NAD C538
NAD C538 CD player with 24-bit Wolfson DAC, compatible with CD-R and CD-RW, with coaxial and optical digital outputs.
Description
The NAD C538 is a stereo CD player designed for playing compact discs, including recorded CD-R and CD-RW formats. It can operate as a standalone source, connected directly to an amplifier, or serve as a simple digital transport paired with an external converter or a home cinema amplifier thanks to its coaxial and optical outputs.
Digital-to-analogue conversion relies on a 24-bit Wolfson DAC, a component known for its linearity. The measurements stated by the manufacturer point to a carefully considered design: distortion of 0.01% or less, a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB or more, and an output level of 2.2 V. These figures indicate a clean signal, with little background noise and well-preserved dynamics when listening.
This player is aimed at enthusiasts of a classic stereo setup, looking for a reliable CD source for a mid-range hi-fi system, or at users wishing to make use of its digital outputs with a higher-performance external DAC. It suits both direct listening and integration into an upgradeable system.
Technical specifications
| Converter (DAC) | 24-bit Wolfson |
| Compatible formats | CD, CD-R, CD-RW |
| Digital outputs | Coaxial and optical |
| Distortion | ≤ 0.01 % |
| Signal to noise ratio | ≥ 110 dB |
| Output level | 2.2 V |
What to check before buying used
The motorised tray deserves a repeated open/close test: a worn mechanism sticks or forces on its rail. Also check that the optical unit reads CD-R and CD-RW without hesitation, as these are more sensitive to laser ageing than pressed CDs, and watch for any skips or read errors towards the end of a disc. An abnormally long disc recognition time often signals a laser diode nearing the end of its life.
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