As with every amp in the Classic Series, we here at NAD have carefully thought through all the possible use cases and strategically chosen the most essential of features. Thanks to selectable balanced inputs, the C 268 is a natural mate for high-end preamps and processors. These inputs include a trim control useful for matching with other components, or for use in bi-amping speakers. A line out allows further addition of power on the same channel for extra speakers or subwoofers. On top of all this connectivity is a bridge switch that turns the C 268 into an amazingly powerful Monobloc amplifier.
You can also pair the C 268 with the NAD C 368, and with both units bridged for mono, 300 watts per channel of distortion-free sound become available for your listening pleasure. The C 268’s auto-sense feature with selectable threshold is perfect for automating complex systems or for hiding the amp out of sight in a cabinet. Included with the C 268 is a ground lug that is very useful for eliminating ground loops and noise in complex multi-unit systems.
As a member of NAD’s Classic Series, the C 268 delivers a richly satisfying sonic performance thanks to its “music-first” features. Accurate channel balance, proper input and output impedance characteristics, and low noise circuits all come together within this one stereo power amplifier. Additionally the C 268’s line inputs, both balanced and single-ended, can accommodate all kinds of analogue source components by offering ideal input impedance traits with linear ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers to prevent any sonic degradation caused by unfitting loading of the source device.
Having moved away from old fashioned linear power supplies and Class AB output stages, NAD has developed even better performing circuits based on switch mode power supplies and Class D output stages. Once thought to be inferior to traditional topologies, NAD’s advanced work in this area has resulted in some of the best performing amplifiers regardless of basic design principle. The overall design of the C 268 is very linear over a wide bandwidth, providing dramatic advances over previous models with consistent performance into all speaker loads.
The power supply of the C 268 is capable of nearly 200 watts continuously and over 500 watts instantaneously, allowing for short term musical transients. NAD’s innovative asymmetrical PowerDrive fully utilizes every last watt available with its vast reserves of dynamic power available to accurately reproduce the most demanding music without distortion or compression. It can also operate with any AC mains voltage from 100V to 240V, and provides pure DC power to all the various stages of the C 268. This highly efficient supply also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions and provides a solid noise-free foundation for the amplifying stages.
The C 268 uses a customized version of the proven Hypex UcD output stage. This allows for massive power with nearly immeasurable distortion and noise in the audible range. Every detail of this design has been carefully crafted and perfectly executed to wring out ever last drop of performance.
