NAD C298 Class D power amplifier impressions
Discussion
So I have been on a bit of a journey with my hifi system over the past year. For many years, I have used a Musical Fidelity A3.2 integrated power amp, with matching CD player, running PMC TB2+ speakers and XB1 subwoofer.
I should say that I am not an Audiophile, as such. I love music, and much of the time listen on a Sonos. But I do have a hifi system in the living room (not a dedicated space), and spend time listening there. Especially in winter, with a fire going etc.
The amp did not really have what it took to drive the sub, so that was removed. It also never really sounded amazing with the PMCs, which are very clean and neutral, and always sounded thin (they are monitors, to be fair). The PMCs are now my AV front speakers with a matching centre speaker, and they are excellent at this task.
Last year, I bought a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona M floorstanders, and they were a huge and mostly welcome change (and gorgeous to look at!). But the sound with the MF amp was now very warm, over-correcting the effect from the PMCs - and too warm for electronic music, to which I listen a lot (but far from exclusively - I'm pretty omnivorous with music).
A NAD C658 streaming DAC was added, and there was a definite improvement when streaming Tidal in hifi quality. It also has DIRAC room correction, which went a long way towards sorting out some issues.
However, the system sounded a little flat, with little attack, and was not great at lower volumes - lacking body, finesse and some airiness. It was very good at acoustic music and classical, but quite poor at electronic, rock or anything that seems to require a lot of dynamic range coupled with fast paced changes in electronic instruments. And the bass was poor. To the point that it had to be boosted through DIRAC.
I investigated re-capping my amp, and auditioned a few other decent class AB amplifiers. New amps improved the situation, but still gave a warm sound that was lovey on occasion, but not for me much of the time. I also tried a friend's Class D amp (NAD M22), but lost too much warmth from the music, and acoustic/classical seemed thin and soulless.
Last week, I took possession of a NAD C298 power amplifier. This is the lowest priced of NADs amps that uses a module by some people called Purifi, designed to, well, bring class D technology on. I listened to it, and initial impressions were "oh my God". I have since run it in for a few days, and had a proper listen last night. And for comparison, has a friend and neighbour come over with his McIntosh MC 152 integrated amplifier. We ran the Mac both with my preamp in DAC only mode, and the amp in bypass mode i.e. two different preamp stages.
It didn't matter. Apart from some rare acoustic tracks, where "woodiness" of instruments really comes through better on the McIntosh, the NAD absolutely walked it. I think that this thing is a complete game-changer.
Now, this may be because my speakers are naturally quite warm sounding, and not studio monitors, so could probably use some toning down. But apart from this, the C298 just dealt with almost everything better than the McIntosh. And an order of magnitude better than my Musical Fidelity.
It's bass power is astonishing, meaning that music at low volumes is full, rich and fun. The bass is of high quality though - nuanced and textured and all that other stuff that hifi articles like to discuss.
The mid-range was where things really came through though. It has attack, speed and a "forward" sound that makes electronic music an absolute joy. One of my test tracks, Above and Beyond's "Counting Down the Days" was tight, fun, yet low bass was there and fast. Another test track, "Gratitude" by the same people, recorded live, saw the amp deliver the background chatter of the crowd to a degree not heard on the other amps, yet with all of the tight, bouncy musicality that the track needs.
And the treble is similarly accomplished. It is airy, wide and nuanced, without any sibilance or harshness.
The story was much the same on other genres. The Mac was a bit better on real, live acoustic stuff - like Eric Clapton's "Old Love", where Chuck Lavelle's amazing piano solo was just a bit more "in the room" on the class AB amp. But that was pretty much it. The rest of the track was simply better separated and staged by the NAD.
The MC152 also initially had a better sound stage, making the music more "3D". But then I ran DIRAC on the DAC, and it just evened that up on the C298, completely, without losing any of the good stuff. I shall play with this more, to set up the different listening points I use in the room. Interestingly, DIRAC is much more effective with the Class D amp than it was with my AB Musical Fidelity.
