I think this is the way to go, you can adjust speakers and pre amps for sound flavour and not have to worry about the amp anymore
Jay, you really did a great job with this video! You really had a lot to say and kept yourself together through the whole video! I don't usually comment much on videos, but I just had to commend you on this one. Great job!
I bought this amp 3 months ago for my office setup, a 12K system all-in, so fairly high-end, and I can tell you that IME Jay is right, this system sounds different when I use my Lumin T2 streamer in preamp mode versus running it into my Modwright LS 36.5 tube preamp. REALLY different. I too could not identify this amp as Class D in a blind test against my much more expensive Class A/B amp that I use in my home system (I used the NAD at home swapping in and out to see if I could do it, and couldn't except for times when the midrange seemed more "there" using my Class A/B amp). I paid 2K retail for the NAD, and for the first time in my audiophile journey, I feel like I didn't pay too much for a piece of gear, even though I'd had to pay retail.
@@MrKrekkie CODA No 8 is my main amp at home. Love that beast.
Do you think the
NAD C658 Streaming DAC and C298 Power Amplifier would be a sonic improvement over a Hegel H190 ?
Lots of passion in the review. I bought one of these to power my Paradigm 100F main speakers. Love the sound. Thanks for your review.
Thank you for letting us know!
Thx for the review. How would you compare this amp to Hegel H120/190?
Yes, this is what I expect from the amp = just do what it is supposed to do, meaning to amplify. Any other eqaualization or tone control should be left to me as I'd like to tell my audio system how to sound and when. I'm too lazy to choose an amp that was designed on emphasis or even targeted colorations (by for example uneven impedance resp.) since in that case I would have to know this behaviour and then nitpick other specific components to even that out 😀
Exactly. Spot on. After buying my vtv eval1 version of the purifi amp from the first note on there was simply music. Not sound. Being a quite seasoned (Yes, old) audiophile, my first unspoken reaction was 'oh dear, this is where the beautifull journey of equipment swapping ends'.
The second: 'Blimey this is good!'
Don't be afraid, audiophiles. Like Jay says, you can simply continue altering the front end and the speakers.
But do as he says: take the opportunity to listen to purifi. It's super. Is another amp better? Listen to it, and you will agree that really is't the point anymore.
Jay calls It a blank canvas. I call it an open window. Listen and you will understand.
This is a super first watt amp for active crossover system! Variable gain is a most valuable feature when you have ultra efficient CDs etc…
and have you perhaps ever tested the C268. say if they have the solo device in stereo mode, or twice C268 in mono. I am very curious whether you also find the neutrality there compared to the C298.
I think you’re absolutely right about the C298. To me, the C275 bee , is a class act, absolute great amplifier. It’s always nice to hear your take and opinions on different gears without prejudice. As opposed to the other guy FILLIP or whatever his name is ? arrogant and prejudice in his comments. I doubt he knows much about Hi - Fi . To me people who insist they are right, and expect others to tow their line, know little. Otherwise they show their displeasure . Well that’s him. WELL DONE JAY. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
With all due respect to NAD amplifiers, I have two amplifiers that I turned into 300W RMS monoblocks so that they don't crash. And they still did not withstand the loads of INFINITY KAPPA 9 speakers. After continuous desperation, I am looking for power amplifiers to provide an adequate response to KAPPA 9. I would appreciate recommendations from the owners of such speakers. thanks
Hi Jay, thanks for the lovely review. How does it compare to the manufacturer purifi unit you reviewed previously? Is this power supply superior to the Hypex one?
You are absolutely right, every amplifier has its own color in sound. Even the primary A35.2 has coloration, but it is very close to the Nad. I also have a C399 and the sound there is indeed super neutral. those who love Bas come away disappointed. and for me it is the perfect match with the Focal Cora 826 and 8216. Focal has a perfect soundstage that no other brand has. These speakers ensure that the music no longer comes out of the speakers, it is as if they disappear. awesome.
Very interesting. How would you say it compares to the M33 or the Eigentakt manufacturing demo you previously reviewed? I'm wondering if the M33 loses something with the internal preamp stage that NAD use.
The advancements of Class D audiophile topography over the last 10yrs, has been nothing short of amazing. It’s truly become the “next level” in HiFi. Thanks to the engineering brilliance of Bruno Putzey, Michael Borresen, Jeff Rowland & many others. The synergy of today’s integrated’s are a major consideration, & eliminate many cabling concerns. I’ve taken that step forward, by buying an Aavik U300, & have no regrets, it just sounds real. The quality of this technology is expensive, with upper tier mfgrs. Embrace the future, or be doomed listening in the past.
