Not all digital outputs are equal. In the case of the NAD C 546BEE, careful attention has been paid so that best use can be made of the ever increasing number of products now available with digital inputs (computer sound cards, outboard digital-to-analogue converters, AVRs, etc.). Unusually at this price point, the coaxial output is buffered and isolated by a 75 ohm transformer thus isolating the converter to ensure perfect matching. This attention to detail reduces timing errors (jitter) that could otherwise distort the digital data signal. An optical TOSLINK output is also provided allowing connection to devices that only provide this option.

The C 546BEE comes supplied with the new NAD CD-9 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 up to 20 tracks of preferred song titles. It is also 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 reducing electrical interference effects. Furthermore, careful layout of the PCB tracks around the digital-to-analogue converter helps to optimise the audio performace. The 24-bit high-resolution Wolfson Digital-to-Analogue Converter chip 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 OPA 2134 op-amps are used instead of the much lower grade and type used in lesser players. Apart from the single film type output capacitor, no other capacitors are used in the signal path. The output impedance is very low at 300 ohms, making the C 546BEE less sensitive to cables or the ancillary equipment it is partnered with.

We urge you to listen to the NAD C 546BEE with a wide range of program material and with the best ancillary equipment to fully appreciate the refinement of this modest looking – and inexpensive by high end standards – 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 C 546BEE. A new benchmark has been set.