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NAD C 538 Single-disc CD player

Item # 745C538

I've always admired the solid, no-nonsense feel I get from NAD components.

I've always admired the solid, no-nonsense feel I get from NAD components.

Item # 745C538

Ships free

On backorder
C$549.99 -C$50.99 Price break
C$499.00

About the NAD C 538

Eric A.

No-nonsense musical fidelity

I've always admired the solid, no-nonsense feel I get from NAD components. For instance, the NAD C 538 CD player offers a clean, easy-to-operate front panel with raised buttons, and a vacuum fluorescent display that provides important title, track, and time information.

No-nonsense musical fidelity

I've always admired the solid, no-nonsense feel I get from NAD components. For instance, the NAD C 538 CD player offers a clean, easy-to-operate front panel with raised buttons, and a vacuum fluorescent display that provides important title, track, and time information.

Inside the vibration-resistant chassis, there's a custom-designed power supply, and a 24-bit/192kHz Wolfson digital-to-analog converter that ensures precise, accurate playback of your favourite discs.

A versatile performer

The C 538 is compatible with a variety of discs, ranging from regular CDs to home-burned CD-Rs filled with MP3 and WMA files. The included remote gives you command of the basics like "play" and "stop," plus access to repeat, random, and program modes from the comfort of your favourite chair.

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Product highlights:

  • plays CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and discs with MP3s and WMA files
  • vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) shows settings and disc playback information
  • repeat, random, and program play
  • forward and reverse skip and search functions
  • display dimmer
  • wireless remote
  • detachable power cord
  • regulated active power supply
  • Wolfson 24-bit/192KHz digital-to-analog converter
  • frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz (±0.5 dB)
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 110 dB
Connections:
  • optical and coaxial digital outputs
  • stereo RCA outputs
Dimensions and Warranty:
  • 17-3/16"W x 2-13/16"H x 9-13/16"D
  • weight: 6.6 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # C538

What's in the box:

  • Single-disc CD player
  • 6.5' AC power cord
  • Remote control (CD 8)
  • 2 "AA" batteries
  • 5' RCA stereo cable
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

Customer reviews for NAD C 538

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Average review:

4.5 out of 5 stars
191 reviews

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More details on the NAD C 538

Stacey B.

Features & specs

General
Disc Capacity 1
CD Transport Only No
Disc Exchange N/A
Track Programming 20
Random Play Yes
Direct Track Access Remote
Direct Disc Access N/A
Networking Features
Network Music Streaming No
Ethernet Port No
Wi-Fi No
Remote Included
Parts Warranty 2 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years
Compatibility
CD-R Playback Yes
CD-RW Playback Yes
Stereo SACD Playback N
Specifications
CD Frequency Response 20-20k Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio 110 dB
SACD Frequency Response Not Compatible
SACD Dynamic Range ---
SACD THD ---
Inputs
Digital Optical Input No
Digital Coaxial Input No
USB Type-A Input No
USB Type-B Input No
Outputs
Analog RCA Output Yes
Analog XLR Output No
Digital Optical Output Yes
Digital Coaxial Output Yes
Headphone Output No

Product Research

Features

Disc Compatibility: The NAD C 538 single-disc CD player can play both CD-Audio and finalized CD-R/RW discs, as well as decodes MP3/WMA music files copied onto a CD-R or CD-RW disc.

Wolfson 24-Bit DAC: The 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution Wolfson DAC of the C 538 was chosen for its excellent low-level linearity and detail retrieving capabilities

Stereo RCA Output: The CD player also features a stereo RCA output for analog connection, utilizing the high quality Wolfson 24-bit/192kHz DAC.

Coaxial & Optical Digital Outputs: The coaxial output is buffered and isolated by a transformer from the converter itself, and the output impedance has been carefully tailored to produce a precise 75-ohms impedance to ensure perfect matching. This attention to detail reduces the timing errors (jitter) that could otherwise distort the digital data stream. An optical Toslink output is also provided allowing connection to devices that only provide this option.

Remote Control: In addition the unit's front-panel controls, the player includes a dedicated full-feature IR remote control for easy wireless operation.

Playback & Search Functions: The NAD C 538 single-disc CD player offers a variety of convenient playback & search functions - like Random, Repeat, Program, Direct, Skip, and Scan.

  • Random: Random playback gives the listener a random selection of all tracks on the disc.
  • Repeat: The Repeat feature allows repeat playing of either the entire disc or individual tracks.
  • Program: Up to 20 tracks can be programmed with the ability to delete tracks.
  • Direct: The remote's keypad can be used for direct track access, so you can immediately go to a music track.
  • Skip: Individual tracks can also be quickly accessed using the Skip function (Forward and Back).
  • Scan: The Scan function (Forward and Back) gives listeners the opportunity to reach specific sections of the track. 

