NAD C 298 Stereo Power Amplifier

NAD C 298 Stereo Power Amplifier

The NAD C 298 Stereo Power Amplifier is built for listeners who want effortless authority, ultra-clean detail, and the flexibility to grow with a high-performance system. Centered around Purifi Eigentakt™ amplification, it delivers exceptionally low noise and distortion so recordings sound more open, controlled, and natural—whether you’re listening quietly or pushing demanding speakers to realistic levels. With both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) analogue inputs plus adjustable input level control, the C 298 integrates smoothly with a wide range of preamps, DACs, and processors. It can run as a powerful stereo amp or be bridged into a high-output monoblock, and system-friendly features like auto turn-on, 12V trigger connections, a line output for daisy chaining, and a ground lug make it ideal for real-world setups—including hidden rack or cabinet installs. 

The NAD C 298 is part of ListenUp's NAD Power Amps Collection.

What It's Good At:

• Delivering exceptionally clean, transparent power with Purifi Eigentakt™ ultra-low noise and distortion
• Driving demanding loudspeaker loads with stable control and high current capability
• Providing serious headroom for musical peaks with strong continuous and dynamic power reserves
• Integrating into high-end and studio-style systems with balanced XLR and RCA inputs plus input level control
• Expanding systems easily via line output for daisy chaining additional amplification
• Automating complex setups with auto turn-on (selectable threshold) and 12V trigger in/out

NAD C 298 Full Specifications:

• THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) [Analog Audio Input/Line Out]: <0.0005 % at 2V out
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio [Analog Audio Input/Line Out]: >120 dB (IHF; 20 Hz – 20 kHz, ref. 2V out)
• Channel separation [Analog Audio Input/Line Out]: >110 dB (1 kHz); >100 dB (10 kHz)
• Input impedance (R and C): Single-ended: 56 kohms + 280 pF; Balanced: 56 kohms + 280 pF
• Maximum input signal: >7.0 Vrms (ref. 0.1 % THD)
• Output impedance: 390 ohms
• Frequency response [Analog Audio Input/Line Out]: ±0.1 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Maximum voltage output - IHF load: ≥>7.0 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)
• Rated output power into 8 Ohms and 4 ohms (Stereo mode, ref. 20 Hz-20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven): 185 W at 8 ohms; 340 W at 4 ohms
• Rated output power into 8 Ohms (Bridge mode, ref. 20 Hz-20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven): 620 W at 8 ohms
• THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) [Analog Audio Input/Speaker Out]: <0.005 % (1 W to 185 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio [Analog Audio Input/Speaker Out]: >98 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8 ohms); >120 dB (A-weighted, ref. 185 W out in 8 ohms)
• Clipping power (Stereo mode, at 1 kHz 0.1 % THD): >200 W
• Clipping power (Bridge mode, at 1 kHz 0.1 % THD): >690 W
• IHF dynamic power (Stereo mode, at 1 kHz 1 % THD): 8 ohms: 260 W; 4 ohms: 490 W; 2 ohms: 570 W
• IHF dynamic power (Bridge mode, at 1 kHz 1 % THD): 8 ohms: 1000 W; 4 ohms: 1100 W
• Peak output current: >25 A (in 1 ohm, 1 ms)
• Damping factor: >800 (ref. 8 ohms 20 Hz – 6.5 kHz)
• Frequency response [Analog Audio Input/Speaker Out]: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz); -3 dB at 60 kHz
• Channel separation [Analog Audio Input/Speaker Out]: >100 dB (1 kHz); >80 dB (10 kHz)
• Stereo Mode input sensitivity (for 185 W in 8 ohms): Fixed Gain mode: 1.43 V
• Stereo Mode Gain: Fixed Gain mode: 28.6 dB
• Line In – Balanced and Single-ended: Variable Gain mode: 8.5 dB – 28.5 dB
• Bridge Mode Sensitivity: Fixed Gain mode: 3.78 V for 620 W in 8 ohms
• Line In – Balanced and Single-ended: Variable Gain mode at maximum: 1.41 V for 620 W in 8 ohms
• Bridge Mode Gain: Fixed Gain mode: 25.4 dB
• Line In – Balanced and Single-ended: Variable Gain mode: 14.5 dB – 34.5 dB
• Standby power: <0.5 W
• Gross dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 120 x 390 mm (17 1/8 x 4 3/4 x 15 3/8 inches)
• Net weight: 11.2 kg (24.7 lbs)
• Shipping weight: 13.6 kg (30 lbs)

NAD C 298 Q&A:

What makes the NAD C 298 different from typical power amplifiers?

It uses Purifi Eigentakt™ amplification designed to keep distortion and noise exceptionally low, helping deliver cleaner detail, stronger control, and a more effortless sound across volume levels.

How much power does the C 298 deliver in stereo mode?

It delivers 185 W per channel into 8 ohms and 340 W per channel into 4 ohms, providing strong continuous output with headroom for dynamic peaks.

Can the C 298 be used as a monoblock amplifier?

Yes. It can be bridged into mono mode to deliver 620 W into 8 ohms, making it easy to start with one unit and later add a second for dual-mono setups.

What input connections does the C 298 support?

It includes balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) analogue inputs for flexible integration with preamps, DACs, and processors.

What is the input level control used for?

Input level control helps precisely match gain with your preamplifier or source components, which can improve system balance and optimize signal levels.

Does the C 298 support system automation?

Yes. It offers auto turn-on with a selectable signal-sensing threshold, plus 12V trigger input and output for seamless power control in integrated systems.

What is the line output used for?

The line output enables daisy chaining—handy for expanding a system with additional amplifiers or building multi-amp configurations.

Is the C 298 energy-efficient when not in use?

Yes. Standby power consumption is rated at less than 0.5 W, helping reduce energy use when the amplifier is idle.

NAD C 298 Downloads:

NAD C298 Manual
NAD C298 Quick Start Guide
NAD C298 Data Sheet