I'm not here to argue. Project tube box is a pre-amp and doesn't need another pre-amp between itself and the amp. The more important point is that it looks like the c298 won't fit my needs so I'll have to search elsewhereNot that it’s important, but I’m looking at the tube box ds2 product page and I don’t see what you’re talking about.
Same here, not trying to argue, but that’s a phono preamp my friend. Let us know how it goes when you hook it up directly to a 200w power amp and drop the needle.
Hi All,
Long time reader/new member here. Just wanted to say thanks for all the very useful information and opinions provided in this forum. After much research, I am about to pull the plug on a NAD C298 & C658 combo as my entry into audio separates.
Had the same exact problem between the C298 and X3700. Tried also an Benchmark Dac 3 as preamp and the hum was gone. Unplugged the all Hdmi cables from Denon but without succes.It already came in, but I have a problem to solve.
I get hum / buzz noise in speakers when my Denon 3700 L&R pre-outs are connected to c298.
Either with RCA-XLR Mogami/Neutrik cables (wired properly) and RCA-RCA.
Both Denon and NAD units are plug do the same power strip (I have only a single plug under TV).
Denon is AVC, so no TV antenna. Also no AVR input sources seems to make it (I've tried to disconnect one by one).
The hum is also in NAD standby mode. It disappears only if I switch it off with a toggle switch behind.
What am I missing?
Had the same exact problem between the C298 and X3700. Tried also an Benchmark Dac 3 as preamp and the hum was gone. Unplugged the all Hdmi cables from Denon but without succes.
Also tested a Rotel power amp in the same configuration with the Denon without any hum.
I solved the problem for the C298 by removing the trigger cable between the two and using the auto sense function for switching on/off.
Eventually I will try a new unit just to be sure.
I looked at the C658 but do have a look at the objective measurements on here - despite some of the issues I'm having with my new MiniDSP SHD, it performs much better than the C658.
The C298 is effectively a licensed Purifi amplifier, so that is a safe bet and I'm really impressed with mine.
Thanks for sharing your impression of the C298. One thing that I am interested in is how the C298 will handle things (especially at peak power) when play at higher volumes. My current Yamaha N803 does seem to struggle and I have not pushed it as far with my B&W 603s as I did with my previous Klipsch RP280f and SVS Prime Pinnacle speakers. I am a newbie with the technical stuff and not sure if I am reading (interpreting) specifications correctly.
For example, according to manufacturer specs (I know, take with many grains of salt):
Yamaha N803: Maximum Power (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD) @145w
NAD C298: Clipping power (Stereo mode, at 1 kHz 0.1 % THD) @>200w
Should one interpret this as meaning that the C298 will do much better (less distortion a normal person can hear - not only what measured) when really pushed?
Hard to comment on something that has no sound of it's own. Neutral and transparent.
The RME is my digital "pre-amp" (Nvidia shield, ropiee, etc) and my pro-ject tube box ds2 goes directly into my amp, yes. Anyway, clear, if I want the c298 I'll have to play with the manual switch at the back.
Thanks
Thanks! I've given up on the C298 as it would involve one more device in the chain and that's not what I'm after. Waiting for someone to release an integrated, ideally without a DACYou could get a passive attenuator to go between the phono stage output and the nad. Otherwise you run a huge risk or blowing your speakers or your ear drums.
Thats a characterization of sound though. I've heard these lean more warm side of neutral, maybe that depends on system.
I think its sounds very good. Subjectively i find to be very neutral and clean at higher volumes with tight bass and articulate vocals. When paired with the NAD C658 the 12v trigger works as intended with no issues for me. Very happy with it and a nice improvement over the Yamaha N803 it replaced..Entire thread on the C298 and the majority of it about the damn trigger...How does it perform for pete's sake!!