VFL Display w/ CD-Text: The C 538's Vacuum Fluorescent (VFL) display provides clear and comprehensive information to the listener. The track number is displayed, along with current time elapsed or remaining time for complete CDs or individual tracks. The CD player will also display CD-Text for song/artist information.

AC Power: The CD player has a C7 non-polarized connection for the included power cord. The unit has a power rating of 120-240V; 50/60Hz (15W).

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Customer Q&A

24 questions already asked

Q
Does this cd player have built-in speakers?
kathleen  Jan 28, 2024
1 answer
A
The NAD C 538 does not have any amplifier or built-in speakers, Kathleen. If you are looking for an all-in-one CD player/receiver and speakers combo, check out the Denon D-M41 in the link below! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033DM41/Denon-D-M41.html
bo  Jan 28, 2024 (Staff)
Q
Will the AMP 4 remote that comes with the C 316BEE V2 operate the C 538 CD player?
sidney  Apr 16, 2023
1 answer
A
The AMP 4 remote will control the C 538 CD player.
zachary  Apr 16, 2023 (Staff)
Q
I can´t identify the difference between the CD transport part of NAD C538 and C568 CD players. $ 500 more for a better DAC and the output stage is clear. But, do you think the transport part is affected and therefore is better in C568? Which one is better, strictly, like a CD transport?
miguel  Sep 15, 2022
1 answer
A
The listed upgrades between the two models are an upgrade toroidal power supply, USB input on the front, IR and 12-volt trigger inputs, and a 118 dB signal-to-noise ratio ( vs the 110 db of the 538).
thomas  Sep 16, 2022 (Staff)
Q
What's the preferred audio connection (digital vs. analog) between the NAD C538 CD player and Marantz NR1510 receiver to take full advantage of the Wolfson DAC?
duane  Feb 20, 2022
2 answers
A
I find analog connections have a warmer and less harshness sound.
richard  Feb 22, 2022
A
Analog to analog is best in my opinion. Mixing analog with digital typically doesn't create the best reproduction of frequency and then sound.
terry  Feb 20, 2022
Q
After playing for several days, the player suddenly won't read disks,,"No Disk" - including discs that have been played (and read) successfully just before this happened...what can I do?
daniel  Dec 05, 2021
2 answers
A
Try unplugging the CD player from power, waiting a minute or so and then plugging it back in.
michael  Dec 08, 2021
A
I've had no issues... With 1 exception, Foo Foo Fighters latest, "Medicine @ Midnight" failed to read on the first attempt to play, I wiped it off and it was fine. I use mine a lot, it sounds like yours is simply are rare "lemon" and I would exchange for a new unit if possible :)
david r  Dec 07, 2021
Q
I have a pair of Edifier S1000MKII Powered Bluetooth speakers. Can I simply hook this CD player up to them via Optical cable to create a system? Thanks in advance.
mark t  Nov 28, 2021
2 answers
A
I checked the specifications for the NAD C 538 CD player and the Edifier S1000MKII speakers. They both have an optical audio connecter and can be connected with a Fiber Optic Audio cable. I don't see any reason as to why what you want to do would not be possible.
thomas d.  Nov 30, 2021
A
I don't see why not
george  Nov 28, 2021
Q
Silly Question from a neophyte: Is there a sonic reason to burn a CD from my computer to play on 'CD system' as opposed to just playing it from my computer itself? (Bluetooth, or a wired connection.) FROM QUESTION #1
albert  Oct 10, 2021
2 answers
A
When you burn a audio CD on a PC, the software you use to burn the audio CD should offer what type of audio file format you want to use. Use "wave' file format as it is a better format for your home audio CD player. There is a sound quality difference between MP3 file format and wave format. The wave format uses more space but plays and sounds better on home audio playback equipment.
david  Oct 12, 2021
A
Playing a burned CD through and audio system would definitely be major sonic advantage!
kenny  Oct 12, 2021
Q
Will it play a sacd?
sam  May 03, 2021
6 answers
A
The NAD C 538 Can't play sacd. However, the C 538 also can play CD-R/CD-RW discs allowing you to burn songs from your computer for playback on your CD Playing system. Both MP3 and WMA are supported.
thomas d.  May 03, 2021
A
No, it does not support SACD, otherwise a great CD Player.
ray  May 03, 2021
A
Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs produces a hybrid SACD so it has a layer any CD player can read. Thank you to everyone who responded. Most CD players cannot read SACD. Those that can are much more expensive.
