NAD C 268 Power Amplifier
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NAD C 268 Power Amplifier
What You Need to Know
What is the C 268, and what does it do?
The NAD C 268 is a stereo power amplifier — no preamp, no DAC, no streaming, no phono stage. It receives a line-level signal from a separate preamp and amplifies it to drive speakers. 80 watts per channel into 8 and 4 ohms continuous; 300 watts when bridged mono.
It's part of NAD's Classic Series — a flexible building block for separates systems. Pair it with the NAD C 658 streaming DAC, the C 388 integrated, or use bridged C 268s with a matching C 368 or C 379 integrated to build a high-power mono pair.
Story Behind the Versatile Bridgeable Workhorse
NAD designed the C 268 as the most flexible power amp in the Classic Series. Same Hypex-licensed UcD output stage that earned NAD its modern Class D reputation, plus bridgeable mono mode that compounds the output. Bi-amping, daisy-chain line out, balanced XLR, variable gain — the C 268 adapts to almost any system architecture.
Why does it matter? How does it improve your listening?
The output stage is HybridDigital UcD — a customized version of the Hypex Universal Class D module developed in collaboration with Bruno Putzeys. UcD pairs Class D efficiency with linear, well-controlled behavior across the audio band.
Continuous power is 80 watts per channel into both 8 and 4 ohms — a both-channels-driven rating measured across the full audio band. IHF dynamic power reaches 120 W into 8 ohms, 200 W into 4 ohms, and 250 W into 2 ohms for short-burst peaks. Damping factor exceeds 100.
Bridge mode flips a switch and combines both channels into a single mono output of 300 watts continuous into 8 ohms — useful when you want more power for demanding speakers, or when you pair two C 268s for a serious bridged mono system.
NAD specifies THD below 0.03% across the audio band from 250 mW to 80 W. SNR exceeds 98 dB (A-weighted, 1 W out into 8 Ω). Frequency response ±0.3 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. A high-efficiency switch-mode power supply delivers clean voltage with high current on demand.
Asymmetrical PowerDrive is NAD's switch-mode supply topology — capable of nearly 200 W continuously and over 500 W instantaneously for short-term musical transients. It operates with any AC mains voltage from 100V to 240V and provides pure DC power to all stages.
Who is this best for?
You already have a preamp, integrated amp pre-out, or streaming DAC with line outs — and need a clean, well-built stereo power amp to drive your speakers.
You want to bi-amp your speakers (running separate amps to bass and treble drivers).
You own a NAD C 368 or C 379 integrated and want to bridge it with a matched C 268 for 300W mono output per channel.
You need balanced XLR inputs and variable gain to match preamps with non-standard output levels.
You're a custom installer — 12V triggers, auto turn-on, ground lug, and detachable AC cord make integration clean.
How does it connect to your system?
Inputs: balanced XLR pair and single-ended RCA pair, with a switch to select between them. Adjustable input gain (variable mode: 14.5 dB to 34.5 dB bridged) lets you match the gain to the preamp's output for any system.
Outputs: a single pair of speaker binding posts (with bridge switch for mono mode), plus a line output for daisy-chaining to additional amps or a subwoofer.
Control: 12V trigger in/out, auto turn-on with selectable signal-sensing threshold, ground lug for noise control, and a detachable AC power cord. Two region-specific power cords ship in the carton; user selects the appropriate cord.
No remote control — the C 268 is a pure power amp, controlled by source-component signal levels and the included gain knob.
Professional Reviews
HomeTheaterReview
HomeTheaterReview highlighted the C 268 as a flexible Classic Series amplifier built on a customized Hypex UcD output stage. The publication noted NAD's careful execution allows the C 268 to deliver high power with extremely low distortion and noise — matching the brand's best-in-class reputation across more than four decades.
The Audiophile Man
The Audiophile Man called the C 268 "balanced and flexible" — noting the XLR inputs make it a natural mate for high-end preamps. The review highlighted the bridgeable 300W mono mode and the ability to start with one C 268 and upgrade to a bridged pair later as compelling reasons over fixed-architecture amps.
NAD Classic Series Heritage
The C 268 belongs to NAD's longstanding Classic Series — a lineage that started with the NAD 3020 in 1978 (the best-selling hi-fi amplifier in history) and continues today with components designed around the brand's "music first" philosophy. Conservative power ratings, careful engineering, and value-driven pricing have defined the series for over four decades.
Pairs Well With
Building your system? Here are some great companions.
