Customer Reviews

This thing is a BEAST

Running a pair of these to bi-amp my KEF R11 Meta's with an Anthem AVM70. Had it cranked-up yesterday for about an hour and the fans never came on. The sound from this system is awesome. I feel like it was worth every penny to get the clean sound and enormous power the NAD C298 offers. Highly recommend this amp.

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NAD C298

Purchased to replace a >25 yr old and failing Aragon 4004 mkII and the C298 is surpassing expectations l.

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NAD C298

I love using a power amp with preamp streamers like the WiiM Ultra or Bluesound NODE. It's a super-simple setup. The C298 worked perfectly and sounded fantastic in my living room setup. While simplicity is a huge part of the appeal, the inclusion of a stereo RCA preamp output on this model gives it the flexibility I was looking for, since I wanted to feed another amp the same signal to provide music in my kitchen. Extremely low noise-floor and plenty of power to effortlessly drive my stand-mount ELAC speakers.

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Upgrading My Mixed Bag System

I wanted to upgrade my system that had become a bit of a mutt in terms of vintage and new. I upgraded source components including cd player, audio Bluetooth and preamp over the past few years but hung on to the Bose 901's (Series VI) and H-K Citation16 power amp. I have always liked the sound of the vintage high current amps and am still satisfied with the speakers, in part due to constraints of the room. My goal was to upgrade the power amp to achieve more clarity, separation, and imaging. I studied what was out there and spoke to numerous knowledgeable people and determined I needed a substantial increase in power and performance parameters that would provide much more control the speakers. I was hesitant to consider a class D amp, especially coming from my vintage sound, but became convinced enough of their technology to give them a try. I ended up going with 2 units running in bridged mode. I am very pleased with the sound what I ended up with. I already listed what I was seeking above, and these parameters were realized for the wide variety of genres I listen to. In the end I believe my 901's sound as good as they possibly can.

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NAD power amps at this price point not built well.

I purchased two NAD 275BEE stereo power amps, both sounded great and worked well, until they didn't. The first simply burned out after 5 years. I took it to a certified repair facility where I was told it was unrepairable. I bought a second and have owned it for a year and now the on off button is broken and it just shuts off when it feels like it and I have to completely power it down to shut it off. I was going to buy another type of amp but thought I would give NAD another chance when I bought this second one and have been disappointed. When you spend this type of money you expect more than a year. I have the NAD preamp and tuner and they have worked quite and I am pleased. I would not recommend and NAD amp. At least at this price level.

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Lots of punch!

Clean and powerful juice to drive my Vandersteens. It was easy to install and makes a great companion to my NAD 268.

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A Joy to listen to!

I finally replaced my 1985 NAD 2200 power amp with this one. (I kept and am still using the 1985 NAD 1155 preamp with the new NAD C298 as well as my 1985 KLIPSCH Heresy II speakers.) Man, I could not be happier! Right out of the box I was blown away by the clarity, low and mid range bass. There isn't anything I don't love about the C298. Crutchfield had great advice, was an awesome purchase experience and amazingly fast shipping.

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wow! NAD C298 amplifier, little brother to the NAD M23, with Purifi Ei

As much as I love my Parasound 2125v2 for my GoldenEar BRX, I've upgraded to the NAD C298 (similar to NAD M23). My Parasound will be moved to powering the surround L/R speakers in a mixed use music/movies 7.4.4 setup. My requirements (<50 lbs and <16 in deep, trigger input/output, gain adjustment, RCA loopout for subwoofer). It's 2024, and I'm shocked how many amps don't have at least a trigger input, much less a gain adjustment. My video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncwCopnHJqA Apple Music

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NAD C298

Excellent amp. I paired it with the C698 pre-amp and Wharfdale speakers. I highly recommend that combination.

