Nad c 298

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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Joined
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The NAD C 298 amplifier has finally arrived. I have had it in my system for a few days now. It still has a lot of break in time needed, but I have noticed it already smoothing out. I can see why it has been winning many awards and top ratings. Recently it received the 2021-2022 EISA award for power amplifier. This list is in this months Stereophile magazine.

The sound is very full body with superb bass. The vocal range is excellent and its sound stage is one of the best of any amplifier I have owned. It is the first Class D amplifier that I have owned that I would call musical. We will see how it continues as it breaks in more, but so far I think it is a very nice match for my system.

Another surprise is features, which is not something that is usually mentioned for a power amp. It has both SE and XLR inputs, fixed and variable gain to match your other gear and requirements, with a variable knob. It also has a unique feature that allows for another amplifier to be ran from outputs off the amp. Ideal for powered subwoofers. It has an auto stand by and turn on and off feature that has selectable sensitivity level, which can be disabled (which I do because I like controlling the subs from the amp). And it also is bridgeable so it can be added to the M33 as the second amp or can be used with another C 298 in a mono configuration!

I can see why both NAD and T+A choose the Purifier amplifier modules to build their new amplifiers. There are companies making less expensive amps using these new modules, but these two companies are doing more than using the modules; they are building better input stages and power sections, etc. They are making higher level amplifiers using the Purifier modules!
 
Possibly... the MBL I had was very nice also, but the NAD matches my system and more so my setup. I had been hearing about and reading about the Purifier amps and wanted to give one a try. When I found out that T+A was also going that direction made me feel that quite possibly this tech would be worth giving a go.
 
So far I think I am going to be happy with it. I have not had a chance to really put it through its paces but it seems to perform very well. Very good bottom end, although most of the low bottom end is from the subs anyway. Very good separation and sound stage. I continue to believe that this is the most musical Class D amplifier I have ever owned!

Currently I and trying with the subwoofers signal coming from the outputs of the amplifier. I have plenty of outputs on my pre-amp but I wanted to give it a try. I also set the amp to variable output to attenuate the gain a little. At fixed the gain was quite high giving me little movement on the pre-amp volume... and with the variant between albums record levels I wanted a bit more control
 
I have noticed that the NAD soundstage and imaging is getting to be really fantastic. The separation is stunning and the image does not "wander" as it has with some of the other (especially Class D) amps that I have tried. Very solid and clean sounding and it generates virtually no heat, and no noise what so ever. For my system with my other components it is doing exactly what I was hoping it would do. I would have loved to get the new T+A, but honestly, what you get from the NAD makes it an absolute bargain!
 
Great news Randy, longtime test will be your opinion this time next year, only been a week right? Class D needs something to last the long haul.
 
nc42acc said:
Great news Randy, longtime test will be your opinion this time next year, only been a week right? Class D needs something to last the long haul.
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Class D is the only amplifier technology that is actually still being developed and improved. In my opinion, Purifi has reached the stage where there's no need to look at Class AB or more particularly inexcusably inefficient Class A to get superb sound.

In a year's time, my guess is that Purifi will still be top of the pile, but perhaps in 2 or 3 years something Class D may be even better.

Class D was a bit like electric cars are now (or digital cameras 15 years ago), in that early buyers get their fingers (and wallets) burnt but they are encouraging further development that will benefit future buyers. I'm still far away from considering an electric car, but when they reach "Purifi" equivalent, I probably will. Who wants a car with a theoretical range of just 150 miles before it needs to be plugged into a charger for an hour or so? Not bloody likely! OK as a town runabout to avoid Congestion Charges in cities, but you still need a proper car that you can take anywhere and refuel in 5 minutes after 500 miles and you don’t need to keep your speed below 60 mph to reach the next charging point. Have you ever seen a Tesla doing more than 70? Yes they CAN, but owners quickly learn by experience that putting your foot down is quite likely to result in a rescue from the hard shoulder! Class D is more like digital cameras - who now uses film?
 
This is blasphemy on most audio forums and for die hard audiophiles. I have gone through the progression of Hypex, NCore, ICE and the Purifi was a major leap in sound quality and refinement. I was so over tubes with the heat and fickleness, I want all SS to leave on 24/7.


Hear Here said:
Class D is the only amplifier technology that is actually still being developed and improved. In my opinion, Purifi has reached the stage where there's no need to look at Class AB or more particularly inexcusably inefficient Class A to get superb sound.

In a year's time, my guess is that Purifi will still be top of the pile, but perhaps in 2 or 3 years something Class D may be even better.

