NAD C 589 CD Player with ESS DAC & MQA-CD

The NAD C 589 is a high-end CD player that combines a fully balanced ESS DAC, MQA-CD decoding and a precise transport mechanism in one Classic Series component.

Reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated: while the whole world streams, NAD is building an uncompromising new CD player in 2026 - and means it. The C 589 pulls everything out of your disc collection that's in there.

Why the C 589?

Because it doesn't treat the CD as nostalgia, but as a full-fledged, high-resolution source. At its heart sits a fully balanced ESS Sabre DAC with very low noise and distortion. NAD's Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) prevents clipping on loudly mastered CDs, and QRONO d2a filtering - developed by MQA Labs - audibly improves conversion timing. If you want, it decodes MQA-CDs in full resolution.

What you hear / get

Clean, transparent sound with a quiet background and fine resolution - voices and instruments stand tangibly in the room. Connection-wise, the C 589 leaves nothing to be desired: balanced XLR and RCA outputs for the analog connection, plus digital outputs via AES/EBU, coaxial and optical for external DACs. A large display with CD text and the included remote control make everyday use convenient.

Who is the C 589 suited for? (and who isn't it for)

For anyone with a serious CD collection who wants to get the most out of it sonically - as the heart of a high-quality stereo system or as an audiophile digital source alongside a turntable. Honestly: if you only pop in a CD occasionally and stream the rest of the time, you're better served by a cheaper player. The C 589 pays off when the disc is - or is meant to become again - your main source.

Our verdict

A modern CD player that answers the old question "is it still worth it?" with a clear yes. ESS DAC, MQA and the well-thought-out outputs make the C 589 one of the best digital sources in its class - and the best argument for not giving away your CD collection.

Technical specs

• Type: CD player (Classic Series)
• D/A converter: fully balanced ESS DAC
• Digital filter: QRONO d2a (MQA Labs)
• MQA: MQA-CD decoding
• Special feature: Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH)
• Analog outputs: RCA (2.2 V) + balanced XLR (4.4 V)
• Digital outputs: AES/EBU, coaxial, optical
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): ≤ 0.005% (1 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 115 dB (A-weighted)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 435 × 83 × 294 mm
• Weight: 5.1 kg
• What's included: CD player, remote control, power cable, user manual

Frequently asked questions

Does the NAD C 589 also play MQA-CDs?
Yes. The C 589 decodes MQA-CDs in full resolution, pulling extra detail out of appropriately mastered discs. It naturally also plays regular audio CDs and CD-R/RW - with no extra settings needed.

Can I connect the C 589 to an external DAC?
Yes. Besides the analog RCA and XLR outputs, it offers digital outputs via AES/EBU, coaxial and optical. This lets you use it as a pure transport feeding an external DAC or streaming preamp - flexible for any setup.

Does the C 589 need a balanced amplifier?
No, but it benefits from one. Via the XLR outputs you get especially low-noise, interference-free playback into balanced pre- or integrated amplifiers. It works just as well through classic RCA inputs - the choice depends on the rest of your setup.

Why buy the NAD C 589 at HD Zürisee?
Because we've been around since the early days of the CD and can put digital sources into context, not just read out datasheets. We find the right amplifier and the right cabling to go with it, deliver and install on request - with personal advice on Lake Zurich in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

The C 589 wants a decent amplifier: check out our integrated amplifiers and streaming amplifiers. If you want to connect it in balanced mode, pair it with a suitable pre-/integrated amplifier with an XLR input - we're happy to advise you on that.