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Refined & accomplished solid state amplification

I've had time to break this puppy in, and listen to plenty of super familiar music. I *like* this amp. Plenty of power to run my new throw-back 8 ohm speakers and sub. Pairs nicely with the Audioquest PowerQuest 707 power conditioner I also bought from Crutchfield (see review elsewhere). IMHO any piece of equipment in your signal chain can affect your sound. I run a digital front end, with a tube preamp. This is working incredibly well. I feel certain the results would be equally satisfying with a quality solid state pre. Been there. The NAD amp has a deep dark background..its so dark it sounds like.. nothing..the music just comes out fully realized. Nice. It has plenty of power on demand. Equally accomplished at both low and high volume levels. And did I mention rhythmic? This amp brings out the definition of the rhythm sounds perfectly. I hear the *character* of the rhythm instruments defined naturally with no stridency or unnatural bolstering. The amp has improved rhythmic source material that in the past seemed a little..confused.it's masterful with the beat instruments. Its the natural sounding blend I've been lacking. Also, this amp sounds as good at low volume levels as it does at high levels. Natural presence at low levels.not just volume turned down. This amp is easy on one hand, and accomplished on the other. I like the auto on when it's hit with a source signal. I was a little skeptical about the value factor, but no more. This NAD is a class act.

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NAD C298

I bought this amp to improve the bass in my system. It certainly did that but I was shocked at how much the sound improved overall. There is not one aspect of the sound that did not get significantly better with this amp. You get the feeling that the music is really being communicated. At $2400, this may be the best value in audio.

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Great PreAmp from NAD

Ease of use. Lots of connections that all work. Ver clear crisp sound. Simple adjustments with just one input source.

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NAD C298

Very straightforward and easy to set up. Replacing a thirty tear old Classe Seventy amp.

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NAD C298

Despite the hype and active promotions in multiple "independent" reviews, this is an unremarkable product. It does the job without distinguishing itself in any way. It is a decent, lower-middle tier piece of equipment. My main concern is the company that produced it. It had dated documentation for the set up of the unit. Based on my experience with other NAD products, I would expect problems, although amps are somewhat better. Technical support at NAD is quite poor. Based on that, I would not recommend it.

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NAD C298

Beautiful, runs cool and completely silent. I am very happy with the performance so far . A real powerhouse!!!!!!

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NAD C298

Bought the NAD C298 as an upgrade to my stereo set and specifically to replace the power amplifier part of the Hegel H360. So I can only say something about that. The C298 has more detail, crips, attack, sounds clearer with tighter bass. The H360 has more power. Does the C298 also sound more tangible, "live" present in the room or in other words REAL now that you hear the piano strings vibrate more and hear the fingers slide over the double bass string? You would think so, but that's the crazier thing about the human ear. It doesn't compared to the H360. Despite the increase in detail, crips, attack and clearer sound, the C298 still sounds more like an (electronic) stereo set than "live" in the room like the H360. Furthermore, it seems that the C298 caps the power to squeeze out more detail and that the H360 does the opposite. Now I must say that the H360 does show a lot of power, the C298 certainly still has a lot and more than enough. The H360 sounds like a Ford GT and the C298 like a Porsche 911. But whatever you prefer. I'm lucky enough to have both and can always choose which one to use. I can recommend the C298 to everyone because despite the most boring look, but yes it is and remains just a power amplifier, it is therefore also the cheapest option for a Purifi Eigentakt amplifier compared to, for example, Primare A35.2 or T + A A200 or the Master series from NAD.

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NAD C298 vs NAD 2200PE

This amp replaces my NAD 2200 I've owned since the mid 80's . This is the closest replacement NAD amp available. It is slightly more powerful, maybe not quite as sweet as my old class A/AB 2200. Overall very satisfied after a week of ownership.

