NAD C 538 - CD Player
Why You'll Love It.
Mike ChapmanOVER 30 YEARS AT LISTENUP
The NAD C 538 CD Player delivers refined, natural sound with a reinforced transport, precision digital clocking, and a tuned analogue output stage for accurate hi-fi playback. It supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW, plus MP3/WMA discs, making it easy to enjoy both standard albums and extended music collections. For flexible system matching, it includes coaxial and optical digital outputs for use with an external DAC or AV receiver. With a dimmable display, remote control modes, and low power draw, the C 538 fits seamlessly into modern stereo systems centered on physical media.
Technical Specifications
Reinforced CD transport for stable playback
Engineered to reduce vibration and help minimize tracking errors, supporting smoother, more consistent disc reading.
Precision digital clocking
Improves timing accuracy during disc data retrieval, helping produce cleaner, steadier playback with better low-level detail.
Tuned analogue output stage
Designed to preserve musical balance and clarity, delivering a natural presentation that pairs well with revealing amps and speakers.
Flexible digital connectivity
Built-in coaxial and optical outputs make it simple to route the C 538 to an external DAC or AV receiver for system upgrades and tailored sound.
Broad disc compatibility
Plays standard CD, CD-R, and CD-RW, and adds support for MP3 and WMA discs to extend listening time and library options.
Easy everyday operation
A dimmable display plus an included remote with Random, Program, and Repeat functions make browsing and listening comfortable in any room lighting.
Reviews
Product Details
NAD C 538 CD Player
The NAD C 538 CD Player is built for listeners who want the unmistakable experience of spinning physical media—complete albums, liner notes, and all—without giving up modern performance. A reinforced CD transport helps reduce vibration and tracking errors, while precision digital clocking supports cleaner disc data retrieval for stable, natural playback. NAD’s tuned analogue output stage and short, low-noise signal paths are designed to preserve clarity, detail, and musical balance—so your amplifier and speakers can reveal more of what’s on the disc. It also plays MP3 and WMA files from compatible discs, and includes coaxial and optical digital outputs for easy connection to an external DAC or AV receiver, making the C 538 a flexible, high-value addition to any hi-fi system.
The NAD C 358 is part of ListenUp's NAD CD Player Collection.
What It's Good At:
- Delivering clean, natural CD playback with a stable, low-vibration transport design
- Preserving detail with precision clocking and a low-noise, short signal-path circuit layout
- Providing a balanced analogue sound via a carefully tuned output stage
- Playing more of your library with CD, CD-R, CD-RW, plus MP3/WMA disc support
- Integrating easily into modern systems with coaxial + optical digital outputs
- Making everyday listening simple with a dimmable display and remote control (Random/Program/Repeat)
NAD C 538 Full Specifications:
- Output level: Analog: 2.2 ± 0.1 V
- Frequency response: ±0.5 dB (ref. 0 dB 20 Hz–20 kHz)
- Total harmonic distortion: ≤0.01% (ref. 1 kHz, Audio LPF)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥110 dB (ref. 1 kHz, A-weighted)
- Channel balance: ±0.5 dB (ref. 0 dB 1 kHz)
- Channel separation: -4.6 ±0.8 dB (ref. 0 dB 1 kHz, 5 kHz)
- Standby power: <0.5 W
- Idle power: <7.5 W
- Gross dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 70 x 249 mm (Gross)
- Net weight: 3.0 kg
- Shipping weight: 4.3 kg
- Note: Specifications subject to change without notice.
NAD C 538 Q&A:
- What disc formats does the NAD C 538 play?
- The C 538 plays CD, CD-R, and CD-RW discs, giving you flexibility with both pressed CDs and compatible recordable media.
- Can the NAD C 538 play MP3 or WMA files?
- Yes. It supports MP3 and WMA playback from compatible discs, making it easy to enjoy long playlists or data discs.
- Does the C 538 have digital outputs for an external DAC?
- Yes. It includes coaxial and optical digital outputs, ideal for connecting to an external DAC or an AV receiver.
- What kind of analogue output does it provide to an amplifier?
- The C 538 provides an analogue output level of 2.2 ± 0.1 V, paired with a tuned analogue stage designed for natural, balanced sound.
- Is the display adjustable for dark-room listening?
- Yes. The front display is dimmable and shows track, time, and playback information for easy navigation.
- What remote-control functions are included?
- The included remote supports Random, Program, and Repeat functions, along with convenient playback control from your listening seat.
- How energy-efficient is the NAD C 538?
- It’s designed with low consumption in mind, with <0.5 W standby power and <7.5 W idle power.
- What helps the C 538 maintain reliable playback?
- A reinforced CD transport, stable mechanical design, and precision digital clocking work together to reduce vibration and tracking errors for consistent performance.
NAD C 538 Downloads:
NAD C 539 Manual
NAD C 539 Quick Start Guide
NAD C 539 Data Sheet
NAD C 538 - CD Player Specifications
Inputs & Outputs
- Outputs: 3
