NAD C538 vs NAD C541 disk player

pedrob_

Newbie
New Wammer
Dec 28, 2022
1
0
1
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Hello! I'm interested in acquiring a NAD disk player, but I'm divided between two models:
• a 2nd hand NAD C541 disk player (for 240€)
• a 1st hand NAD C538 disk player (for 360€)

*Specifications for the NAD C541*
Digital converter: PCM1732U, Delta Sigma 24 bit, 8 x oversampling
Frequency response: 5Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic range: 98dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: 108dB
Channel separation: 80dB
Total harmonic distortion: 0.0035%
Digital outputs: coaxial
Year: 2001

*Specifications for the NAD C538*

Digital converter: Wolfson, 24 bit, 192kHz
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 110dB
Channel separation: 90dB
Total harmonic distortion: 0.01%
Year: 2018

There doesn't seem to be that much of a difference, even though I can't comprehend the difference between the digital convertes (24bit 8x oversampling vs 24bit 192kHz).
I'd like to know your opinion. Thank you!
 

Steveh

Wammer
Wammer
Feb 3, 2007
868
468
93
Darkest Yorkshire
AKA
tallow vendor
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
I would recommend buying a decent CD player for transport duty and using an outboard DAC. Various "flavours" of DAC are available s/h. Lots of info and opinions on here of course.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bigrod

A.S.

Wammer
Wammer
Dec 1, 2014
326
310
83
Hertfordshire
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Go for the cheaper and older model. You won’t hear a meaningful difference and the build is better on the older units.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rockchild

Rockchild

Formerly Radiant Red 🎶
Wammer Plus
Jun 22, 2011
10,723
15,277
208
Launceston UK
AKA
Jonathan
HiFi Trade?
  1. No
Agree with A.S but watch out for fading displays. Even in euros the price for the 541 seems high. There is one in the Uk on eBay for £95 and they may ship to you if you ask.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
113,444
Messages
2,451,263
Members
70,783
Latest member
reg66

Latest Articles