Test Set-up
Contents
We tested the NAD C298 in a couple of setups. First of all:
- Pass Labs XP-12
- Metrum Acoustics Ambre and Pavane .
However to grab a slightly more realistic setup, we also set it up in combination with the C658. We deployed the C658 both as a BluOS streamer and as a DAC via the Ambre with Mutec reclocker. In all cases, the Sopras were used as reproducers.
Cables are from:
- Dirade (Flow speaker cable)
- Audioquest (NRG1000 power cables)
- Grimm (TPM interlinks).
We took samples in the setup with the Pass Labs XP-12. This will give you an idea of the performance of the NAD C298 compared to our own Bryston 4B SST3.
What power cable for the NAD C298 is an useful upgrade?
Any cable you like
Thanks very much. Did you notice a difference between the inputs on the c298?
Welcome! A bit. I prefer balanced.
Thanks Jaap! I’m new but also a regular, love all your content 😉 Have a nice weekend
You are welcome! :-).
Any comparison or thoughts on the sound of the NAD versus the Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier which is also meant to measure very cleanly and which your site has previously reviewed?
I am tossing up between these two amps for my system at the moment, thanks!
That is a very difficult question! Both are very clean. Both are very fast and both are very stable. I guess they are comparible. The Benchmark could be a tiny bit warmer in sound, if I remember correctly.
Thanks for the quick reply! I’ve managed to find a local dealer who can let me audition both- it sounds like the NAD would be the better value at just under 3/4 of the price of the Benchmark here! Its an exciting time to be an audiophile with such great performance down to more affordable prices.
Great review by the way, and the Youtube sound clips are actually very helpful and even with the compression demonstrates a clear difference with the Bryston. Keep up the great work!
Thank you James! Let us know what your conclusion is!
Thanks very much. Did you notice a difference between the inputs on the c298?
Welcome! A bit. I prefer balanced.
Thanks Jaap! I’m new but also a regular, love all your content 😉 Have a nice weekend
You are welcome! :-).
Any comparison or thoughts on the sound of the NAD versus the Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier which is also meant to measure very cleanly and which your site has previously reviewed?
I am tossing up between these two amps for my system at the moment, thanks!
That is a very difficult question! Both are very clean. Both are very fast and both are very stable. I guess they are comparible. The Benchmark could be a tiny bit warmer in sound, if I remember correctly.
Thanks for the quick reply! I’ve managed to find a local dealer who can let me audition both- it sounds like the NAD would be the better value at just under 3/4 of the price of the Benchmark here! Its an exciting time to be an audiophile with such great performance down to more affordable prices.
Great review by the way, and the Youtube sound clips are actually very helpful and even with the compression demonstrates a clear difference with the Bryston. Keep up the great work!
Thank you James! Let us know what your conclusion is!