- NAD C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC — The natural partner for the C 268. Adds BluOS streaming, DAC, room correction, and preamp duties in one box. Browse our preamps and DACs.
- Floorstanding or bookshelf speakers — 80 W per channel suits a wide range. Browse our speakers.
- A second NAD C 268 (bridged) — Two units bridged in mono make a 300W-per-channel monoblock pair for demanding speakers.
- NAD C 368 or C 379 integrated — Bridge a C 268 with either integrated for a matching 300W mono pair without buying a second C 268.
- Premium speaker cables and balanced XLR cables — The C 268's balanced inputs reward clean cable runs. See speaker cables and balanced XLR cables.
Features & Specifications
HybridDigital UcD Class D Amplification
NAD's HybridDigital UcD output stage is a customized version of the Hypex Universal Class D module — developed with Bruno Putzeys. Known for predictable behavior, low distortion, and stability into varied speaker loads. 80 watts per channel continuous into 8 and 4 ohms.
Bridgeable to 300 Watts Mono
A single switch on the back panel converts the C 268 from stereo to bridged mono — delivering 300 W continuous into 8 ohms. Pair two C 268s (one per channel) for a true monoblock system, or bridge a single C 268 with a matching C 368 or C 379 integrated.
Asymmetrical PowerDrive
NAD's switch-mode supply is capable of nearly 200 W continuously and over 500 W instantaneously for short-term musical transients. Operates with any AC mains voltage from 100V to 240V, providing near-perfect voltage regulation and a solid noise-free foundation for the amplifying stages.
Balanced XLR + Single-Ended RCA Inputs
One pair of balanced XLR inputs and one pair of single-ended RCA inputs, with a switch to select between them. Balanced cables reject noise on long runs and are the connection most audiophile preamps use.
Adjustable Input Gain
An input level control lets you match the C 268's gain to your preamp's output. Useful when integrating with preamps that have non-standard output levels, or when matching levels across multiple amplifiers in a complex system. Variable gain mode: 14.5 dB to 34.5 dB bridged.
Line Output for Daisy-Chaining
A dedicated line output lets you pass the input signal through to additional amplifiers — useful for bi-amping, multi-room setups, or driving a subwoofer with its own crossover.
Custom Installation Hardware
12V trigger in/out for system automation, auto turn-on with selectable signal-sensing threshold, a ground lug for reducing noise in complex setups, and a detachable AC power cord with two region-specific cords supplied (global voltage compatibility 100V-240V).
Low Standby Power
Under 0.5 W in standby — meets European Union energy efficiency standards. The auto turn-on circuit keeps the C 268 powered down until it detects an incoming signal.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Amplifier Performance | |
| Amplifier Class | HybridDigital UcD (Class D) |
| Continuous Power (Stereo Mode) | 80 W per channel into 8 Ω and 4 Ω (20 Hz – 20 kHz, both channels driven) |
| Continuous Power (Bridge Mode) | 300 W into 8 Ω (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.03% THD) |
| THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) | <0.03% (250 mW to 80 W, 8 Ω and 4 Ω) |
| IHF Dynamic Power (Stereo) | 120 W (8 Ω), 200 W (4 Ω), 250 W (2 Ω). 1 kHz, 1% THD. |
| IHF Dynamic Power (Bridge) | 500 W (8 Ω), 560 W (4 Ω). 1 kHz, 1% THD. |
| Clipping Power (Stereo) | >95 W at 1 kHz, 0.1% THD |
| Clipping Power (Bridge) | >315 W at 1 kHz, 0.1% THD |
| Peak Output Current | >20 A into 1 Ω, 1 ms |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >98 dB (A-weighted, ref. 1 W out, 8 Ω) |
| Damping Factor | >100 (ref. 8 Ω, 20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Frequency Response | ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Channel Separation | >80 dB at 1 kHz; >70 dB at 10 kHz |
| Input / Output | |
| Analog Inputs | 1 × balanced XLR, 1 × single-ended RCA (selectable) |
| Input Impedance (R and C) | Single-ended: 33 kΩ + 220 pF; Balanced: 10 kΩ + 20 pF |
| Maximum Input Signal | >7.0 Vrms at 0.1% THD |
| Input Sensitivity (for 80 W in 8 Ω) | Fixed gain mode: 920 mV |
| Bridge Gain | Fixed: 25 dB; Variable: 14.5 – 34.5 dB |
| Bridge Sensitivity | Fixed: 2.8 V for 300 W in 8 Ω; Variable max: 940 mV for 300 W in 8 Ω |
| Outputs | 1 × pair speaker binding posts; 1 × line out (RCA) |
| Output Impedance (Line Out) | 440 Ω |
| Bridge Mode | Switchable stereo / bridged mono |
| Custom Install | |
| Trigger | 12V trigger in/out |
| Auto Turn-On | Signal-sensing with selectable threshold |
| Ground Lug | Yes |
| AC Power Cord | Two region-specific cords supplied; 100V – 240V global compatibility |
| Power & Physical | |
| Standby Power | <0.5 W |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 435 × 100 × 390 mm (17-1/8" × 3-15/16" × 15-3/8") |
| Net Weight | 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs) |
| Warranty | 2 years, parts and labor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What else do I need to use the C 268?
