For the millions of people around the world still using CDs as their primary listening source, the NAD Electronics C 538 CD Player is everything you need and nothing you don’t. With no wireless connectivity or additional media slots, the C 538 is a straightforward single-disc CD player made from heavy-gauge steel and non-resonant plastic moldings, carefully engineered to provide optimum results. The integrated Wolfson 24-bit DAC provides accurate linearity for the PCM data conversion to analog waveform. The custom-designed active power supply provides multiple regulated voltages to the transport, digital circuits, analog circuits, and control and display circuits. The result is a sound that is detailed and natural. If you are building your first home audio system or replacing your current CD unit, consider the C 538 when choosing a new player.
Julie –
I am I had to replace my 34-year-old CD player so I could keep playing my old CDs years old. I had the same model that I bought in 1990 as part of a system. It only just stopped functioning a few weeks ago. I was happy to just replace it with what is essentially the same one and hope that the quality is close to the original because next time I’ll just stuff the CDs in the closet alongside the old LPs. 🙂
Julie –
Giovanni –
I was looking for a new CD player, replacing my old Denon. I have quite a collection of discs and want to play these occasionally. I mostly stream these days.
This a solid player with a great tray for a start, no wobbling or uncertainness when loading a disc. The sound is great just out of the DA on board. If nothing has a slight dark character, which I like or maybe it just sounds a bit better than my old player. It has the typical NAD stealth look, with nice, elegant blue LED info. The remote is OK if you are close and aim right.
I can recommend this. I feel like I should be good for the next 10 years.
Giovanni –
Antony –
I just replaced my old TEAC player with this and the difference was IMMEDIATE.
I play through a Pioneer Elite Stereo Receiver SX-N30 and a pair of Martin Logan Montage speakers.
Crystal clear sound … bright and excellent. I test with Puccini Tosca end of Act 1 – Te Deum – Sinopoli recording and Pink Fyd Shine On … and an accoustic guitar with Eric Clapton. All rendered with no distortion.
A great trio of units. The NAD certainly has made a HUGE difference.
Antony –
William –
The C538 CD play has a built-in DAC (digital analog converter) which enhances the sound. Old CDs sound great.
William –
Alan –
Good player at lower price than equivalent models from other brands
Alan –
Richard –
This is not my first NAD C538. I have another in a different system. For this price you cannot go wrong in getting good quality sound. I have a system with a different brand CD player costing ten times the NAD…yes, it is built like a tank; however, I have compared them in the same system playing the same CD…I would be hard pressed to say the more expensive unit kills the NAD. The NAD portrays the CD recording quality or lack of quality the same. Shuffle play is easy to program. There are several ways to feed the NAD to your integrated, receiver, or separates. I have been into purchasing stereo equipment since the 1960s and still have vintage and new. I’ve spent large money on expensive components and have come to the conclusion that a product like the NAD is a gem. The reviewers can criticize certain CD players because the tray is not made from solid aluminum or the chip set is different from what they think it should be; however, your ears are the best reviewer…and mine tell me that from the brands I own (Marantz, Rotel, McIntosh) that this NAD holds its own against these other expensive brands.
Richard –