With its C538 CD player, NAD offers a very powerful model based on a high quality technical design. It benefits from a solid mechanical base that effectively reduces vibrations and ensures precise positioning of the drive and laser. This ensures smooth playback and significantly reduces audio stream extraction errors. Heavy gauge steel and non-resonant plastic castings are carefully designed and used to achieve optimal results. The CD transport itself is mounted on reinforced steel rails and more than 30 fasteners are used to lock the unit together and maintain its mechanical integrity.

A very precise clocking system of the digital data stream allows the Wolfson 24bit DAC to provide excellent linearity and precision in the digital/analog conversion of the signal. OPAs provide the output buffer without adding noise or distortion. The entire circuit has been designed to ensure the shortest signal path. All audio circuitry is powered by a custom power supply providing multiple regulated voltages to the transport, digital, analog and control circuits and the display. The result of this careful and intelligent design is a detailed, natural and dynamic sound reproduction.

The NAD C538 provides a control panel on the front of the unit as well as an IR remote control for simple playback control. The latter also offers additional functions such as access to different playback and repeat modes. The display shows playback information such as track number and playback time.

For its connectivity, the C538 offers two digital SPDIF outputs in coaxial and optical Toslink formats allowing in particular the connection to an external DAC or a home cinema amplifier. An RCA line output allows a connection to a classic analog amplifier or preamplifier.

1	CD Tray
2	Display
3	Player / Control / Enter button
4	Stop button
5	Display button
6	ON/OFF button
7	Open / Close button
8	Scan buttons
9	Digital outputs
10	Line output
11	Power connector
12	Optical output
13	Coaxial output