My 25+ year old NAD 2400 is about to give up on me and im looking for a power amp to replace it. would the C298 be a good replacement? I use a NAD 1000 pre-amp for this.
Good and informative video Jay. There is a new American-made power amplifier based on the Eigentakt module, the LKV Veros PWR+
Good review, very well done, thank you! I am about to buy this power amp, but exploring people experiences with the same unit, I found out: The power supply makes a fair amount of mechanical noise. Looking around the Internet other people have reported this issue, some of them have been told that this is normal for this type of power supply. What do you think about this? Some people have no such a problem. I could not use amp with that noise/buzzing. Please replay....Regards!
Bonjour Jay, did you try with magnepan? Thanks.
How is this one compared to kinki studio ex-b7?
Thanks for the review - I was looking at benchmark but now this is looking like best performance for the $$$ - I do wonder if this is so clean if the actual artists or producers ever experienced their music in this way
It's great, I built one with the Eval1 board. My B&W 707S2 speakers now sucks.
Does this make the 707s2’s sound bad?
@@aerofart No they have never been better bit now they are the weakest link. My Sonos amp is pathetic compared to the Eval 1.
Nice review Jay. It’s been a year. Did you ever buy for yourself? And a year later, has your opinion changed? Thanks.
Good description, Jay! Putzey is the designer that made Class D not just respected but mainstream in hi fi.
Thanks for the review. I just bought one based on your review. My only wish is that the NAD be as reliable as a Marantz. Hope their new models are better in this regard.
Pairing this amp sourced from my SMSL M500 super clean DAC and the ever revealing KEF R7s. Plan to run upsampled DSD512 using Roon/Tidal combo...
after a year how are the KEF R7's playing with this amp?
@@quebec191 Superb honestly. Though, I am selling the C298 to get the M33 though, I am in love with the Purifi Tech clarity and instrument separation!
I guess NAD C268 amp will be a little brother of this amp, only difference will be power output (80W vs 185W at 8ohm) and minus the Purifi technology am I right?
Hi Jay! Do you know if the NAD C298 is a good match for Totem Sky Tower? I am interested in this amp mostly, but also consider the Hegel H90. Thank you.
Just curious, did you try this amp with magnepans ?
Interesting, how do you state balance, with pre cables, and speakers in the path, you keep the pre cable and speakers and roll the amp?
Is Nad c298 better than their older c390dd digital amp?
NAD humble shape and Class D for $2k. NAD is not fancy ultra high-end company, is that a good deal? There should be parts saving like big transformers or capacitors and etc, where is the parts saving money?
Always a good question to ask what are you getting for your money. NAD has and does make higher-end/higher-cost gear in the well-regarded "Master" series of products.
Good info, thank you. I am wondering how this amp compares to the PS Audio M700 amps?
NAD c658 NAD c298 and Arendal Sound 1723s Tower is the system you are looking for.
I'm looking for a power amp to go with my NA6006 Network Streamer from Marantz, as it has variable output in RCA configuration. Do you think this amp is a good bet? (The other two candidates are Marantz (own) MM7025 or the Rotel RB1552 MkII) Thanks for this review, awesome as ever! Stay safe!
Oh, sorry, just looked it up, it's the C268 that I was thinking of. (That is in the same price range as the Marantz and Rotel) Is the C268 basically the same, but, only with a lower output? (2x80W in 8ohms)
How did you like this amp with your Totem speakers?
Great review. Does this have a Pre-out for subwoofer connection? Thanks.
No it doesn't. I own one.
Can't you use the loop out RCA?@@tfomah
The Purifi modules are safe at 2 ohms, does the NAD handle 4 ohm speaker in bridged mode? That would make it worth getting a pair. Who has 8 ohm speakers that could ever use 500 or 620 watts? That power level is ideal for most big 4 ohm speakers.
Hi JAY. For C298 having adjustable gain at back panel, do you know what type of gain control it is? is it variable attenuation, traditional variable resistor, or volume ic? this is important to me, because my pre stage is having high voltage level that i need a low gain power amp. but if the music signal will pass through that variable resistor which might be harmful to sound quality, than C298 may not be my choice anymore.
Please see our measurements for the best explanation... www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2493:nad-c298-stereo-amplifier-measurements&catid=97:amplifier-measurements&Itemid=154
Jay, could you connect the Line Out of this amp to the Line In on a powered sub? Thank you. James
The way you describe it, it sounds a lot like a Bryston amp, where do you think are the differences in sound?
