The C658 BluOS Streaming DAC preamplifier and the C298 power amplifier are now available as a discounted set offer.

C658 Product Description:

The NAD C 658 is a novel stereo component that opens up entirely new possibilities for audio playback. With its two optical and two coaxial digital inputs as well as two analog line-level inputs, the preamplifier is perfectly equipped not only for playing all classic music sources but also for all modern and future media. For instance, the integrated Bluetooth® module not only receives music streams from a smartphone or tablet in highest-quality aptX™ HD, but also transmits them to another Bluetooth® receiver, such as wireless headphones. Via BluOS™, the C 658 connects to your home LAN or Wi-Fi network as well as online streaming services or internet radio stations and other BluOS™ players or music servers registered on the network. But that's not all: at the rear of the preamplifier, there are two MDC slots ready to accept modules for connecting HDMI A/V sources or future technologies. And to ensure the stereo system always sounds optimal, the integrated Dirac Live® room correction precisely tunes the C 658's sound parameters to the acoustics of your listening room.

INNOVATIVE MUSIC CENTER WITH BLUOS™

BluOS™ – Multiroom streaming in HD quality

BluOS™ is an innovative wireless system that allows music to be streamed throughout the entire house. Its associated user interface is one of the few in the world capable of streaming uncompressed high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz music data to players integrated into the network. BluOS™ uses only the local network to transmit music and organize the platform—it is controlled via the BluOS™ app available for smartphones and tablets or via a Windows or Mac computer. Since BluOS™ is multiroom-capable, up to 64 zones can be integrated and controlled either synchronously with one audio stream or individually with different programs at different volumes. Bluesound supports numerous file formats from MP3 to MQA Studio Master quality. Whether it's streaming music services, your own music library on a hard drive, or internet radio—with BluOS™, you have access to your favorite music throughout the entire network at all times.

Incidentally, BluOS™ can also be integrated into some innovative home automation systems, so that in addition to intelligent control of lighting, heating, and other home technology, you can also operate a BluOS™ multiroom system via your smart home panel. The driver software for systems from manufacturers including Control4, Crestron, ELAN, iPort, Lutron, Push, RTI, and URC is available for download on the Bluesound homepage (bluesound-deutschland.de).

Dirac Live® – Software for room acoustics and impulse response correction

Dirac Live® is an innovative room correction system whose fundamental function is to calibrate an audio system to the acoustics of the listening room. However, beyond adjusting specific frequencies, Dirac Live® uses highly advanced algorithms to analyze the impulse response of the played audio signals. This corrects potential discrepancies between the impulses contained in the original signal and their reproduction, making the Hi-Fi system sound more balanced, natural, and spacious. While the NAD M17.2 includes the full version of Dirac Live®, other devices with this feature come with the Light version, which only processes the most problematic low frequencies up to 500 Hz. An upgrade to the full version is possible at any time.
Main Features

• BluOS™ network streamer
• ESS Sabre D/A converter with 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
• Support for the Studio Master format MQA
• Dirac Live® room correction (Light version, upgrade optional)
• Integrated bi-directional Bluetooth® aptX™ HD module
• AirPlay 2
• BluOS™ voice control via Siri
• Roon Ready certification
• 2 analog line-level inputs
• Phono MM input
• 2 optical and 2 coaxial digital inputs
• Balanced XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs
• 2 subwoofer outputs
• 2 slots for MDC modules, currently DD HDM 2
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Dual-band Wi-Fi a/c/n
• USB 2.0 port
• High-quality headphone output
• Trigger input and output

MQA – Music in Studio Master quality

MQA is not a new file format, but rather an innovative way to pack large music files with complex coding, efficient compression technology, and a digital signature so that even original Studio Master recordings in 24-bit/192 kHz format can be packaged into comparatively small data packets and made available online. For this purpose, the music data is packed into any container such as ALAC, FLAC, or WAV. When played back via a decoder integrated into BluOS®, the player unpacks the file completely and restores it losslessly to its original format: the Studio Master file.

Apple AirPlay 2

The C658 can be integrated into an Apple network via AirPlay 2 and then selected directly as a playback device for your music stream via your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. And if you have Siri voice control activated on your Apple device, a simple "Hey Siri, play the latest Paul McCartney album" or "Hey Siri, play NDR 2" is enough to have your NAD Hi-Fi system start playback immediately.

C298 Product Description:

The innovative and extremely powerful NAD C 298 stereo power amplifier is not only the perfect amplifier for combination with the NAD C 658 streaming preamplifier, but also an ideal partner for any other preamplifier. The exclusive combination of NAD's proprietary HybridDigital concept with the Eigentakt™ technology developed by the Danish company Purifi ensures absolutely distortion-free and noise-free playback. Equipped with RCA and balanced XLR inputs with adjustable sensitivity, the power amplifier delivers a continuous output power of 2 x 340 watts and an impulse power of 2 x 490 watts (each at 4 Ω). If required, the C 298 can be operated in bridged mode, mobilizing 620 or 1,000 watts (continuous/impulse at 8 Ω).

