The C298 is a stereo power amplifier by NAD that delivers 185 watts x 2. It was released in September 2020. It is a 2-channel design using a Class D output stage. Bridged to mono it delivers 620 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 C298 has an MSRP of $3,099.
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 C298 is rated at 185 watts RMS into 8-ohms. NAD provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.005% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 185 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.005%
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
How loud will 185 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the NAD C298?
185 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 C298 is rated at 185 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Over 180 watts band. That is the top band we cover, so there is no step up from here - if it is not enough, the answer is more sensitive speakers or a smaller room, not more watts.
When pairing the NAD C298 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 C298, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
NAD C298 has total of 2 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Outputs
NAD C298 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓185 watts per channel into 8 ohms is more than most rooms and most speakers will ever ask for.
- ✓Damping factor of 800 means a low output impedance and firm control over a woofer.
- ✓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 0.005%, 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 C298 External Dimensions and Weight
NAD C298 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) . The unit weighs
11.2 kg (24.7 lbs).
- Width: mm (17-1/8")
- Height: mm (4-3/4")
- Depth: mm (16-1/16")
- Weight: 11.2 kg (24.7 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 C298 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
NAD |
| Full Model Name |
NAD C298 |
| Release Date |
September 2020 |
| Amplifier Type |
Power Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
185 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
N/A |
| Bridged Power per Channel |
620 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| Damping Factor |
800 |
| THD |
0.005% |
| 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 (4-3/4") |
| Width |
mm (17-1/8") |
| Depth |
mm (16-1/16") |
| Weight |
11.2 kg (24.7 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
| THX Certification |
No |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
How much power does the NAD C298 have?
The NAD C298 delivers 185 watts x 2.
Does the NAD C298 use vacuum tubes?
No. The NAD C298 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the NAD C298?
The NAD C298 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 C298 cost?
The NAD C298 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $3,099.
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