Long story short, this is not a cheap amplifier. But in my mind, for what it does, it is extraordinary value. Yes, it's ugly, looks cheap and should probably be hidden away. The build quality is fine, but compared to the beautiful McIntosh, or even my old MF, it feels a little flimsy, especially at the back with it's cheapish speaker terminals. But that's it. I don't go in for ridiculously priced cabling, so this was all on standard RCA cables and old, lower budget QED speaker cable.
If anyone is looking for a new power amplifier, I highly, highly recommend you try this thing out. In my humble, non-expert estimation, it is a complete revelation.
As an interesting footnote, I have had a NAD M33 here, which is their version of the electronics in my setup, but beautifully packaged in a one box solution (I oredered them together for comparison, thiking I would likely keep the M33 and return the C298 and sell my streamer). It is very pretty. But for some reason, it sounds more sterile, and the cost is just too much for a lovely piece of design, versus that manufacturer's own C658/C298 combination which, whilst ugly as sin, is cheaper, and sounds better (with my speakers, anyway). It has this morning been returned.
Pics, as who doesn't like photos?
NAD gear looking ugly, especially above the pretty CD player. Don't be fooled - it is highly effective.
Luckily, these are pretty, especially compared to the utilitarian PMCs they replaced.
Love the "lute string" grilles. Useless for protection, but they seem to shimmer when you play music. Drivers are visible even with them on. And who doesn't like leather front panels? You have to hand it to the Italians on this one...
I should say that I am not an Audiophile, as such. I love music, and much of the time listen on a Sonos. But I do have a hifi system in the living room (not a dedicated space), and spend time listening there. Especially in winter, with a fire going etc.
The amp did not really have what it took to drive the sub, so that was removed. It also never really sounded amazing with the PMCs, which are very clean and neutral, and always sounded thin (they are monitors, to be fair). The PMCs are now my AV front speakers with a matching centre speaker, and they are excellent at this task.
Last year, I bought a pair of Sonus Faber Cremona M floorstanders, and they were a huge and mostly welcome change (and gorgeous to look at!). But the sound with the MF amp was now very warm, over-correcting the effect from the PMCs - and too warm for electronic music, to which I listen a lot (but far from exclusively - I'm pretty omnivorous with music).
A NAD C658 streaming DAC was added, and there was a definite improvement when streaming Tidal in hifi quality. It also has DIRAC room correction, which went a long way towards sorting out some issues.
However, the system sounded a little flat, with little attack, and was not great at lower volumes - lacking body, finesse and some airiness. It was very good at acoustic music and classical, but quite poor at electronic, rock or anything that seems to require a lot of dynamic range coupled with fast paced changes in electronic instruments. And the bass was poor. To the point that it had to be boosted through DIRAC.
I investigated re-capping my amp, and auditioned a few other decent class AB amplifiers. New amps improved the situation, but still gave a warm sound that was lovey on occasion, but not for me much of the time. I also tried a friend's Class D amp (NAD M22), but lost too much warmth from the music, and acoustic/classical seemed thin and soulless.
Last week, I took possession of a NAD C298 power amplifier. This is the lowest priced of NADs amps that uses a module by some people called Purifi, designed to, well, bring class D technology on. I listened to it, and initial impressions were "oh my God". I have since run it in for a few days, and had a proper listen last night. And for comparison, has a friend and neighbour come over with his McIntosh MC 152 integrated amplifier. We ran the Mac both with my preamp in DAC only mode, and the amp in bypass mode i.e. two different preamp stages.
It didn't matter. Apart from some rare acoustic tracks, where "woodiness" of instruments really comes through better on the McIntosh, the NAD absolutely walked it. I think that this thing is a complete game-changer.
Now, this may be because my speakers are naturally quite warm sounding, and not studio monitors, so could probably use some toning down. But apart from this, the C298 just dealt with almost everything better than the McIntosh. And an order of magnitude better than my Musical Fidelity.
It's bass power is astonishing, meaning that music at low volumes is full, rich and fun. The bass is of high quality though - nuanced and textured and all that other stuff that hifi articles like to discuss.