sam  May 03, 2021
A
Don't have any sacd's. But I don't think so - sacd players cost enormous amounts of money.
charles  May 03, 2021
A
No it will not
stephen l  May 03, 2021
A
No
michael  May 03, 2021
Q
Will the remote also operate the NAD C316BEE integrated amp?
roger m  Mar 02, 2021
2 answers
A
No. It is designed to solely operate the C 538. Look carefully and you will see the remote has no buttons for amplifier functionality (I have a different NAD amp and the C 538 remote cannot address any of its functions).
peter  Mar 03, 2021
A
From my experience, NO. You must use the remote from the NAD C316BEE integrated amp. Contact the product Advisors for more information. Enjoy the music!
daniel  Mar 02, 2021
Q
is the line out fixed or variable. Can I control the volume ?
nikolai  Mar 01, 2021
4 answers
A
The output if fixed. There are not any controls to adjust the output level. I used a test CD with a 1kHz tone at -20 dB. to measure the "line out" on either channel. Output level was about 0.25 volts rms. This is sufficient to feed a power amplifier. The NAD C538 player is not meant to feed directly to headphones, hence not output level control.
thomas d.  Mar 01, 2021
A
Volume is controlled through the power source - amplifier, receiver, etc.
peter  Mar 01, 2021
A
I have the output connected to a receiver and control the volume via the receiver. There is no volume control on the CD player. Hope this helps.
chris  Mar 01, 2021
A
You can control the volume just fine if you connect this cd deck to a stereo receiver, as I did This is a very nice cd deck.
john r  Mar 01, 2021
Q
Could you stack the matching 40 watt NAD amp on top of the CD player safely?
kevin  Feb 28, 2021
3 answers
A
I do not see a problem as long as there is some space for air movement
thomas  Mar 06, 2021
A
No. Cd player is a lot smaller
sebastian  Mar 01, 2021
A
I have had the C316BEE amp on top of mine for a year or so with no problems.
paul michael  Feb 28, 2021
Q
How does the NAD C 538 pair with Cambridge Audio's CXN (V2) and CXA81?
daren  Feb 02, 2021
3 answers
A
I'm not familiar with Cambridges models but i am pleased with the sound quality of the NAD
gerard j  Feb 03, 2021
A
To my ears, the NAD sounded brighter and responded to the dynamics of the music with more clarity. The Cambridge sounded subdued at times and didn't have the range that the NAD has, especially when listening to live performance recordings.
david  Feb 02, 2021
A
My NAD538 is coupled with a Cambridge CXA60. The setup is three years old and works just fine, better than my previous setup with NAD amps. I imagine the newer Cambridge amps would be at least as good, but I do not have experience with either.
theodore  Feb 02, 2021
Q
can we use an auxilary cord for the NAD C538 CD player?
karl  Dec 05, 2020
2 answers
A
On this particular unit, the only outputs are RCA.
dan  Mar 02, 2021
A
No. The only connections are optical, coax and RCA. It's a very nice unit btw.
joseph  Dec 06, 2020
Q
can i pair this with sonos 1 speakers ?
william  Sep 01, 2020
2 answers
A
If you have a Receiver, an integrated amp or a pre amp/amp set up yes.The CD player does not have its own power source therefore cannot drive any speakers by itself.
jan  Sep 01, 2020
A
That depends on your tuner/ receiver
john  Sep 01, 2020
Q
what are the dimensions of this unit? Thank you.
al  Aug 02, 2020
2 answers
A
I measured my unit and get a width of 17 1/16 for case and 17 1/8 including front bezel. Height with legs is 2 3/4. Depth of case is 9 1/2 but is 9 3/4 when measuring to end of RCA connectors. I would allow an extra depth of 2 1/2 for power cord.
thomas d.  Nov 30, 2021
A
About 10 inches deep, 17 wide and 2 3/4 tall
larry  Aug 12, 2020
Q
Can I connect this to external DAC like the Cambridge Magic DAC?
robert  Jan 23, 2020
3 answers
A
I don't know the answer but the NAD CD player works great. I am sure the NAD website or their customer service could answer your question.
david c  Jan 23, 2020
A
I'm guessing that since the signal coming out of the CD player has already been converted to analog, no.
albert  Jan 23, 2020
A
Yes most definitely! It has digital output for you to do so. But I wouldn't do that since the internal dac on this CD player is excellent and you had to spend on external DACs that cost significantly more to see any improvements.
giang  Jan 23, 2020
Q
Does this CD player hook to a wireless sound system?
carolyn  Jun 09, 2019
2 answers
A
It does not have built in Wi Fi if that answers your question
