NAD C 298
The NAD C 298 is a two-channel Class D power amplifier built around Purifi Audio's Eigentakt technology. It uses the same modules as NAD's Masters M33 and M28, but with NAD's own power supply and input circuitry instead of the Hypex-made supply found in Purifi's own implementations. It was the second NAD product to use Eigentakt, after the Masters M33 integrated amplifier-DAC. It launched at $1,999 USD.
The numbers are big. It is rated at 185Wpc into 8 ohms and 340Wpc into 4 ohms, with a bridge mode that turns it into a 620W monoblock. The amp passed a 5-minute continuous dynamic power test at 517W into 4 ohms with a 10% duty cycle, and ran only slightly warm on top. Measured THD+N stayed under 0.005% unweighted across the board, and signal-to-noise ratios came in comfortably above the >120dB spec at full power.
The feature set is aimed at system builders. Each channel has both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, switchable between fixed and variable gain. The variable setting attenuates 0dB to -20dB through a rear-panel trim pot. A line-level RCA output allows daisy-chaining additional amplifiers, and a 12V trigger input/output handles automation. Auto-power-on from standby is included, with user-selectable trigger sensitivity (High, Mid, Low). There is no auto-off function. The front panel is minimal: a standby button and two small LEDs.
Build quality matches the price. The faceplate is a plastic-based composite and the rest of the case is metal. The rear-panel hardware is of suitable quality, with clear labels. Only a matt black finish was offered. At about 25 pounds it is heavy for a Class D amp, and the substantial switching supply and input circuitry account for much of that. NAD's own marketing noted the C 298 pairs naturally with the C 658 streaming preamp. The simple, tidy look of the Classic series was a deliberate nod to fans who found the Masters-series design too extravagant.
Production years are not documented in the archive, and no current market pricing data has surfaced. Only the original $1,999 launch price is known.
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