The mid-range was where things really came through though. It has attack, speed and a "forward" sound that makes electronic music an absolute joy. One of my test tracks, Above and Beyond's "Counting Down the Days" was tight, fun, yet low bass was there and fast. Another test track, "Gratitude" by the same people, recorded live, saw the amp deliver the background chatter of the crowd to a degree not heard on the other amps, yet with all of the tight, bouncy musicality that the track needs.
And the treble is similarly accomplished. It is airy, wide and nuanced, without any sibilance or harshness.
The story was much the same on other genres. The Mac was a bit better on real, live acoustic stuff - like Eric Clapton's "Old Love", where Chuck Lavelle's amazing piano solo was just a bit more "in the room" on the class AB amp. But that was pretty much it. The rest of the track was simply better separated and staged by the NAD.
The MC152 also initially had a better sound stage, making the music more "3D". But then I ran DIRAC on the DAC, and it just evened that up on the C298, completely, without losing any of the good stuff. I shall play with this more, to set up the different listening points I use in the room. Interestingly, DIRAC is much more effective with the Class D amp than it was with my AB Musical Fidelity.
Long story short, this is not a cheap amplifier. But in my mind, for what it does, it is extraordinary value. Yes, it's ugly, looks cheap and should probably be hidden away. The build quality is fine, but compared to the beautiful McIntosh, or even my old MF, it feels a little flimsy, especially at the back with it's cheapish speaker terminals. But that's it. I don't go in for ridiculously priced cabling, so this was all on standard RCA cables and old, lower budget QED speaker cable.
If anyone is looking for a new power amplifier, I highly, highly recommend you try this thing out. In my humble, non-expert estimation, it is a complete revelation.
As an interesting footnote, I have had a NAD M33 here, which is their version of the electronics in my setup, but beautifully packaged in a one box solution (I oredered them together for comparison, thiking I would likely keep the M33 and return the C298 and sell my streamer). It is very pretty. But for some reason, it sounds more sterile, and the cost is just too much for a lovely piece of design, versus that manufacturer's own C658/C298 combination which, whilst ugly as sin, is cheaper, and sounds better (with my speakers, anyway). It has this morning been returned.
Pics, as who doesn't like photos?
NAD gear looking ugly, especially above the pretty CD player. Don't be fooled - it is highly effective.
Luckily, these are pretty, especially compared to the utilitarian PMCs they replaced.
Love the "lute string" grilles. Useless for protection, but they seem to shimmer when you play music. Drivers are visible even with them on. And who doesn't like leather front panels? You have to hand it to the Italians on this one...
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 3rd March 09:56
Very nice... I've not heard the Fabers, they look like they should deliver.
I've been buggering about with hifi for years - from LP12's to Class A mono blocks. I still have my MF CD-Pro 24, but don't use it.. along with numerous other bits of kit including a new and unused NAD M10 and several pairs of speakers.
Recently I dumped everything in favour of active KEF LS60's - 1400 watt monsters that I stream from using Roon/Qobuz.
Sadly my hearing is not what it once was, which is very annoying.
Nice to read about your system and that it's improved by adding the NAD. "As if a thin veil of gauze had been removed from the speakers..."
I've been buggering about with hifi for years - from LP12's to Class A mono blocks. I still have my MF CD-Pro 24, but don't use it.. along with numerous other bits of kit including a new and unused NAD M10 and several pairs of speakers.
Recently I dumped everything in favour of active KEF LS60's - 1400 watt monsters that I stream from using Roon/Qobuz.
Sadly my hearing is not what it once was, which is very annoying.
Nice to read about your system and that it's improved by adding the NAD. "As if a thin veil of gauze had been removed from the speakers..."
I'm mulling over a new amp, lower end than yours but either the NAD C338 or NAD C368.
Tempted by the C338 as it's got Chromecast built in but the C368 is expandable and can add the matching C268 power amp to bridge them both.
Either way, it'll replace a 10 year + Yamaha AV amp so I'd expect a reasonable improvement in sound quality.
Tempted by the C338 as it's got Chromecast built in but the C368 is expandable and can add the matching C268 power amp to bridge them both.
