Full product details
The C542 replaces NAD’s venerable C541i. With the worldwide acclaim and numerous awards for outstanding performance and value, it is fair to ask why NAD would "mess with success". But NAD has never rested on its laurels; rather, development is ongoing at the NAD Lab and new models are launched when we feel a significant improvement has been achieved. Such is the case with the C542. The cosmetics of the C542 were refined to remain consistent our emerging line of components as well as the addition of minor conveniences on the remote control. But making improvements to the performance of the C542 would prove to be a major challenge as the first generation 541i was already so good. Several minor changes and upgrades were made in the overall circuitry and digital to analog processing. It was the combined effect of these refinements that resulted in a dramatic difference at the output stage. Now a depth and clarity not previously achieved is evident during every passage of music. With perfect timber and timing, matched with improved low frequency extension, the entire experience is more emotional and lucid.
Features and Circitry
Creating one’s own favourite compilation CD-R and CD-RW’s on a CD Recorder is becoming ever more popular, and unlike ordinary CD players, the C542 will easily play these discs. We have included a number of additional features to make your listening more enjoyable: RANDOM gives the listener a random selection of all tracks on the disc in play, and REPEAT allows repeat playing of either the entire disc, or individual tracks. Individual tracks can be quickly accessed using the SKIP function (Forward and Back), and the SCAN function (Forward and Back) gives an aural précis of individual tracks, giving the listener the opportunity to reach specific sections of the track.
The Vacuum Fluorescent display provides clear and understated, yet comprehensive information to the listener. The track number is displayed, and for those who regularly transfer CDs to cassette, MiniDisc or CD-R, the button displays the current time elapsed or remaining for complete CDs. A “calendar” type section in the display gives immediate visual information of how many tracks in total there are on the CD.
Not all digital outputs are equal. In the case of the NAD C 542, careful attention has been paid so that best use can be made of the ever increasing number of products now available with digital inputs (CD, MD recorders, computer sound cards, outboard D to A converters, etc.). Unusually at this price point, 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 TOS Link output is also provided allowing connection to devices that only provide this option.
The Model C542 comes supplied with the new NAD CD-6 full function remote control, offering all of the features described above from the comfort of your listening chair. On top of that, the remote control handset gives you direct track access and programming facilities, as well, saving the user’s time when they're storing preferred song titles. Up to 20 tracks can be programmed. It is possible to delete tracks without using the program function by simply using the delete key.
Separate power regulators for the digital and analogue sections isolate the two electrically, reducing interference effects. Furthermore, careful layout of the PCB tracks around the Digital-to-Analogue converter helps to contain RF radiation and interference. The 24 bit high resolution Burr-Brown Sigma-Delta Digital-to-Analogue converter chip with built in Pacific Microsonics digital filter was chosen for its excellent low-level linearity and detail retrieving capabilities. Metal film resistors and polypropylene capacitors are used in key areas to ensure a highly accurate frequency response. High quality Burr Brown 2134 professional grade op-amps are used instead of the much lower grade and type normally found at this price level. Apart from the single output capacitor, no other capacitors are used in the signal path. The output impedance is very low at 150 ohms, making the NAD C 542 less sensitive to cables or the ancillary equipment it is partnered with.
We urge you to listen to the NAD C 542 with a wide range of program material and with the best ancillary equipment to fully appreciate the refinement of this modest looking – and by high end standards inexpensive – CD player. You can spend a lot more money for a CD player, but we think you’ll have a difficult task finding a more musically complete and rewarding performance than that offered by the NAD C542. A new benchmark has been set.
C542 Specifications
• CD, CD-R and CD-RW Compatible
• HDCD® Decoder with Automatic Detection
• Burr-Brown Sigma-Delta 24 bit Digital to Analogue Converter
• Nichicon “Muse” capacitors
• Coaxial Digital Output
• Optical Digital Output
• Low Output Impedance
• Separate Power Regulators for Analog and Digital Sections
• VFL Display with selectable Track, Time and Repeat
• Repeat Mode for Single Track or Entire CD
• Program Play up to 20 Tracks
• Random Play
• External IR Input
• 12V Trigger Input
• NAD CD-6 Full Function Remote Control
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
CD Player
Disc capacity: 1 x 120mm or 80mm CD-R & CD-RW Compatible
Programming capability: 20 Tracks
Digital-to-analogue conversion: 24 bit Sigma Delta
Digital filter: 8 x oversampled
Analogue filte:r 4 pole active
Frequency response: • 5Hz - 20kHz ±0.5dB
De-emphasis error: <0.5dB
THD (at 0dB, 1kHz) : 0.0035%
Dynamic range: 98dB
Linearity: 0.5dB; 0 to -90dB
S/N ratio, A-weighted: 108dB
Channel separation:
• @1kHz >110dB
• @10kHz >80dB
Wow and flutter: Quartz accuracy
Output impedance: 150 ohms
Output level at 0Db: 2.2V rms
Digital error correction: CIRC, double error correction in C1& C2
Digital output: Yes - Coaxial and Optical
Remote contro:l Yes
Physical Specification
Dimensions (W×H×D): 435 x 70 x 285 mm
Net Weight: 4.1kg
Shipping Weight: 4.9kg
Premiere Home Cinema are authorised NAD Custom Installer Dealer
The warranty on NAD products is NOT VALID if the products have been purchased from an unauthorized dealer or if the original factory serial number has been removed, defaced, or replaced in any way. NAD is aware of instances in which such unauthorized dealer sales and/or serial number tampering has occurred. Protect your warranty. If you are not sure that a dealer is authorized, please check the Dealer Locator or inquire with the NAD distributor in your country. Why buy only from authorized dealers? Find out here.
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