NAD C538 CD Player with Wolfson 24-Bit DAC

The NAD C538 is a CD player with a Wolfson 24-bit/192 kHz DAC that fits perfectly into the NAD Classic Series as a high-quality digital source.

In a world where everything streams, a serious CD source is almost a statement – and one that sounds surprisingly good.

Why the NAD C538?

Because a CD collection you've built up over the years deserves more than a throwaway drive. The audiophile Wolfson DAC converts cleanly up to 24 bit/192 kHz, a precise clock keeps jitter low, and the solidly damped drive reads even older discs without complaint. The looks, width and feel match the C328, C338 and others exactly – the C538 blends seamlessly into the Classic chain rather than standing out.

What you get

You can connect the C538 either via analogue RCA to the amplifier, or pass the digital signal optically or coaxially to an external DAC – your choice, not the unit's. It plays CD, CD-R and CD-RW and reads MP3 and WMA files from self-burned discs. No gimmicks, no menu odyssey: insert, press play, music.

Who is the NAD C538 right for – and who isn't it for?

Right for you if you have a real CD collection and want to hear it in good quality without spending a fortune. Plain talk: the C538 is a pure CD player – no streamer, no network player. If you only stream anyway, you don't need it. But if you own shelves full of CDs, this is the most straightforward route to really good sound.

Our verdict

The C538 is the unfussy specialist: it does one thing – playing CDs – and does it really well. For anyone who loves their collection, the most sensible way to let it sing.

Technical Specifications

• Device type: CD player
• DAC: Wolfson 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Supported media: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
• Supported formats: CD audio, MP3, WMA
• Analogue output: 1× RCA (stereo)
• Digital outputs: 1× optical, 1× coaxial
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.005%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 118 dB
• Channel separation: > 90 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 435 × 70 × 249 mm
• Weight: 3.0 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect the NAD C538 to an external DAC?

Yes. Besides the analogue RCA output, the C538 has an optical and a coaxial digital output. That way you either use the internal Wolfson DAC or pass the pure digital signal on to a high-quality external converter. This also makes it flexible to use as a pure transport in larger systems.

Does the NAD C538 also play self-burned CDs and MP3 discs?

Yes. The C538 reads CD, CD-R and CD-RW and additionally plays back MP3 and WMA files from self-burned discs. So the samplers and mix CDs you've burned over the years play without any trouble – no need to re-rip or re-copy anything.

Why buy the NAD C538 at HD Zürisee?

At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil you get the C538 with advice on the right chain – which amplifier, which cables, which spot in the rack. As an experienced team, we integrate the CD source cleanly into the system and take care of warranty and service as an authorised NAD dealer.

Goes well with: integrated amplifiers, speakers, RCA cables and digital cables.