You get lower distortion with amplifiers using the Purifi modules. Though Bryston amplifiers still have quite low distortion lower than most amps.
Probably won't even notice the distortion differences audibly when listening to music or a movie track.
The Bryston amplifiers do have more power wattage into 8ohm and 4ohms.
I’m loving your reviews, thank you! Would love to hear your thoughts on the Benchmark AHB-2…
Is it same balance as M33?
Hi Jay, I have the C298 for a few weeks now, with the Quad Z2 speakers and the Topping D70S DAC set as preamp. Coming from the XTZ Edge and the Schiit Saga+, which I then exchanged for the Musical Fidelity M5si and a Topping E30 DAC. I have to say that the C298 is like you described overall great with details and good bass control.
I am now wondering what speakers did you try and which ones match the great with the C298? Same question for preamp. I was waiting for one of you guys (Thomas&Stereo, Zero Fidelity, Steve G, etc.) is going to review this Purifi amp. Thanks!
Do you prefer the XTZ or the NAD ?
This and a tube pre amp would probably be a great combo ...
Agreed. Bit over the top but would be interesting to pair also with Robert Koda preamp.
@@jayvolek2584 I’d like to hear that preamp with just about any amplifier haha
I own a Conrad Johnson Et3se I may get this Nad or Simaudio 330a!
Jay. Thanks for this review which I found very useful. You described the NAD C298 (US$2,000) as balanced/neutral/colour-less. The Benchmark Media AHB2 (US$3,000) is often described using those same words. Are you able to provide a comparison of these two products. Thanks.
I got the AHB2 and am waiting for the C298 to arrive. 😈
@@hushpuppykl Which one did you end up keeping? Any preference between one or the other?
@@coolassloser … still waiting for the C298 😂🤣
@@hushpuppykl Still waiting? Lol
@@Profoundsoup … unfortunately … yes. 😂🤣
Hi, I would like a short audio commentary between NAD298 and KInki M7(/B7) audio. Is it possible, soundstage, deep bass, voice, which is the best?
Let’s say “100’s” perhaps. Lol. Not THOUSANDS.
Thanks for the great reviews.
Looking for a budget “warm” phono Pre amp. Open for suggestions.
Just heard of a relatively new brand called Darlington Labs that's got 3 phono pre's that are worth a look
@@mattbonaccio3522 appreciate that! Thank you.
What cartridge?
@@solarfall2728 Nagaoka MP110
Hi
Nice video ; can you make a video have to Connect this too reciver 5:1.? Cant fins i video have to Connect 🙏🏻
Hi Jay, how about a review of the KECES S300?🤞🏻
How would would you say the sound compares to the more expensive Benchmark AHB2 amplifier?
It's actually a thousand dollars cheaper than the Benchmark amp. Is that what you meant?
Benchmark has better distortion numbers but both probably sound same
@@locmanw1583 I think the NAD (Class D) would sound different than the Benchmark (Class AB)... Don't you think?
@@1337sim1 Not sure I would need to evaluate at home with my speakers. Only thing I don't like about Benchmark is it only has balanced inputs.
Interesting amp. Would like to hear it someday. So no dryness or glare in the upper mids or treble like typical class D eh? Cool.
Also, I assume the “thousands of amplifiers” and “thousands of speakers” was an exaggeration? I’ll grant you hundreds maybe, but thousands?
There is no typical class d. You should hear nuprime with ATC or Spendor. Nuprimes are amazing value for money.
Ha, I was think the exact same thing! Thousands?
326BEE v2 i believe pretty fire, does the 268 have the same modules?
C316BEE is traditional class A/B, C268 uses Hypex UcD if i'm not mistaken. Good, but not close to Eigentakt.
@@WhatEver-dx3eu Of course, I know it's not class D.
However, it sounds better than my previous integrated amp and it was much cheaper[on sale]. Clean pure sound and plenty loud, dont even have to pass 10 o'clock.
But yea dont take my advice, I am very new to audio. Started in june of last year.
This unit[298] is interesting, some day I will purchase it. Heard raves about this system even prior to this video, didn't know what it was. Got way too much audio going on right now. Got to relax on that LOL.
@@mikegoddard7354 The C326BEEV2 (did a typo above) is an excellent amp, the C298 is more than double the price and there's no pre-amp, so should be better! Enjoy. Nice thing is you can upgrade by connecting pre-out to a power amp such as C298, the level of improvement depends a lot on your speakers.
