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NAD C 538 Single Disc CD Player w/ Remote In Original BoxFully tested and 100% functional; the NAD C 538 is a fine choice to be the CD player for most any home stereo hi-fi system. Cosmetically, it is excellent. Includes remote, power cable, set up guide and the original box with packaging. Specs - Output level Analog: 2.2 ± 0.1 VFrequency response ±0.5 dB (ref. 0 dB 20 Hz-20 kHz)Total harmonic distortion ≤0.01% (ref. 1 kHz, Audio LPF)cSignal-to-Noise Ratio ≥110 dB (ref. 1 kHz, A-weighted)Channel balance ±0.5 dB (ref. 0dB 1kHz)Channel separation -4.6 ±0.8 dB (ref. 0dB 1 kHz, 5 kHz)Standby power <0.5WIdle power <7.5WGross dimensions (W x H x D) 435 x 70 x 249 mm (Gross)*Net Weight 3.0 kgShipping Weight 4.3 kg
Compared with a new budget CD player at this level, US$298 for a used NAD C 538 is a fair ask, though not a steal. Against the recent used market anchor of US$258 median and US$555 75th percentile, it sits a touch above the middle, so this reads as reasonable rather than bargain-bin.
What makes it worth considering is the NAD formula: clean, neutral playback, solid disc handling, and a no-fuss design that’s long been liked for sounding musical without fuss. The remote and original box add practical value, especially if you want a complete, easy-to-live-with unit. For a well-kept example, this is a sensible buy if you want a straightforward CD player rather than chasing a risky cheap transport.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
NAD Electronics was founded in 1972 in London by a group of European audio importers frustrated with the hype surrounding Japanese hi-fi products. Led by visionary American executive Martin L. Borish and brilliant engineer Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, the company emerged from a quest to deliver high-performance audio at accessible prices. Their breakthrough came with the NAD 3020 integrated amplifier, the best-selling hi-fi amp in history, which embodied a philosophy of stripping away non-essentials to prioritize pure sound quality.
The brand focuses on core hi-fi categories, excelling in amplifiers—pioneering Class A/B, Class G, and hybrid digital designs—alongside integrated receivers, AV processors, turntables, CD and cassette players, and modern streamers. While not venturing into speakers, headphones, or cables, NAD emphasizes source components and amplification that integrate seamlessly into home theater and custom installation setups, always upholding principles of innovation, simplicity, performance, and value.
Today, as part of Canada's Lenbrook Group and sold in over 80 countries, NAD holds a commanding mid-tier position in the market, revered by audiophiles for affordable excellence rather than ultra-high-end excess. Its "Truth in Power" legacy earns cult status among knowledgeable buyers seeking reliable, award-winning gear that punches above its price, blending vintage heritage with contemporary streaming and hybrid tech.
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