The C 268 is a stereo power amplifier by NAD that delivers 80 watts x 2. It was released in October 2017. It is a 2-channel design using a Class D output stage. Bridged to mono it delivers 300 watts, which is the usual way to use a pair of these on a demanding speaker. Speakers connect via binding posts. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The NAD C 268 has an MSRP of $1,299.
There are 3 NAD amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
NAD Power Amplifier Series
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The NAD C 268 is rated at 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms. NAD provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.003% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 80 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.003%
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
How loud will 80 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the NAD C 268?
80 W into 8 ohms, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
NAD C 268 is rated at 80 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 61 to 90 watts band. The next band up is 91 to 120 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the Up to 60 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the NAD C 268 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the NAD C 268, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
NAD C 268 has total of 2 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Outputs
NAD C 268 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓80 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
- ✓Class D output stage, so it runs cool and wastes little power as heat - which is how it fits in a small case.
- ✓Distortion is specified at 0.003%, an order of magnitude below what is generally held to be audible.
- ✓Can be bridged to mono, so a pair can be used as two larger monoblocks.
- ✓Detachable mains lead (IEC 3-prong).
- ✗A power amplifier has no volume control and no input selection - it needs a preamplifier, or a source with a variable output, in front of it.
NAD C 268 External Dimensions and Weight
NAD C 268 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) . The unit weighs
7.3 kg (16.1 lbs).
- Width: mm (17-3/16")
- Height: mm (4")
- Depth: mm (16")
- Weight: 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~cm2 / 0.0inch2
- Volume: ~0.0 liter / 0.0 gallon
Warranty
2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the NAD C 268 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
NAD |
| Full Model Name |
NAD C 268 |
| Release Date |
October 2017 |
| Amplifier Type |
Power Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
80 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
N/A |
| Bridged Power per Channel |
300 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| Damping Factor |
100 |
| THD |
0.003% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
N/A |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
2 |
| Removable Power Cord |
IEC 3-prong |
| Speaker Connectors |
Binding posts |
| Speaker Outputs |
2 |
| Level Controls |
Yes |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
mm (4") |
| Width |
mm (17-3/16") |
| Depth |
mm (16") |
| Weight |
7.3 kg (16.1 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
| THX Certification |
No |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
How much power does the NAD C 268 have?
The NAD C 268 delivers 80 watts x 2.
Does the NAD C 268 use vacuum tubes?
No. The NAD C 268 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the NAD C 268?
The NAD C 268 uses a Class D amplifier design. Class D is a modern switching design that runs cool and wastes very little energy as heat, which is how makers fit high power into a compact, light chassis.
How much does the NAD C 268 cost?
The NAD C 268 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,299.
Was this amplifier review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.