@@WhatEver-dx3eu Indeed, I totally agree. It's technically my keeper, I sold my marantz integrated amp which I got open box and it was older model[18' 19'], but its msrp was a 1000, this NAD is 599 msrp I believe.
I honestly didn't even know my speakers could or did perform the way they do vs what they were outputting while using the marantz. It was a night and day difference
Not sure, but I hear that denon sounds better than marantz. Marantz does some things to their units which actually hurt the sound and introducing things that shouldn't be there and wouldn't if not for design. Not certain if that's the reason why there's a such a difference or that the NAD is a non digital amp.
if this amplifier is input output why not pair it with the best preamp and save some money on the amplifier ?
The NAD c298 is not exactly neutral IMO.
It’s well balanced, but presents ever so slightly on the warmer side of neutral.
It is smooth and detailed. Offering excellent dynamics, grip and bass control.
It doesn’t have the last word on texture, but does exhibit great balance top to bottom, it’s a pleasure to listen to.
Did I mention it has excellent punch and grip!!
Enjoy
Most music since the 80s have been mixed on the warm side to begin with, because so many home systems and portable systems were /bright/. Chances are you’re hearing it as warm because of this - not because the amp itself is introducing that character.
An easy way to tell this is by recording your own samples, then listening to them played back with zero editing.
@@berzoidberg3272 I like it a lot.
I have three, running an active speaker setup. :)
After Burn in the wow factor pops out.
How long did you burn the C298 in? I am running it now for 30 h. Love the clear/detailed sound, but sure hope it gets better.
After 3 months waiting just got the M33. Love it!
Looking to buy one soon what specifically di you like? Thanks
@@smarttrader_9970 Returning mine after 2 days. Audio processing delay of around 100ms. Sound wise, nothing compares. Going for the C298 now.
@@AlienShine Yeah I heard M33 has bugs. How is sound of C298?
@@locmanw1583 It's great. Paired with an ADI2 Pro DAC FS for some processing.
@@AlienShine Does it sound full and juicy or lean and dry?
First thing, thank you for your time & efforts Jay. Much appreciated.
Sounds like pretty much the perfect amp.
Could I ask, if you've had the experience, is it the same basic presentation as Benchmarks AHB2?
That is a wonderfully precise & accurate amp but is rather sterile & involving.
Fully appreciate the measured prowess but a Schiit Aegir, if appropriate for your space & speakers for example, I found to be so much more involving & somehow more like 'real' people/instruments.
Funny folk us audiophiles :-)
Fantastic review almost anti Audiophile keep up the great work.
Let us know how it drives Magnepans, will ya Jay?
it will
At 340W at 4ohms, a 500W rating at 2 ohms and a damping factor of 800... I don't think driving maggies is an issue;)
@@aweidenhammer funny that. Often it is the high current that is synergistic with maggies, rather than wattage or damping factor. The old adage "doubling power into half the ohms" still seems to be the best guide. But class D, maybe is Different, switch mode power supply and all.
@@brandonseitz8576 This is nearly doubling at 4ohms. It's a pretty impressive amp all around. I'm certainly considering it for my maggies.
Neutral, balanced isn't the right words as manufacturers can do this by clever manipulation.
The right word is uncoloured. The Purifi modules get close to playing the sound source without adding anything or taking anything away.
The Orchard Audio Starkrimson is another class D amplifier with super low distortion. Very uncoloured but using GaN technology to deliver a very pure sound.
I was thinking about a pair of C298 in mono for my Tannoy XT8F towers with their BluOS preamp, or maybe a Freya+.
Anyone tried this with Martin logan XT/XTI?
People reporting hum from the unit itself...did you notice it?
I have one. Dead silent.
i have a electrical noise, not a hum exactly. its pretty faint.
Dead silent
Great, now try to find good matching components! What speaker anyone?
Sonus faber Sonetto 5
Like your review a lot, some people just love to criticize.
What’s the matching pre?
NAD C658
You should review the benchmark ABH2. Free 30 day trial.
@@_kardus where is the difference between paying customs yourself and paying a higher msrp with an US/canadian importer
@@_kardus wow, what a screw job.
I see now your video. I also Like pure sound. I have handmade speakers from drivers SEAS CX871. They are great, That Pure sound. Last week I visited a shop to listen to NAD M33, cause I will buy another amplifier. The sound in the store with speakers from Olympica NOVA, €4875,00, was very bad! The sound was not open, it was too much demping. What I want to say is: You need great speakers with sound you love, after that then buy a amplifier.
