NAD C 298 Class D Power Amp Released
NAD has introduced the Purifi Eigentakt-powered C 298 stereo power amplifier.
NAD Electronics' C 298 stereo power amp (£1,699) employs the latest Purifi Eigentakt amplification technology as already enjoyed in the brand's Masters series. The C 298 proclaims to be a two-channel powerhouse that's ready to partner high-quality preamps to dish out 185 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. Additionally, it can be bridged to 620W X 1 into 8 Ohms to create a colossal Monoblock.
While Class A/AB still very much has its fans, Class D eschews power-hungry linear power supplies and output stages that wastes energy creating heat rather than sound. NAD says that it has developed better performing circuits based on switch mode power supplies and Class D output stages that are very linear over a wide bandwidth and provide consistent performance into all speaker loads.
We are assured that the generously dimensioned power supply easily allows for 340 watts continuous into 4 ohms and over 570 watts instantaneous power for short term musical transients.
The Danish tech company, Purifi, has taken a fresh look at every aspect of amplifier performance and found many seemingly small non-linearities that can make a dramatic difference in the overall sound. This return to first principles has resulted in a stunningly simple approach to some remarkably complex problems.
The Eigentakt modules are manufactured by NAD under license from Purifi, allowing NAD to optimise these specifically in combination with the custom-designed power supply and input stages of the C 298.
Around at the rear of the C 298 are selectable balanced inputs as well as a line out, enabling you to add more power on the same channel for additional speakers or subwoofers. Auto-sense with a selectable threshold automates complex systems or gives you the option of hiding the amp out of sight in a cabinet. NAD even included a Ground Lug that can be very useful for eliminating ground loops and noise in complex multi-unit systems.
Finally, the Bridge Switch turns the C 298 into an amazingly powerful Monoblock Amplifier. Start with one and add a second C 298 later should you want.
The NAD C 298 stereo power amp is available now for an MRSP of £1,699, (€1,999).
Head to NAD For More Information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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