larry  Jun 09, 2019
A
I have not attempted to hook up to a wireless sound system, so, I'm not prepared to answer your question. SORRY!
charles  Jun 09, 2019
Q
What color is NAD C 538?
rajkumar  May 29, 2019
2 answers
A
Greyish Black All NAD components I own have the same color
r stephen  May 30, 2019
A
Dark gray. Very typical of all NAD products.
david c  May 29, 2019
Q
does this player support gapless playback?
don  Feb 18, 2019
2 answers
A
Sorry, but I have no idea what gapless playback means.
allen m  Feb 21, 2019
A
I don't know because I don't use it for that.
cheryl  Feb 21, 2019
Q
I'm confused: I thought a CD (or CD-R or CD-RW) disc (which are the formats supported by this player) could only hold 44,100/16 bit data. (If that's true - and apologies if I'm wrong - I'm new to this) how does having a 24/96 DAC help? Or, put differently, will (and how) does this player play hi-res files? And, if it doesn't what advantage does the 24/192 DAC provided on playing standard 16/44 audio CDs?
dstodola  Feb 17, 2019
1 answer
A
You are right, the 24/192 DAC does not make CD higher resolution, and it is still process CD format at 16/44. Some DAC upscale the resolution to the highest resolution possible but I'm not sure if this is the case. The reason why this player has 24/192 is because it can play mp3, which technically can go up to such resolution. But regardless, it is not about the resolution of the DAC, but rather the quality of the digital to analog conversion. From my experience, this CD player does a fine job of that thanks to the advancement in the digital processing technology as of late. You can pay higher for more features, but you'll have to pay significantly more for improved sound quality.
giang  Feb 19, 2019
Q
Why do CD players need to be "burned in?"
ronald  Dec 06, 2018
7 answers
A
I don't know what that means.
john  Dec 22, 2018
A
There is nothing special that you need to do. Typically a burn in period is described in hours, after which many people find a change in the sound quality. Some people may put some music on and leave on repeat to hasten the burn in. It is a very subjective thing.
peter  Dec 07, 2018
A
Sorry. I never heard of burning in a CD player.
john  Dec 07, 2018
A
I don't know I bought this on recommendation of great quality and sound.It has not disappointed.
donald d  Dec 07, 2018
A
what does burned in mean?
peter  Dec 06, 2018
A
A drift in response time is an undesirable drawback in high end audio gear, easiest way is to use a cd with a wide dynamic range and put it on repeat, let it run day and night at low volume for 2-5 days
roger  Dec 06, 2018
A
Greetings Keith: This is a lower priced machine. The electronics are all surface mount and the only mechanical part is the transport. I play a wide variety of music from classical to black metal including many CD'Rs. It has seemed to improve on playback as it has been used, slightly. I would say that use effects the transport the most as the parts wear in. This is my personal opinion. Speakers in a system are a different matter and do require break in. Hope this helps Larry
larry  Dec 06, 2018
Q
Will this CD player be able to shuffle or randomly play all files for a CD-R MP3 disc with files arranged in folders by artist and album and if so, how is this done?
adam  Oct 05, 2018
1 answer
A
It will play CD-Rs fine and according to the instruction sheet it will play random, track,, files. I haven't used the random play or other features but it sounds like it will do what you want. It's a great sounding player, and works great.
larry  Oct 05, 2018
Q
Which carrier did Crutchfield use to ship it?
steven  Aug 02, 2018
10 answers
A
UPS 3-Day delivery
nancy  Aug 10, 2018
A
Sorry, don't remember but it arrived safe and sound.
mike  Aug 09, 2018
A
I believe it was shipped via UPS Ground, Promptly and without damage. Works great too!
william o.  Aug 08, 2018
A
UPS 2nd day air !!
silvio  Aug 08, 2018
A
UPS ground. Arrived safely.
john  Aug 08, 2018
A
Mine came UPS.
craig  Aug 08, 2018
A
UPS
jisung  Aug 08, 2018
A
Ups very fast n free!
noel  Aug 08, 2018
A
UPS
jeffrey c  Aug 08, 2018
A
Ups
tim  Aug 08, 2018
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NAD C 568

NAD C 568

Single-disc CD player
C$1,149.00
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Improved power supply and more inputs

The NAD C 568 offers these features:
  • toroidal power supply
  • USB input on the front panel
  • IR and 12-volt trigger inputs
  • signal-to-noise ratio of 118 dB
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