Either way, it'll replace a 10 year + Yamaha AV amp so I'd expect a reasonable improvement in sound quality.
Thanks. Lady Flash is a big fan of the way the speakers look, regarding them as ornaments. Which works well for me!
I think speakers are generally getting better looking, but there are some challenging looking ones out there. These days I'm noticing a return to the glittery metal trim of the 1980s, which doesn't suit our housem this is a living room, not a dedicated room.
I was looking for a set of Naim Ovator S600s, when I found the Sonus Fabers. It's been an expensive choice though, as "required" an amp change to get them singing the way I like...
One thing about the NAD gear is that it's not so much ugly to me now, as barely there. It sort of fades into the background in the rack, which on reflection is no bad thing.
Been playing a lot of music over that last week! Best use of system? Playing musical statues with the kids to the theme song to Ghostbusters and Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" Pretty sure this isn't what NAD and Sonus Faber envisaged.
I think speakers are generally getting better looking, but there are some challenging looking ones out there. These days I'm noticing a return to the glittery metal trim of the 1980s, which doesn't suit our housem this is a living room, not a dedicated room.
I was looking for a set of Naim Ovator S600s, when I found the Sonus Fabers. It's been an expensive choice though, as "required" an amp change to get them singing the way I like...
One thing about the NAD gear is that it's not so much ugly to me now, as barely there. It sort of fades into the background in the rack, which on reflection is no bad thing.
Been playing a lot of music over that last week! Best use of system? Playing musical statues with the kids to the theme song to Ghostbusters and Madonna's "La Isla Bonita"
Pretty sure this isn't what NAD and Sonus Faber envisaged.Great read, thanks. I don’t have much to add here, except I love my NAD C658.
I think I cocked up the Dirac set up, didn’t sound better, so not currently using it.
Love all my NAD kit actually. C370 amp served me so well for 20 years before it died.
Currently running the C658 with a REGA io amp.
Will defiantly be getting the C298 when funds allow.
I think I cocked up the Dirac set up, didn’t sound better, so not currently using it.
Love all my NAD kit actually. C370 amp served me so well for 20 years before it died.
Currently running the C658 with a REGA io amp.
Will defiantly be getting the C298 when funds allow.
Glad you liked my mini review! And the C658 streaming DAC is superb. So easy to use, and so good. It does have a bug, refusing to drive a sub from its outputs, a known issue.
As I listen to quite a lot of electronic music, and am a bit of a basshead, I've been trialling one of my SVS SB1000Pro subs with the system. Using the amplifier's line out, and the sub's own, very comprehensive, features for settings and integration.
It's great. Drum n Bass never sounded so good. Trance music comes alive. And on other stuff, the sub fills out the bottom end nicely, noticeable on stuff like Dire Straits, for example. The effect is most noticeable on electronic music and hip hop, which is exactly where I wanted more bass.
The big difference is proper bass at low volumes. This is how I listen to most music in the evenings, as kids are asleep upstairs. At high volumes, it gets overwhelming - but SVS' incredible subwoofer app allows you to simply turn the sub down, or off, easily from your chair. And setup was a breeze with the app also doing crossover, room gain correction, EQ, rolloff and all that jazz.
So I have an SVS 3000 Micro on its way, to make sure I get my low frequency fix. Goes deep enough for an proper effect, but should be faster and tighter than the 1000, which is better suited to AV duties.
Here's my wife's patience being tried, but this will all be tidied up when the new sub arrives, which will sit against the high white skirting boards, blend a bit better and look prettier than this one!
As I listen to quite a lot of electronic music, and am a bit of a basshead, I've been trialling one of my SVS SB1000Pro subs with the system. Using the amplifier's line out, and the sub's own, very comprehensive, features for settings and integration.
It's great. Drum n Bass never sounded so good. Trance music comes alive. And on other stuff, the sub fills out the bottom end nicely, noticeable on stuff like Dire Straits, for example. The effect is most noticeable on electronic music and hip hop, which is exactly where I wanted more bass.
