NAD C588 Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red

The NAD C588 is a belt-drive turntable with a heavy anti-resonance glass platter, a 9-inch carbon tonearm and a factory-mounted Ortofon 2M Red.

The more serious sibling to the smaller C558 – more mass, a better arm, a better cartridge. Still: unbox, connect, play.

Why the NAD C588?

This is about calm. The heavy anti-resonance glass platter on an aluminium sub-platter absorbs footfall and motor vibration, and the external, electronically controlled AC synchronous motor holds 33 and 45 RPM precisely – no wow, no pitch drift. The 9-inch carbon tonearm is stiff and light at the same time, which benefits tracking. A grown-up analogue foundation, not a lifestyle turntable.

What you get

The Ortofon 2M Red (MM) comes mounted and aligned on the carbon arm from the factory – one of the most popular entry-level cartridges, and for good reason. Add to that a solid MDF chassis, a polycarbonate dust cover and a grounded phono cable. You set it up, connect it to the phono input and drop the needle. If you want to upgrade later, simply swap the stylus or the entire cartridge.

Who is the NAD C588 right for – and who isn't it for?

Right if you take vinyl seriously but don't want to tinker: good mechanics, good cartridge, set up ready to go. Plain talk: like its smaller sibling, the C588 has no built-in phono stage – your amplifier needs a phono MM input or a separate preamp. And if you only spin a record now and then, the more affordable C558 gets you there just as well.

Our verdict

The C588 is the sensible step up in NAD's vinyl range: serious mechanics, a quality cartridge, plug and play. A turntable that brings joy for a long time.

Technical Specifications

• Device type: belt-drive turntable
• Drive: belt drive, external AC synchronous motor, electronically controlled
• Speeds: 33 and 45 RPM (electronic switching)
• Platter: anti-resonance glass platter with felt mat, aluminium sub-platter
• Tonearm: 9 inches, carbon fibre
• Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red (MM), pre-mounted
• Chassis: solid MDF, black
• Wow and flutter: < 0.10%
• Output: stereo RCA with grounding
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 435 × 125 × 340 mm (lid closed)
• Weight: 9.2 kg
• What's included: grounded phono cable, polycarbonate dust cover

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the NAD C558 and C588?

The C588 plays in a higher class: a heavier glass platter with an aluminium sub-platter, a 9-inch carbon tonearm instead of aluminium, and the better Ortofon 2M Red instead of the OM10. The result is more calm, precision and detail. The C558 is the affordable entry point, the C588 the step up for ambitious vinyl listeners.

Can I upgrade the Ortofon 2M Red on the NAD C588 later?

Yes, and it's especially easy. The 2M Red shares its generator body with the higher-grade 2M Blue – swapping to the 2M Blue stylus is enough for an audible upgrade, without needing to align a completely new cartridge. Later, switching to a completely different cartridge is also possible.

Why buy the NAD C588 at HD Zürisee?

A turntable in this class especially benefits from proper setup. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we set up the C588, check tracking force, connections and grounding, and advise you on the right phono input. Authorised NAD dealer with our own technician, warranty and service.

Goes well with: cartridges, phono preamps, turntable accessories and integrated amplifiers.