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Great Pure Power

I have a C368 with investment in the MDC card. I was tempted to get the C268 to bridge with it. Really wanted to try the Eigentakt Class D technology so decided to get the C298 and use the C368 as a pre-amp. Powering LS50 Metas. Using the pre-out of the C368. Using the line out from the C298 to LFE input on a sub. The reviews are correct. This amp is very transparent and very responsive. At all volumes and all sources (streaming, cd, vinyl), the response to tempo changes and dynamic range is amazing. Does not miss a beat. Clarity, presence, detail is a step up from the UcD Class D technology in the C368. Have the TT and the streamer and CD player going through Schitt products. Do not find the sound bright at all. Not really a con but you do need to use the 12v trigger to get it to turn on quickly.

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NAD C298

Outstanding amp! Fantastic match with my Sonus Faber Lumina II bookshelf speakers. Clear, organic, sounds "real". I have zero desire to upgrade anything in my current system.

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I Wanted to Love It

I really wanted to love this amp, and it does int fact have a lot to commend it; Excellent build quality, cool operation, effortless power, great dynamics, and very detailed. However, the more I listened to it, the more it began to bother me, and I spent hours listening trying to figure out what was going on. I found myself quickly becoming fatigued - something that I've never experienced with my system. In some cases the top end of this amp can sound so detailed that it almost comes across as exaggerated. As someone who's never minded a brighter sounding system, this surprised me. While well-recorded music can sound incredible, the C298 can be downright brutal with bright, or recordings of lesser quality. It also seemed to lack body and warmth in the midrange when compared to Class A/B amps that I've used. While the detail and revealing nature of the amp is impressive, at the end of the day it just wasn't a whole lot of fun. I found myself seeking out only well-recorded music, and avoiding a lot things of I'd actually rather to listen to. (For example my friend's recently acquired copy of Stone Temple Pilots 'Purple' on vinyl was nearly unlistenable). If you're an audiophile who likes to admire every detail and nuance in the recording while only listening to pristine production and mastering, or if you have a system that's a bit dull sounding, then this amp might be right for you. Unfortunately it wasn't for me, and I ended up returning it.

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NAD C298

Wow. this amplifier is amazing. Super transparent, an an amazing soundstage.

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Runs cool and is very powerful

Very capable amplifier. Stop the search this is the one. Forget what you've heard about class D.. this is powerful and runs cool AF.

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An NAD knockout

After I play music through a new amplifier for several days, a descriptive word will usually pop into my brain. After a few days with NAD's C298 amp, the first word that came to mind was "rich." I was hearing a new warmth in my music, and I'm guessing that may come from improved lower midrange response. Whatever the cause, the array of instruments in front of me sounded a little more refined and sweet, and I was hearing a new huskiness in guitars and keyboards (that's a good thing). The second word that came to mind a few days later was "balanced" - this amp does not emphasize any part of the frequency spectrum, so you hear a very tightly controlled presentation of the music. The NAD distinguished itself in some other ways. First, the 185-watt rating is very conservative, it's more powerful than other amps I've tried with ratings well over 200 watts. I play music at very high levels, but the NAD never got hot. But the most noticeable thing for me was the coherent image I was hearing. It wasn't just a group of instruments being reproduced with great accuracy, but instead a "sonic tapestry" arranged from right to left that allowed you to hear the instruments arranged in time and space. I know that sounds like ad copy, but that's what I heard night after night. The third word that came to mind auditioning the NAD C298 was "sad," the feeling that came over me when I had to return it to our Crutchfield Lending Library. But maybe it'll be back someday..

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NAD C298

Fine Product.

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Truth is beauty

As others have said, the NAD C298 is a very detailed, powerful and neutral amplifier. I am using a MyTek Brooklyn Bridge streamer/DAC as a signal source and pre-amp, which is also a highly revealing and somewhat analytic component, so I was concerned that the combination might be too relentless and truthful at the cost of musical enjoyment. I do hear an astonishing amount of detail, but nothing that the recording and mastering engineers didn't also hear in their studio monitors and headphones. Consequently, I have found my musical enjoyment has actually been *enhanced* by the transparency of this amplifier. For reference, I am driving a pair of Revel F208 performa3 floor standers in a well-damped listening room.

