NAD C 298 Amplifier Review! Hi-Fi Perfection! | SoundStage Take 2

NAD’s new C 298 power amplifier is based on Purifi Audio’s revolutionary Eigentakt amplifier technology. Rated to output 185Wpc as a stereo amplifier or 620W when bridged to operate as a monoblock, the C 298 boasts incredibly low distortion, for super-clean power and plenty of detail, and an incredibly high damping factor, for strict control of any loudspeaker it’s wired to.

On March 15, Evan McCosham reviewed the NAD C 298 for SoundStage! Hi-Fi and wrote: “The value propositions NAD has been fine-tuning for decades are continued in the C 298. If you’re in the market for a new power amp, and that part of your budget goes even as high as $5000, it will be worth your while to give the C 298—at only $1999—a good listen. You might save yourself a bundle.”

In this video, Jay Lee takes a second look at the C 298. Did he like it as much as Evan did? Watch the video to find out.

#nad #eigentakt #audiophile

[LeoRousseau]

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!

[mikelecrone]

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.

[randallbrown]

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.

[waynetoneseekerandersen]

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!

[danielesbordone]

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.

[KanapaKnapa]

Thx for the review. How would you compare this amp to Hegel H120/190?

[maciejrobak]

I've had it for over month and I couldn't describe it better. I would definitiely say that it does this magic. It disappears and the music flows.Thank you for this description.

[mrpmj]

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

[daveyoung]

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.

[jasonpmcqueen]

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.

[robk]

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

[billdave]

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.

[stevenkoski]

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.

[ranelime]

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?

[michaelmityok]

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.

[vladimirdorta]

Good and informative video Jay. There is a new American-made power amplifier based on the Eigentakt module, the LKV Veros PWR+

[jeanpoirier]

Bonjour Jay, did you try with magnepan? Thanks.

[arpeemac]

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.

[alexandrevaillancourt]

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.

[ruudstet]

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.