Class D was a bit like electric cars are now (or digital cameras 15 years ago), in that early buyers get their fingers (and wallets) burnt but they are encouraging further development that will benefit future buyers. I'm still far away from considering an electric car, but when they reach "Purifi" equivalent, I probably will. Who wants a car with a theoretical range of just 150 miles before it needs to be plugged into a charger for an hour or so? Not bloody likely! OK as a town runabout to avoid Congestion Charges in cities, but you still need a proper car that you can take anywhere and refuel in 5 minutes after 500 miles and you don’t need to keep your speed below 60 mph to reach the next charging point. Have you ever seen a Tesla doing more than 70? Yes they CAN, but owners quickly learn by experience that putting your foot down is quite likely to result in a rescue from the hard shoulder! Class D is more like digital cameras - who now uses film?
Click to expand...
 
We'll see, but so far I am liking the amp. I have had five other Class D amps along with various A's, A/B's in both Solid State and Tubes. Granted, not top of the line models, but all from very solid companies; none of them felt as musical as the Class A's especially, but A/B's as well. This NAD seems to be doing precisely that!
 
One of you needs to try one of the GAN amplifiers next. There's two out now at $3000 and another coming any day now.
 
Maybe at some point, but I think it would be best to actually break in and get used to the NAD first :).

The little research I have done it appears as if the GAN amplifiers are a bit of a confusing market now and I do not see any of the big names jumping on board as of yet. Also, companies like NAD and T+A, for example, are doing more than just using the Purifi amplifier modules. They talk a lot about input stages and better power sections, etc. I am no expert in the field, but it sounds like they feel that there is a bit more involved then just the amp module for the over all power amplifier.
 
nc42acc said:
I was so over tubes with the heat and fickleness, I want all SS to leave on 24/7.
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But even Class D should be turned off when not in use, particularly as it doesn't require a warm-up period. I'm sure you don't leave your LED lights on 24/7! ;)
 
nc42acc said:
This is blasphemy on most audio forums and for die hard audiophiles. I have gone through the progression of Hypex, NCore, ICE and the Purifi was a major leap in sound quality and refinement. I was so over tubes with the heat and fickleness, I want all SS to leave on 24/7.
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I turn my heater ( Pass) off. Its just too darn hot in the room if left on for a full day., And per a conversation with Nelson Pass years ago, turn it off. So I do. Of course I'm just addressing Pass, not any other amp of class of amp.
 
CPP said:
I turn my heater ( Pass) off. Its just too darn hot in the room if left on for a full day., And per a conversation with Nelson Pass years ago, turn it off. So I do. Of course I'm just addressing Pass, not any other amp of class of amp.
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A Class A... you bet ya you want to turn it off :)... I cannot imagine your electric bill if it was on 24/7 :)... pulling full power all day and night holy gyumba :D. I remember how hot the First Watt I had got.... didn't need a heater in the house for sure with that baby on...
 
Randy

Maybe when the third of the new offerings is released from down the road you can arrange to listen to one at home.
 
Srajen's been showing the new Aura preamp and GAN amp in his preview section for a bit now so maybe soon for both pieces.
 
Randy Myers said:
A Class A... you bet ya you want to turn it off :)... I cannot imagine your electric bill if it was on 24/7 :)... pulling full power all day and night holy gyumba :D. I remember how hot the First Watt I had got.... didn't need a heater in the house for sure with that baby on...
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I used to leave it on, but the wife would make a comment, is that really necessary its a little warm in here and mine is the little Pass and its in a room with two AC vents. I can just image the larger class A's . But it does feel good when its 60's outside the heat is down low, but that only happens around Jan to March here LOL.
 
Jack said:
Srajen's been showing the new Aura preamp and GAN amp in his preview section for a bit now so maybe soon for both pieces.
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I am actually rather surprised that EJ has not brought the Aura to market yet. I tested it comparing it to the Stage 2 some time ago now. I really liked the design (including many of the ideas we came up with when brain storming on how to improve the Stage 2). SQ wise it was in the same ballpark as the Stage 2. I replied that a parts upgrade version (ala Stage 1 and 2) should walk over the STP-SE Stage 2 in my view.

I actually sold the Statement amplifier that was used at RMAF. It was that close to release, so again a bit surprised that it was again not brought to market. It sounds like he may have reworked the in house designed amplifier modules a bit :)....

I look forward to seeing what he comes up with. I have not talked with EJ about either of these.
 
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