The big difference is proper bass at low volumes. This is how I listen to most music in the evenings, as kids are asleep upstairs. At high volumes, it gets overwhelming - but SVS' incredible subwoofer app allows you to simply turn the sub down, or off, easily from your chair. And setup was a breeze with the app also doing crossover, room gain correction, EQ, rolloff and all that jazz.
So I have an SVS 3000 Micro on its way, to make sure I get my low frequency fix. Goes deep enough for an proper effect, but should be faster and tighter than the 1000, which is better suited to AV duties.
Here's my wife's patience being tried, but this will all be tidied up when the new sub arrives, which will sit against the high white skirting boards, blend a bit better and look prettier than this one!
Edited by Harry Flashman on Wednesday 22 March 20:45
NDA said:
I've often toyed with the idea of a sub - but I have eight bass drivers in my speakers already, so it might be overkill.
This is at risk of veering into a different discussion 
but IMHO a sub is essential for adding depth and warmth to music - I'm running a 50Hz crossover to the surround speakers and it lacks 'richness' (if we are using ethereal, non-empirical wording 
) without the sub being on.If you can borrow one to try, that has a good range and go down to at least 20Hz, then run a back-to-back test by unplugging it and plugging it back in.
The room and sitting position will have a large impact on bass, of course, due to room nodes etc., so experimentation might be required WRT location, but I am definitely in the 'needs subs' camp
I have twin subs in the AV room.
Not really necessary for the hifi, as it's set up for a defined listening position so I have set the sub up to optimise that position. Lots of crawling around on the floor was happening last night...
Wife uses our Sonos, so only I use the hifi, from my favourite chair! So one sub works fine as the best sound quality doesn't have to operate over a large area. If I do use it for general background music, can just switch the sub off from SVS' (utterly fantastic) app.
It's an SVS 3000 Micro. Half the price of a KEF KC62, and with the app, made this a great buy for what I needed. It's not cheap, but it is very, very good. Way better for music than the 12 inch SB1000 Pros I use with the TV. And much more powerful - I have had to dial it down quite a bit.
What I wanted was proper bass at low volumes - the C298 and Sonus Fabers can deliver big bass, but only really when you get the volume up. The sub's own 800W amp means you can dial in great, unstressed bass at a low volumes, and simply attenuate it when playing music louder.
Not really necessary for the hifi, as it's set up for a defined listening position so I have set the sub up to optimise that position. Lots of crawling around on the floor was happening last night...
Wife uses our Sonos, so only I use the hifi, from my favourite chair! So one sub works fine as the best sound quality doesn't have to operate over a large area. If I do use it for general background music, can just switch the sub off from SVS' (utterly fantastic) app.
It's an SVS 3000 Micro. Half the price of a KEF KC62, and with the app, made this a great buy for what I needed. It's not cheap, but it is very, very good. Way better for music than the 12 inch SB1000 Pros I use with the TV. And much more powerful - I have had to dial it down quite a bit.
What I wanted was proper bass at low volumes - the C298 and Sonus Fabers can deliver big bass, but only really when you get the volume up. The sub's own 800W amp means you can dial in great, unstressed bass at a low volumes, and simply attenuate it when playing music louder.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 24th March 10:01
NDA said:
Hmmm, maybe one day. My speakers go down to 30Hz as they are, but I should try one at some point.
I've found it's a power thing. My speakers also go down to 30ahz, but bass takes a lot of power, so effectively outsourcing it to a separate amp has improved the volume and control a great deal.Your speakers can control a KEF KC62 sub from the app. Time to go shopping!!
Harry Flashman said:
I've found it's a power thing. My speakers also go down to 30ahz, but bass takes a lot of power, so effectively outsourcing it to a separate amp has improved the volume and control a great deal.
Your speakers can control a KEF KC62 sub from the app. Time to go shopping!!
It's not so much that the bass needs more power...Your speakers can control a KEF KC62 sub from the app. Time to go shopping!!
It's your ears that need more bass power at low levels, because our hearing is distinctly non linear.
See the Fletcher Munson effect
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