What is class D sound ? That doesnt exist man , its a technique , class D amplifier in audio is exact same thing as SMPS power supply in your computer , your GPU can not tell if its getting 12V from SMPS or a Transformer , it makes no difference its 12V . And same goes for AC signals , there is no difference how you achieve that . There is no class D sound
Go buy Class D amplifier moduls on E bay , buy 10 of them , go buy A/B modules 10 of them , mix them up and tell me witch one is Class D and witch one is Integrated IC Mosfet AB class .
You cant , i cant becasue there is no Class D sound , its just sound
This video is devastating! Lol. Was thinking to buy M10, now can’t help but be confused and now thinking c658 combined with this. Was hard to justify cost of M10, now harder to make a decision for $1500 CAD more. Darn
Counterpoint: I've had NAD equipment for decades and loved the brand. I was excited to have a NAD C298 in my house for 3 months, driving a pair of Paradigm 800F tower speakers well known for their neutrality. The NAD was exhausting to listen to. I could only listen to a single album at a time before my ears were ready to take a break. It's super-bright, super-precise and frankly not fun at all. For soulful vocal music it was downright "robotic" - which is how my non-audiophile girlfriend described it. Maybe it puts down fabulous numbers, but IRL it wasn't anything I want to listen to again. I replaced it with a Hegel H120 and I'm not looking back.
What preamp were you using? IME, preamp has way more to do with the voicing of a system than the power amplifier.
I had NAD C368 and hated it. It was bright and forward. Midrange was thin sounding and bass was all over the place. My ears hurt listening to it. Then just like you and thanks to Jay. I bought H120. It is great matching with Vienna Acoustics Hayden SE. Now I am happy. After watching this video, I would love to audition this amp and may get a tube preamp to feed the C298.
@@rains00the Yes, that's a fair point and I agree the pre-amp was a big contributor to my negative experience. I was using a NAD C510 DAC connected to PC via USB and playing hi-res files with Roon. That C510 adds brightness to any amp but with this C298 the final result was over the top.
I had the same when I had the Topping E30 dac connected to it (either directly or through the preamp of a Musical Fidelity M5si integrated). Now I have a Topping D70S as DAC/Preamp connected and it sounds great. Better than the M5si with the D70S. So if your DAC is not up to par, then you will hear it with the C298. So try another DAC and or preamp and you will see you can tune the C298 to your liking, cause it adds no color, it just shows how good or bad your gear is connected to it.
@@tomchan2559 Totally agree. Please reply here later if you discover that you prefer the tube/C298 to your Hegel. Every time I listen to this Hegel I fall in love with it again. I'm making it a mission to audition the high-end Hegel stuff to determine if it's worth the price. I expect I'll need to re-arrange my financial affairs.
I would like to see more details and demos of the equipment you review instead of seeing you for so long.
at least you said it is class d finally , you may have preferred to hide it completely bc of the stigma attached bla bla .
Balanced otherwise known as a reference amp.
Why is it half empty? This is alarming!🧐
Important perspective. The audiophile industry has lost its mind, spending multi kilobuck sums for audio crayons.
Why do you use the term "crayons"? We're unclear what that means.
@@soundstagenetwork coloring instruments. Rather than pursue the ideal of straight wire with gain, color and “flavor” dominate choices. It’s more like the wine industry.
One easy way to disqualify class-D is to listen to a DSD piano recording, aaargh horrifying! Intermodulation distortion in buckets.
The Purifi 1ET400A is NO exception. When you have learned how it sounds, you will hear it in all kind of music, then go buy a class-AB amp and be happy.
This amp is on my list for sure. 👍
That preamp/dac exists. It's called the Mola Mola Makua.
Thousands? come on. Maybe hundreds. lol
I've had a C658 & C298. Awesome!
why did you get rid of them?
@@chrissimmonds4383 now have a M32. A bit better.
@@chrissimmonds4383 btw....aiming on a M33 now😉
I have both. Not trading for anything else.
Serious? Time to take inventory.
Apollon Audio has amps with Purifi
Meant involving, sorry (AHB2)
I got a NAD amp that cost me $900 and a Jaycar amp that cost $300. The Jaycar (at least subjectively) kills my NAD that cost me three times more. Probably cos the numeric amp is supposed to be a MOSFET. Maybe it's a "MOSFET". Iol To give you an idea of the difference: The Jaycar cymbal sound is more metal like than with the NAD. It not only kills my NAD, it's twice the power output as well. Unfortunately the Jaycar company has gone down hill and the amp is DISCONTINUED.