NAD C 298 STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER

HybridDigital™ Purifi Eigentakt™ amplifier

In its nearly 50-year history, NAD has debuted numerous innovative amplifier technologies—starting with the classic 3020 with its enormous current delivery capacity, all the way to the Class D flagship, the M2. In August 2020, the NAD M33 was released, a brand-new high-end streaming integrated amplifier that is the first in the world to work with the innovative new Purifi Eigentakt™ technology, promptly winning the EISA Award as the best "smart amplifier 2020/21."

With the new C 298 stereo power amplifier, NAD now aims to make the unique Purifi Eigentakt™ amplifier technology accessible to a wider audience. It is the perfect companion for the C 658 BluOS streaming preamplifier and impresses with its enormous performance.

Purifi is a Danish technology company where some of the leading developers in the Hi-Fi industry pursue the goal of identifying and eliminating the final remaining weaknesses in digital amplifier technology. The current state of their work has culminated in the Purifi Eigentakt™ amplifier, which NAD is the first company to manufacture under license, having previously used it exclusively in the M33 BluOS streaming amplifier.

In terms of measurements, the Purifi Eigentakt™ technology is impressive, featuring extremely low intermodulation distortion, a particularly low total harmonic distortion of only 0.005% across the entire frequency range and full power bandwidth, as well as minimal self-noise.

A breakthrough for the development of Eigentakt™ technology was the realization that a memory effect occurs in the components of the amplifier's output filter. This phenomenon, known as hysteresis, is clearly responsible for the known sonic losses of conventional digital amplifiers. By modifying the output stage and utilizing the clever algorithms of the Eigentakt technology, Purifi succeeded in significantly reducing hysteresis effects. Another advantage of the Eigentakt™ power stages is that they are completely insensitive to changing speaker loads. Their extremely low output impedance also results in a very high damping factor, which manifests in absolutely clean and controlled bass reproduction.

Enormous power reserves

Instead of old-fashioned linear power supplies and Class AB amplifiers, which convert almost half of the required energy into heat rather than power, NAD now uses only switching power supplies and Class D output stages in its current amplifiers. This design works very linearly over a wide bandwidth and offers uniform power to all speaker loads, representing a dramatic advancement over earlier techniques.

The large-dimensioned power supply of the C 298 enables the power stages to deliver an enormous continuous output of 2 x 340 watts (at 4 Ω) and up to 2 x 570 watts of impulse power (at 2 Ω). The innovative asymmetrical PowerDrive technology uses every single available watt to provide enormous dynamic reserves, reproducing music precisely without distortion or compression. Furthermore, the highly efficient power supply impresses with near-perfect voltage regulation across its entire operating range, ensuring a solid, noise-free power supply for the amplifier stages.
MAIN FEATURES

• HybridDigital™ Purifi Eigentakt™ amplifier
• Continuous output power: 2 x 185 W at 8 Ω, 2 x 340 W at 4 Ω
• Impulse power: 2 x 260 W / 2 x 490 W / 2 x 570 W (at 8/4/2 Ω)
• Impulse power in bridged mode: 1,000 W at 8 Ω, 1,100 W at 4 Ω
• Balanced XLR inputs
• Gold-plated RCA inputs
• Adjustable input level
• Line-level output for daisy-chaining the audio signal to further power amplifiers
• Inputs and outputs for 12 V trigger signals
• Adjustable sensitivity for automatic power-on
• Inputs and outputs for IR
• Ground terminal
• Detachable power cord

Flexible applications

The C 298 might look like a simple stereo power amplifier at first glance, but NAD's engineers have carefully considered every application to develop a power amplifier that is as universally usable as possible. The C 298 features balanced inputs, ensuring it is ready for professional studio use and connection to high-end preamplifiers and processors. Thanks to its variable input sensitivity, the C 298 integrates perfectly into setups with other amplifiers or active speakers and subwoofers—the required line-level preamplifier output is already included in the feature set. A sensitivity-adjustable auto-power-on function facilitates the operation of complex systems and allows for concealed operation of the amplifier. The ground terminal prevents ground loops and hum interference in audio systems with multiple amplifiers. Finally, if required, the C 298 can also be operated in bridged mode, turning it into an astonishingly powerful monoblock amplifier. Start with one C 298 and add a second later when you upgrade your speaker system.

Fundamental requirements

It is surprising how many seemingly advanced products on the market today often fail to meet even the basic requirements for reliable and high-fidelity operation. NAD, however, understands the importance of low-noise circuits, accurate channel balance, correct input and output impedance characteristics, large headroom, and stable amplification even with difficult speaker loads. NAD's engineers take these fundamental aspects into account in their work and continuously develop them further.