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Detailed.

Purchased this to replace a faltering Adcom GFA-555 (the O.G.) purchased in '85-'86 Detailed, fast attack & powerful. And best of all doesn't double as a secondary furnace!

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Recommended

Super quiet and powerful. This is a replacement for my well loved NAD C270 amplifier. Maybe it's not fair to compare the new amp to a 20 year old model but the sound difference is very noticeable. I was a bit concerned about going to a class D amp, since I have had no experience ths this type before. This unit sounds fantastic with my AR 3A speakers and NAD C165BEE preamp.

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The hype is real

NAD C298 is a major upgrade from my cheap Parasound 275v2. Tested with Elac Debut Reference and KEF LS50. The difference this amp made was huge! The reason for me to get the KEF was the Elac missing top end. Turns out, it was missing on the Parasound. The NAD made both speakers sing in my room. This amp has ZERO noise no matter what volume. Lots of details up top but not fatiguing. Voices are beautiful. I don't have experience with high end class A or AB amp. But I don't think I need those any time soon. The NAD sound is so complete!

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Yes, it's that good.

I bought this looking to see if Class A was well and truely done, and we could move on to better tech in newer Class D amps. I don't know that I fully have the answer yet, but this amp blows away every other (cheaper) amp I've ever had. Amazing sound stage, prcise imaging, excellent tonality. I'm incredibly satisfied.

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Great recommendation and power amp!

Manny from Crutchfield recommended a few power amps for my home system. I currently have Martin Logan speakers with a Marantz pre-amp. The NAD replaced my pair of Marantz M700 monoblock amps. I have had it for about 3 months now, and it is really a fantastic addition to my system. I listen to a lot of classical, jazz, wind ensemble and orchestral music. I was worried that I would lose something with a new amp, but this one is a winner. Thank you for the recommendation.

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NAD C298

5 stars for the overall clarity & broadening of the soundstage. Driving Polk A7's through a Denon X4500H. Massive upgrade over driving the A7's with the Denon. One niggle: the autosense feature on my NAD C298 (firmware 1.8) failed to work consistently to turn on the NAD C298. Tried all settings (low, med, high) but no joy. Now using a trigger cable (12V) and it works consistently. BTW, I did have to modify the trigger cable to remove the ground so as to eliminate a mild ground loop hum.

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Cool and Clean

I hesitated on this one, having read some critical reviews of Class D amplifiers as "cold and lifeless." However, NAD has plainly stated their commitment to Class D and so, given the company's considerable market presence and their reputation for value and innovation, I felt the need to give the C298 a closer look. A recent positive, professional review further pushed me to make the purchase (yes, I know that these folks get paid to review equipment but reviews aren't always so positive). Initial impressions are of a clean, quiet, solidly-built, "no-frills" amplifier. To my ear, it sounds similar to the 10 year old Class AB NAD C326BEE that it is displacing but with greater detail, more lower midrange heft and a better-developed soundstage. And as others have noted, it runs dead-cool at normal listening volumes; after 8 hrs of continuous play, the top of the cabinet is barely warm. In contrast, the old 326 would have been into egg frying territory. The C298 mates up well with a recently-purchased NAD C165BEE preamp (connected via 12V trigger) and a set of B & W 706 S2 stand mounters (I went with the older preamp design because connection options are virtually identical to the 326 and I'd invested considerable time and money in getting those right). Finally, thanks to the Crutchfield crew for their (as always) great service. When they say "Free 1-day shipping to Virginia", by golly, it is on my doorstep by 1 PM the next day.

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Amazing power, sound quality best

NAD 298 Power amp , using with NAD 757 SURROUND processor, Mainly for music videos small amount of movie streaming. waI I have connected a pair of KEF LS 50 METAS. I Tested over for 4 other amplifiers it's similar price ranges with a local dealer took them home for four days each the NAD is far superior to any other amplifier and it's price range. The other brands I tested were anthem, crown, rotel, denon,marantz. NAD is far superior to all !

