1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the NAD C 538 CD Player. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your new CD player. The C 538 is designed to deliver high-fidelity audio playback from your CD collection, featuring a Wolfson 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter for exceptional sound quality and precision clock circuitry for accurate playback.
Whether you are enjoying standard audio CDs or discs encoded with MP3/WMA files, the C 538 offers a robust and user-friendly experience. Its intuitive controls and comprehensive remote functionality ensure seamless interaction with your music.
2. Important Safety Information
Please read all safety and operating instructions before using this product. Keep these instructions for future reference.
- Power Source: Connect the unit only to a power supply of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Water and Moisture: Do not use this apparatus near water or in damp environments.
- Cleaning: Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Heat: Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Laser Safety: This product utilizes a laser. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not open the enclosure or defeat any of the safety mechanisms.
3. What's in the Box
Upon unpacking your NAD C 538 CD Player, please ensure all items are present:
- NAD C 538 CD Player Unit
- Remote Control
- 2 x AA Batteries (for remote control)
- AC Power Cord
- Quick Start Guide (this manual)
4. Product Overview
4.1 Front Panel
Image: Front view of the NAD C 538 CD Player, showing the disc tray, display, and control buttons.
The front panel provides access to essential controls and the display:
- Power Button: Turns the unit on or off.
- Disc Tray: For inserting and removing CDs.
- Display: Shows track number, time information, and playback status.
- PLAY/PAUSE Button: Starts or pauses disc playback.
- STOP Button: Stops disc playback.
- OPEN/CLOSE Button: Opens and closes the disc tray.
- SKIP Buttons (◀◀ / ►►): Skips to the previous or next track.
- SCAN Buttons (◀◀◀ / ►►►): Fast forwards or fast reverses through a track.
- DISPLAY Button: Cycles through different display modes (e.g., track time, disc time, remaining time).
4.2 Rear Panel
Image: Rear view of the NAD C 538 CD Player, showing the digital and analog audio outputs, and power input.
The rear panel houses all input and output connections:
- DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (Optical): Optical digital audio output for connecting to a compatible amplifier or DAC.
- DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (Coaxial): Coaxial digital audio output for connecting to a compatible amplifier or DAC.
- LINE OUT (L/R): Analog RCA stereo outputs for connecting to an amplifier or receiver.
- AC Power Input: Connects to the supplied AC power cord.
5. Setup
5.1 Placement
Place the NAD C 538 on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or excessive moisture. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating. Avoid placing it directly on top of other heat-generating components like power amplifiers.
5.2 Connections
- Analog Audio Connection: Connect the LINE OUT (L/R) RCA jacks on the C 538 to an available analog input (e.g., CD, AUX) on your amplifier or receiver using a stereo RCA cable.
- Digital Audio Connection (Optional): For optimal sound quality or to use an external DAC, connect either the OPTICAL or COAXIAL digital audio output from the C 538 to the corresponding digital input on your amplifier, receiver, or external DAC. Use only one digital connection at a time.
- Power Connection: Once all audio connections are made, connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC Power Input on the rear panel of the C 538, and then plug the other end into a suitable wall outlet.
6. Operation
6.1 Basic CD Playback
- Press the Power Button on the front panel or remote control to turn on the unit.
- Press the OPEN/CLOSE button to open the disc tray.
- Place a CD, CD-R, or CD-RW disc (label side up) into the disc tray.
- Press the OPEN/CLOSE button again to close the tray. The player will read the disc's Table of Contents (TOC).
- Press the PLAY/PAUSE button to begin playback.
- To pause playback, press PLAY/PAUSE again. Press it once more to resume.
- To stop playback, press the STOP button.
- Use the SKIP buttons (◀◀ / ►►) to navigate between tracks.
- Use the SCAN buttons (◀◀◀ / ►►►) to fast forward or reverse within a track.
6.2 Remote Control Functions
The supplied remote control offers additional features:
- RANDOM: Plays tracks/files in a random order.
- PROGRAM: Allows you to create a custom playback sequence of tracks. Press to enter or exit program mode.
- REPEAT: Repeats the current track, file, folder, or the entire disc.
- RPT A-B: Repeats a specific section of playback between two selected points (A and B).
- Numeric Keypad: Directly select track numbers.
6.3 CD-R/CD-RW Playback
The C 538 supports playback of CD-R and CD-RW discs, including those containing MP3 or WMA encoded files. This allows for extended playback times, with up to 10 hours of music on a single disc, ideal for party mixes or ambient listening.
7. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your NAD C 538 CD Player, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the exterior surfaces of the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
- Disc Care: Handle CDs by their edges. Keep discs clean and free of scratches. Store them in their cases when not in use.
- Ventilation: Periodically check that the ventilation openings are not obstructed by dust or debris.
- Power Cord: Ensure the power cord is not pinched or walked on.
8. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your NAD C 538, consult the following table for common problems and solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power cord not connected securely. Unit is in standby mode. | Ensure power cord is firmly plugged into the unit and wall outlet. Press the Power button. |
| No sound | Audio cables not connected correctly. Incorrect input selected on amplifier. | Check analog and/or digital audio cable connections. Select the correct input source on your amplifier/receiver. |
| Disc does not play / "TOC Err" displayed | Disc is dirty, scratched, or inserted incorrectly. Disc format not supported. | Clean the disc with a soft cloth. Ensure the disc is inserted label side up. Try a different disc. Ensure it is a standard audio CD, CD-R, or CD-RW with MP3/WMA. |
| Remote control not working | Batteries are dead or inserted incorrectly. Obstruction between remote and unit. | Replace batteries, ensuring correct polarity. Remove any obstructions. Point remote directly at the unit's front panel. |
| Display shows uneven time advancement | Known visual glitch in some firmware versions. | This is a visual anomaly and does not affect audio playback. No action is required unless audio is also affected. |
If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact NAD customer support or your authorized dealer for assistance.
9. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | C 538 |
| Product Dimensions (W x D x H) | 17.13 x 17.13 x 9.8 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.6 pounds |
| DAC | Wolfson 24-bit/192kHz |
| Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R, CD-RW (MP3/WMA compatible) |
| Digital Outputs | Optical, Coaxial |
| Analog Outputs | RCA Stereo L/R |
| Included Accessories | Remote Control, 2 AA Batteries |
| Color | Grey |
| Connectivity Technology | USB (Note: USB is listed in product specifications, but typically for service or firmware updates, not direct audio playback on this model.) |
| Special Feature | CD-R/RW Compatible, Portable (Note: 'Portable' may refer to its compact size, not battery operation.) |
10. Warranty and Support
NAD products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. For information regarding your product's warranty, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official NAD Electronics website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For technical support, service, or further inquiries, please contact your authorized NAD dealer or visit the NAD Electronics support page online. You can find more information and contact details at the official NAD website: www.nadelectronics.com