We aren't taking about A NAD amp. We are talking about the NAD C298. Get with the program!
All sound equipment running off batteries will give you better audio. Your house refrigerator and appliances distorts.
@@wric01 What does that have to do with ANYTHING? The NAD and the POS Jaycar tube amp he's talking about aren't running off batteries! Have you lost your mind?
Why would anyone waste our time on a review of an amplifier that no one can buy?
The NAD C 298 can be purchased. It's the Purifi demo amp that he refers to that can't be bought.
@@soundstagenetwork I was referring to the Purifi amp. I didn't see the original review but would have been miffed about wasting my time on something I can't get.
@@gitmobob1714 Understandable, but for those who get to hear it, the Purifi Eigentakt provides a frame of reference to just others against. In the written NAD C 298, Evan McCosham uses it as a point of comparison.
Prefered the stoner approach from Jays last video 😂
I usually find your overviews to be interesting but this one is highly repetitious and rather shows your lack of experience with the "neutrality goal" which was a characteristic of British amplifiers for music dating back to the 1960s.
You showed far too little of connecting 'business end' of the NAD -- merely a 4 second movie mode sweep which would have made more sense than chanting at a camera.
Frankly, your "journey" through audio excellence is of far less importance than conveying excellence based on the accrued knowledge and experience of users and designers.
NAD was seen as a low price company competing with 'high end' manufacturers such as QUAD, NAIM and LINN (although the latter used electronics from NAIM but had a very clever PR department which allowed their brand to be become almost a cult in the '80s and '90s).
What NAD achieved in the late 1970s was to produce a medium price integrated amp 3020 which drew, stylistically, upon QUAD's very plain and functional appearance including controls and function nomenclature.
New Acoustic Dimension (NAD) was founded in London by an American medical doctor and a Swedish industrial designer, both passionate about mainly classical music at an exciting time in Britain. I recall Mr P Walker OBE of QUAD examining and using the NAD 3020 in his office and he praised it highly. Whereas QUAD products had a home audio department, the company was in the 1970s still a main supplier of equipment to the BBC and the general ethos cross-fertilized within their modestly large factory on the edge of Huntingdon.
NAD's 3050 was not intended for 'hard to drive' speakers such as QUAD electrostatics but Mr Walker especially praised the sheer quality and innovation of electronics giving a pure path at low RMS and the respective companies eventually joined the same Canadian capital investment group which allowed for product evolution at a steady pace. Overtures from US and Japanese companies were not deemed to be suitable because their aims in audio purity were too large scale. As a matter of fact, Mr J Vereker of NAIM (who died young) and the ex-BBC engineers who went on to create KEF were professional friends spanning a generation and included Wharfedale designers then the famous Peter Jones as a young man.
NAD steadily devised more mainstream 'receiver amps' to line up with US and Japanese makes but always kept their direct employee numbers quite low so that the team spirit was fostered.
I still own a NAD 'tuner amp' (as we Brits call them) and it remains reliable after 45 years in all main ways as well as being welcoming of refreshed caps now and then. My Quad 400 series pre and power amps have only needed free servicing in the same time span. I have never been tempted by streaming as a pure enough source but QUAD and NAD make these, as does NAIM, although assembly has mostly moved to the far east.
When I see the extremely high prices of much 'high end' gear and especially when I consider what the term "audiophile" is supposed to mean I wonder if music has become lost in a chimera alternative reality.
The people I was lucky enough to meet as a young man (referred to above) were all passionate about music and authenticity. Music first and the need to innovate technologies for its faithful and reliable reproduction second -- usually based on rigorous training and knowledge of physics which they could apply to their shared goal.
Balanced do pianos 🎹 sound , oh you sold the Benchmark. . You ain’t buying it. It’s a doorstop. You don’t like high frequencies.
I always here reviewers talk about equipment by words and meanings. If you got crap in you get crap out. Lps , cds may only have a few great produced music. It is sad reviewers cant play music within their reviews. I don't want to listen to classical, solo singers . Always trying to outdo each other with more watts , current, and r&d expense that the average person cannot afford. Don't get me started on what speakers your listening too.
You would be listening to youtube compression(lower quality) and coloring of the sound from your own gear. It's not sad music isn't played. It would be misleading if they did.
15 мусОра - а всего лишь его надо было пРостО! вкЛючить !!
用了不到半年就坏了。
Uninvolving