For example, the C 298's line-level inputs—whether the balanced XLR or conventional RCA jacks—are suitable for all types of analog audio sources, as they feature ideal input impedance with linear, extremely low-noise buffer amplifiers to prevent sonic degradation caused by mismatching. Details you can hear.

Technical details for the C658:

LINE INPUT, PRE-AMP OUTPUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) <0.005% at 2 V out
Signal-to-noise ratio >106 dB (IHF; A-weighted, 500 mV out, unity gain)
Channel separation >80 dB (1 kHz)
>70 dB (10 kHz)
Input impedance (R and C) 22 kOhms + 100 pF
Maximum input level
>4.5 V rms (0.1% THD)
Output impedance Source Z + 240 ohms
Input sensitivity 93 mV (500 mV out, volume at maximum)
Frequency response ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Maximum output level
>4.5 V (0.1% THD)
Tone controls Treble: >±7.0 dB at 20 kHz; Bass: ±7.0 dB at 60 Hz; Balance: -10 dB
PHONO INPUT, PRE-AMP OUTPUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) <0.01% at 2 V out
Signal-to-noise ratio >84 dB (200 ohm source; A-weighted, 500 mV out)
>76 dB (MM cartridge, IHF; A-weighted, 500 mV out)
Input sensitivity 1.44 mV (500 mV out, volume at maximum)
Frequency response >±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Maximum input level at 1 kHz >80 mV rms (0.1% THD)
LINE INPUT, HEADPHONE OUTPUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) <0.005% at 1 V out
Signal-to-noise ratio
>110 dB (32 ohm load; A-weighted, 2 V out, unity gain)
Frequency response ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Channel separation >60 dB at 1 kHz
Output impedance 6 ohms
D/A CONVERTER
Supported data formats
MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS
Supported high-resolution data formats MQA, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, converted DSD playback via BluOS Desktop app (only here)
Sample rate up to 32 bit/192 kHz
Resolution 16 – 24 bit
BLUOS
Supported operating systems Music playback from networks with the following desktop operating systems: Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Vista 7-10, Apple Macintosh 7-10
Mobile operating system BluOS™ – Free Android and iOS app available online at Google Play and the Apple App Store
Supported cloud streaming services Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, HDTracks, HighResAudio, Murfie, JUKE, Napster, Slacker Radio, KKBox, Bugs
Free internet radio TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise
Bluetooth® Bluetooth® aptX™ HD
Bluetooth® connection Bidirectional (transmit and receive)
Network Gigabit Ethernet RJ45
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 b/g/n)
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Dimensions (W x H x D)** 435 x 100 x 405 mm
Shipping weight 10.1 kg


Technical details for the C298:

ANALOG INPUT TO SPEAKER OUTPUTS
Continuous output power in stereo mode at 8 Ω
2 x 185 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz at rated THD)
at 4 Ω 2 x 340 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz at rated THD, at 4 Ω)
Continuous output power in bridge mode 1 x 620 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz at 8 Ω)
IHF dynamic power in stereo mode (at 1% THD, 1 kHz, at 8 Ω)
2 x 260 W at 4 Ω 2 x 490 W at 2 Ω 2 x 570 W
IHF dynamic power in bridge mode at 8 Ω
1 x 1,000 W at 4 Ω 1 x 1,100 W
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) <0.005% (1 to 185 W at 4 and 8 Ω)
Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)
>98 dB (500 mW input, 1 W output at 8 Ω); >120 dB (185 W output at 8 Ω)
Maximum output current >25 A (at 1 Ω, 1 ms)
Damping factor >800 (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 6.5 kHz)
Input sensitivity (for 185 W at 8 ohms) 1.43 V
Frequency response ±0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz), -3 dB (60 kHz)
ANALOG INPUT TO LINE OUTPUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) <0.0005% at 2 V output level
Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)
>120 dB (IHF, 20 Hz-20 kHz, at 2 V output level)
Input impedance (R and C) RCA and XLR: 56 kΩ + 280 pF
Maximum input level >7.0 V (at 0.1% THD)
Output impedance 390 Ω
Frequency response ±0.1 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Maximum output voltage >7.0 V (at 1% THD)
GENERAL
Standby power consumption <0.5 W
Dimensions (W x H x D) 435 x 120 x 390 mm
Weight 11.2 kg
Shipping weight 13.6 kg

Herstellerangaben:

Lenbrook Industries Ltd.
633 Granite Court
Ontario
L1W 3K1 , Pickering
Canada
blokhifi@lenbrook.com

Verantwortliche Person:

DALI GmbH
Berliner Ring 89
64625 , Bensheim
Germany
service@nad.de