NAD C 268 Stereo Power Amplifier
The NAD C 268 Stereo Power Amplifier delivers serious high-fidelity performance in a clean, rack-friendly footprint—ideal for upgrading a stereo system, building a dedicated preamp/power-amp stack, or powering a bi-amped speaker setup. Built around NAD’s HybridDigital UcD amplification, the C 268 produces 80 watts per channel with low noise and distortion, keeping vocals natural, bass tight, and complex mixes composed at higher volumes. Designed for easy integration, it includes balanced and single-ended inputs, adjustable input level controls for precise system matching, and a line output for daisy-chaining additional amplifiers. When you need more output for demanding speakers, enable bridge mode to transform the C 268 into a powerful mono amplifier delivering up to 300 watts of continuous power. Auto turn-on, 12V trigger in/out, a ground lug for noise reduction, and global voltage compatibility round out a flexible powerhouse built for modern hi-fi and custom installs.
The NAD C 268 is part of ListenUp's NAD Power Amps Collection.
What It's Good At:
- Clean, confident power for detailed, dynamic music playback with low noise and distortion
- Flexible system integration with balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) connectivity
- Big-system scalability via line output for easy daisy-chaining of additional amplifiers
- Mono bridging capability to unlock higher output for demanding speakers and larger rooms
- Seamless automation with auto turn-on plus 12V trigger input/output for unified control
- Quieter installs thanks to a ground lug that helps reduce hum in complex setups
NAD C 268 Full Specifications:
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Continuous output power (Stereo mode, 8 & 4 ohms): 80W (ref. 20 Hz–20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven)
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Continuous output power (Bridge mode, 8 ohms): 300W (ref. 20 Hz–20 kHz at THD 0.03%)
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THD (20 Hz–20 kHz): <0.03% (250 mW to 80 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
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IHF dynamic power (Stereo mode, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 8 ohms): 120W
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IHF dynamic power (Stereo mode, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 4 ohms): 200W
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IHF dynamic power (Stereo mode, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 2 ohms): 250W
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Damping factor: >100 (ref. 8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz)
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Input sensitivity (for 80W in 8 ohms): 750mV / 50kohms
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Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz)
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Standby power: <0.5W
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Unit dimension (W x H x D) – Gross: 435 x 100 x 390 mm
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Net weight: 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs)
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Shipping weight: 8.7 kg (19.2 lbs)
NAD C 268 Q&A:
- What speakers can the NAD C 268 drive?
- With 80W per channel and high-current capability, it’s well-suited for a wide range of speakers, including more demanding designs—especially when you want extra headroom for musical peaks.
- Can the C 268 be used as a mono amplifier?
- Yes. It’s bridgeable into mono mode, delivering up to 300W of continuous power into 8 ohms for higher-output applications.
- What’s the benefit of balanced and single-ended inputs?
- Balanced inputs are excellent for longer cable runs and noise resistance, while single-ended inputs ensure compatibility with traditional hi-fi components—giving you more setup flexibility.
- Does the amplifier support bi-amping?
- Yes. The C 268 is designed for multiple stereo scenarios, including bi-amping compatible loudspeakers.
- Can I expand my system later with more amplifiers?
- Yes. The line output makes it easy to daisy-chain additional amplifiers as your system grows.
- Does the C 268 turn on automatically?
- Yes. It includes auto turn-on with a selectable threshold for smoother day-to-day use in integrated systems.
- How does 12V trigger help in a system?
- The 12V trigger input/output allows unified on/off control with other components, helping your system power up and shut down together.
- What does the ground lug do?
- It can help reduce hum and noise in more complex installations by providing an additional grounding option.
NAD C 268 Downloads:
NAD C 268 Manual
NAD C 268 Quick Start Guide
NAD C 268 Data Sheet