You need a preamplifier (or integrated amp with pre-outs, or streaming DAC with line outs), speakers, speaker cables, and an interconnect cable from your preamp to the C 268. The C 268 is a pure power amp — it has no preamp section, no DAC, no streaming, no phono stage.
Is the C 268 a good match for my speakers?
Matching depends on power, sensitivity, and impedance — the right answer depends on your speakers and room. The C 268's 80 W per channel works well with most efficient bookshelf and floorstanding speakers. Bridged to 300 W, it handles much more demanding loads. Call us at 800-942-0220 and we'll help you dial it in.
What are the differences between Class A, Class A/B, and Class D amplifiers? Which one is this?
The C 268 uses HybridDigital UcD — NAD's customized Class D design. Class A keeps the output transistors fully on (clean, but hot and inefficient). Class A/B is the traditional analog blend used in many power amps.
Class D switches the output transistors rapidly. Benefits are high efficiency, low heat, and a small chassis. UcD (Universal Class D, developed by Hypex with Bruno Putzeys) is known for predictable behavior, low distortion, and stable performance into varied speaker loads.
How do I bridge it to mono?
Flip the bridge switch on the rear panel. This combines both channels into a single mono output that delivers 300 W continuous into 8 Ω.
To run a stereo pair of bridged mono C 268s, you need two units (one per channel). You can also bridge a single C 268 with a matching C 368 or C 379 integrated amp.
Does this have a built-in DAC, preamp, or streaming?
No. The C 268 is a pure stereo power amplifier — no DAC, preamp, streaming, or phono stage. You provide a line-level signal from a separate preamp, integrated amp pre-out, or streaming DAC. This separation lets you upgrade either component independently.
Does it come with a remote control?
No — power amplifiers don't typically include remotes. The C 268 is controlled by the signal level from your preamp; the input gain knob on the back sets the maximum amplification, and the preamp's volume control handles listening levels.
How does this compare to the C 298?
The C 298 is the step-up Classic Series power amp — it uses Purifi Eigentakt Class D (a more refined platform than UcD) and delivers 185W stereo / 620W bridged.
The C 298 has won multiple awards from Stereophile and The Absolute Sound. The C 268 is the more affordable option, at half the power, with the same general feature set.
Can I bi-amp my speakers with it?
Yes. The line output lets you daisy-chain to a second amplifier. Run the C 268 to the bass drivers and a second amp (or a second C 268) to the treble — or vice versa.
Speakers that support bi-amping have separate binding posts for the bass and treble drivers (remove the strapping straps that connect them by default).
Does it have a phono stage for my turntable?
No. The C 268 is a power amp — no phono stage. You'll need a turntable with built-in phono preamp, or a separate phono preamp between your turntable and your preamp/source component feeding the C 268.
What's in the Box
- NAD C 268 Stereo Power Amplifier
- Two region-specific AC power cords (select the appropriate cord for your region)
- Quick Setup Guide
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Want to learn more about power amplifiers, bridging, bi-amping, or building a great hi-fi system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.
- 80 watts X 2 continuous power into 8 or 4 Ohms
- Bridgeable to become powerful 300-watt monoblock amp
- Power supply is capable of nearly 200 watts continuously and over 500 watts instantaneously
- Balanced and single-ended line inputs
- Variable input level control
- Line output for daisy chaining
- Auto-turn-on with selectable threshold
- 12V trigger in/out
- Ground lug eliminates ground loops
- 80W X 2 continuous power into 8 Ohms
- 80W X 2 continuous power into 4 Ohms
- 300W x 1 continuous power into 8 or 4 Ohms
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