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Efficient clean power, a "straight wire with gain"

A smart man once said the a perfect amplifier is a "straight wire with gain". This amplifier is not perfect but from my experience so far it provide ample undistorted power that easily reveals issues up and down the chain. Using a "clinical" DAC/pre like the Gustard X16 and the c298 makes it obviously when you have poorly mastered music playing. What's really amazing to me is how I can play loud for hours and the amplifier is still cool to the touch, my vintage space heater of is now sitting unused.

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Very Nice!

Better than the M33, which has a few problems. Combine this with a high end DAC and it is awesome!

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Best amp I've ever owned.

I love this amp! It's well-built and well-engineered. It simply sounds amazing. The amp has awesome dynamic power driving my GoldenEar Triton 2+ full range speakers. I have it paired with the C658 and the sound is so clear and defined that I'm enjoying my music now more than ever.

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NAD C298

Great sound here! Would have given it a 5, but the auto shut off is not working. i think quality control is lacking with the pandemic,

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NAD C298

I own Polk Audio SDA series 2.3 speakers and this really brings out the sound.

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We're breaking up

Dear NAD, We first fell in love in 1993 when I first started my hi-fi hobby. I fondly remember all the beautiful music I enjoyed with my NAD seperates. I really miss those days. I miss those days because you've changed, and not for the better. Beautiful music is the one thing I really loved about you and...well... you just don't have it anymore. Your latest products are designed for sound, not for music. You have plenty of power, detail and accuracy. You provided crystal-clear dialog and crisp sound effects during movies, much better than my other home theater Class-D amp. So I'm calling you when I start building a home theater system. But... I originally fell in love with you for the music you produced, and now it's nowhere to be found. At first I thought it was me. So I did a blind listening test with my friends between your C298 and a ten-year-old Class AB amp you used to make. My friends immediately began explaining that it wasn't me, it was you. They identified your lack of "richness", that the music felt "cold". For soulful music like Peter Gabriel, Freya Ridings, Nina Simone, or anything classical, it was just a big disappointment. And frankly, I couldn't listen very long without feeling fatigued in some way. So anyway, I'm breaking up with you NAD. I wish you luck with your exclusively Class D products and focus on features. I'm moving on to someone who cares about music, like you once did. Regards, P.S. Is it OK with you if I date your

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Awesome 2 channel power amp

Great power amp I matched this with my Marantz receiver SR7012 plenty of power to drive my speakers don't think twice just buy it you'll be happy you did

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Powers off unexpectedly

I have an issue with the unit powering off with the 12v trigger active from a C658.I can't disable auto-sense as per manual instructions and sensitivity switch on back has no effect on random power off. Standby button on front doesn't work - won't power on. I have to power cycle the C298 then restart the C658 to get the C298 to turn back on. A couple of others on forums experienced the same issue and noted replacement units resolved the issue. I'd been using the C658 with a couple of monoblocks for a year with no issues so defect seems to be in the C298. No response from NAD after 10+ days so Crutchfield is kindly replacing it. I'll try to update this once new unit arrives but for now 1 star because it is clearly defective. UPDATED 1/11/21: Crutchfield made a return and exchange super easy. New unit is working as expected and sounds great. Upping rating to 5 stars - 5th star for Crutchfield's great service. I finally heard back from NAD who said "find a service center". Mentioned above, there's a discrepancy in the manual I downloaded a while ago vs what Crutchfield has; there's no mention of a way to disable the auto-sense in the latter.

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C298

After a few weeks of burn in I am impressed with the overall sound. I have mated the C298 with the NAD C658 and the nose floor is dead silent. The C298 is very revealing as a high end amplifier should be. If your recorded content is well mastered it will sound incredible, bad recordings will continue to sound lifeless. Looking forwarding to using the balanced inputs and relistening .

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