I need a CD player. How about the NAD C 546BEE?

• plays CDs, CD-Rs & CD-RWs, and MP3 & WMA CDs
• supports CD Text with compatible discs
• USB input supports external memory and audio rates up to 320kbps
• repeat, random, and program play
• forward and reverse skip and search functions
• display dimmer
• optical and coaxial digital outputs
• stereo RCA outputs
• IR input for remote repeater systems
• 12-volt trigger input
• wireless remote
• detachable power cord
• frequency response: 5 - 20,000 Hz (±0.5 dB)
• signal-to-noise ratio: 118 dB
• dynamic range: 95 dB
• toroidal power supply with separate power regulators for analog and digital sections
• Wolfson Microelectronics 24bit/192KHz digital-to-analog converter
• 17-1/8"W x 3-3/8"H x 13-5/8"D
• warranty: 2 years

$500.00

What do you think? I don't have any SACDs. Anyone out there already have one of these?

 

Oof, sorry, OP did not know the image would be so large...

 

Looks nice how does it sound?

 

Had a nad CD player in the 80/90’s. It was great. I wouldn’t hesitate to get that one.

 

Wolfson D/A, hmmm. Likely a nice machine. I wish they (and everyone else, I guess) hadn't dropped HDCD.

 

I own the NAD C568. It's solid in every way.

 

Thanks for the responses everyone! I'm almost there on this purchase, just doing a bit more checking.

Augustwest -- Oy, I don't know how it sounds...all I have to count on are the comments from others to see if the player is worth a try at $500.

NAD has another model, the C 538 for $300...

And, of course, Yamaha offers the CD-S300 at $300...

 

I bought the Yamaha S300 and am very pleased with it. Sound quality is excellent and it is extremely good with CDs that are not in the best of health. It also has a USB input for a memory stick or an iPod. However, this only supports MP3 and WMA.
It was actually recommended to me by a couple of other members of this forum.

 

I've had a NAD C-515BEE since 2010. Sounds great & functions perfect. I'm impressed. I wasn't expecting it to be as fine as it is really.

I bet the NAD C 546BEE is a pretty darn nice sounding CD player!! I'd go for it.

 

Yeah, the Yamaha is great! Mine has been giving me problem-free service and natural, clear sound for over two years. The USB is handy too.

 

I got a NAD 516 Bee and it is a great CD player. I would highly recommend it for those with a $300 budget and hifi aspirations.

 

It supports ALAC from an iPod. Whatever choice the OP makes I do recommend you get something with a USB port. The DAC on the Yamaha, and presumably other brands, is noticeably superior to an iPhone and really improves the streaming experience.

 

My Rega Apollo is acting up so I've been looking at CD players at the 500 dollar level...can't afford to spend more than that unfortunately. NAD, Cambridge Audio and Marantz all have models in that price range. I suspect they all sound similar at that price point so would like to base my choice on reliability. One hears online about problems with all 3 brands so still not sure which way to go. At any rate the Apollo is still chugging along although slower to load and sometimes stops in the middle of a track.

 

The NAD is well reviewed, and the NAD (unknown model) that I've heard at a friend's house sounded good.

Another player that people seem to like in that price range is the Marantz CD6006. Personally, I prefer the NAD's simple looks, but looks are not everything, and the Marantz might be worth a listen. If I read the features right, it also can be used as a DAC to play back files, including high-resolution files.

 

I have the NAD C545BEE, performs flawlessly. Sounds excellent with all CDs I have played thru it.......Wolfson DAC and separate power sections is really nice.

 

I have the 546 and loved it. The upgrade to the 568 is minimal in sound quality. Get the 546. It made my cds brand new.

 

Does your 546 detect pre-emphasis? In the subcode too?

I am considering the 546BEE. Is it the same as the 546?

 

I'm not sure. I don't even know how to check. I would suggest getting in touch with NAD. Sorry I can't be more help.

 

There's an Onkyo 7030 on Audiogon for $100 . . .

 

Or available brand new (with a warranty) for $140 from Newegg.

 

Just got a Marantz CD6004. The CD 6006 is out now. So far very much enjoying it.

 

Any thoughts on how the NAD C 546BEE compares to the Marantz C6006?

Asking about sound quality and reliability.

 

I think you'd get a similar performance with a CD6006, which is cheaper than the NAD

 

I like the Tascam CD-200

 

I've owned several NAD CD players over the years and have great sound and good luck with them all. I currently have a 565 BEE in vintage system (although the player isn't so vintage lol) of which I am the second owner and it sounds very nice IMHO. You may read that some people say older NAD players have reliability issues but I've never found that to be true. Best of luck with your decision and happy listening!