NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier with Purifi Eigentakt

The NAD C298 is a stereo power amplifier that brings audiophile Purifi Eigentakt technology into an affordable chassis. It delivers 2× 185 watts into 8 ohms and can be bridged into a mono power amp with 620 watts – built for demanding speakers and high-quality preamps and streaming preamps.

At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, the C298 stands for a simple idea: lots of clean power, little fuss. No frills, just a power amplifier that simply does its job – and does it exceptionally well.

Why the NAD C298?

The C298 won the EISA Award "Power Amplifiers" 2021–2022 – the international panel of experts praised the combination of amplifier power and versatility. At its heart is Purifi Eigentakt technology: it reduces distortion and noise so far that the amplifier adds practically nothing of its own to the signal. On top of that, it stays cool and efficient – Class-D that sounds like high end instead of compromise.

What you hear

Control. Bass that locks in, treble without harshness, and a calm between the notes that makes fine details audible for the first time. The high damping factor above 800 keeps even critical speakers firmly in check – the C298 stays composed where smaller power amps start to sweat.

Who is the NAD C298 for?

For anyone who wants to run a full-grown power amplifier off an active preamp or a streaming DAC preamp – the NAD C658 is the natural partner. Via the balanced XLR inputs it equally suits high-end preamps and processors. Bottom line: the C298 is a pure power amplifier, not an integrated amplifier. Nothing happens here without a preamp with volume control – if you want an all-in-one, you're better served by the NAD C3050 or C399.

Our verdict

One of the most honest recommendations in the NAD lineup: Purifi power and an EISA Award at a price where others are just starting to get interesting. If you want to add a calm, powerful amplifier to your chain, you'll rarely go wrong with the C298 – and you can add a second one later as a monoblock.

Technical specifications

• Principle: Class-D, Purifi Eigentakt
• Continuous power: 2× 185 W (8 Ω), 2× 340 W (4 Ω)
• Bridged operation (mono): 620 W (8 Ω)
• Dynamic power: 260 / 490 / 570 W (8 / 4 / 2 Ω)
• Inputs: 1× balanced XLR, 1× RCA, level control, line output
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.005 %
• Damping factor: >800
• Automation: Auto-Sense with selectable threshold, 12V trigger in/out
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 435 × 120 × 396 mm
• Weight: 11.2 kg
• Finish: black
• What's included: NAD C298, power cable

Frequently asked questions

Does the NAD C298 need a preamplifier?
Yes. The C298 is a pure power amplifier with no volume control. It needs a preamp or streaming preamp like the NAD C658 – or any other preamp with an RCA or XLR output.

Can the C298 be used as a mono power amplifier?
Yes. In bridged mode it operates as a monoblock delivering up to 620 watts into 8 ohms. For stereo you set up two C298s as monoblocks – ideal for very demanding floorstanding speakers.

What does Purifi Eigentakt technology bring?
It reduces distortion and noise to a minimum, with high efficiency and little heat. The result is a neutral, controlled sound that imposes nothing of its own on the speaker.

Why buy the NAD C298 at HD Zürisee?
Because we tell you honestly whether a separate power amplifier even makes sense in your chain – and which preamp and speakers suit it. As a seasoned team of specialists on Lake Zurich, we plan the system with you, and our technician Mauri handles installation and service.

Goes well with

You'll find the right preamp among our preamplifiers, and the right speakers among our floorstanding speakers.