NAD C 538 Compact Disc Player

Important Safety Instructions

• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Warning Symbols:

• The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol ⚡ within an equilateral triangle indicates the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
• The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle ⚠️ alerts the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Laser System Warning: The C 538 employs a Laser System. Read this owner's manual carefully and retain for future reference. Should the unit require maintenance, contact an authorized service location. Use of controls, adjustments, or procedures other than those specified may result in exposure to laser radiation. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to open the enclosure. Visible laser radiation when the enclosure is opened. DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM.

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is needed. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Industry Canada Compliance: CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)

General Warnings:

• The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on apparatus.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
• Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
• Mains plug is used as a disconnect device and it should remain readily operable during intended use. To disconnect the apparatus from the mains completely, the mains plug should be disconnected from the mains socket outlet completely.
• Battery shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
• No naked flame sources such as lighted candles should be placed on the apparatus.
• Attention should be drawn to the environmental aspects of battery disposal.
• The apparatus should only be used in moderate climates.
• The power cord used in the apparatus is rated 125V AC for use in the USA and Canada only. If the apparatus will be used in another country, with different mains voltage, or is connected to a higher input voltage, the power cord must be changed to one with a suitable rating and fully compliant with local regulations.
• Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
• Operation temperature: 0 - 35 °C.
• Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
• Battery cannot be subjected to high or low extreme temperatures, low air pressure at high altitude during use, storage or transportation.
• Replacement of a battery with an incorrect type that can result in an explosion or the leakage of flammable liquid or gas.
• Disposal of a battery into fire or a hot oven, or mechanically crushing or cutting of a battery, that can result in an explosion.
• Leaving a battery in an extremely high temperature surrounding environment that can result in an explosion or the leakage of flammable liquid or gas.
• A battery subjected to extremely low air pressure that may result in an explosion or the leakage of flammable liquid or gas.

Placement and Environmental Notes

Caution Regarding Placement: To maintain proper ventilation, leave a space around the unit (from the largest outer dimensions including projections) that is equal to or greater than:

• Left and Right Panels: 10 cm
• Rear Panel: 10 cm
• Top Panel: 10 cm

Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, table-cloths, curtains, etc.

Collection and Disposal of Waste Batteries (European Union Directive 2006/66/EC): Batteries bearing symbols indicating "separate collection" should not be treated as municipal waste. Maximize separate collection of waste batteries and minimize disposal as mixed municipal waste. End-users are exhorted not to dispose waste batteries as unsorted municipal waste. Discard waste batteries separately and properly through an accessible collection point. Contact your local municipality, waste disposal service, or point of sale for more information. Proper disposal prevents hazardous effects on human health and minimizes negative environmental impact.

Environmental Protection Notes: At the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household waste but returned to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The symbol on the product, user's manual, and packaging indicates this. Materials can be reused in accordance with their markings. Through re-use, recycling of raw materials, or other forms of recycling of old products, you contribute to the protection of the environment. Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.

Record Your Model Number: The model and serial number of your C 538 are located on the back of the cabinet. Record these numbers here for future convenience:

Model no.: [Space for Model Number]

Serial no.: [Space for Serial Number]

Introduction & Getting Started

What's in the Box

• Audio cable connector
• Detachable power cord
• CD 8 remote control with 2 (two) AAA batteries
• Quick Setup Guide

Save the Packaging

Please save the box and all packaging for your C 538. It is the safest container for moving or transporting the unit.

Choosing a Location

Choose a well-ventilated location (with at least several inches to both sides and behind) providing a clear line of sight, within 25 feet/8 meters, between the C 538's front panel and your primary listening/viewing position for reliable infrared remote control communications. The C 538 generates modest heat but can be stacked with other components if ventilation is adequate.

Note on Installation

Install the C 538 Compact Disc player on a level, vibration-free surface. Severe vibration or operation in a tilted position may cause tracking errors. If placed near a radio tuner (AM or FM), VCR, or television, its digital circuits may produce static that could interfere with weak broadcast signals. If this occurs, move the C 538 away from other devices or switch it off when listening to broadcasts.

Quick Start

To quickly get started:

1. Make all connections with the unit unplugged. Power down or unplug associated components while making or breaking signal or AC power connections.
2. Connect compatible connectors from DIGITAL AUDIO OUT and LINE OUT ports of C 538 to corresponding audio input sources on your amplifier.
3. Ensure the supplied power cord's female connector end is firmly secured to C 538's AC Mains input socket and the male plug is connected to the mains power source.
4. Press the front panel Standby button to turn ON the player.
5. Press [OPEN/CLOSE] to open the disc drawer.
6. Place a CD ?, label side up, in the tray's circular recess, ensuring it is centered.
7. Press [PLAY/PAUSE]. The drawer closes automatically, and the disc begins to play.

Playback Controls:

• Press [SKIP ►►] to select the next track on the disc.
• Press [SKIP ◄◄] to skip to the beginning of the current track or the previous track.
• Press [PLAY/PAUSE] to temporarily stop playback, keeping the pickup position. Press again to resume.
• Press [STOP] to end playback and reset the pickup to the beginning of the disc.

Identification of Controls - Front Panel

The front panel of the NAD C 538 features the following controls:

• 1 STANDBY BUTTON: Switches the unit ON ? from standby mode (Standby LED turns blue, VFD illuminates) or back to standby mode (Standby LED turns amber).
• 2 STANDBY LED: Indicates standby mode (amber) or ON state (blue).
• 3 DISC TRAY: For inserting CDs ?. Place disc label-side up, centered in the recess. "NO DISC" appears on the VFD if the disc is upside down or not loaded.
• 4 VACUUM FLUORESCENT DISPLAY (VFD): Shows disc playback information, settings, and other indicators.
• 5 INFRARED (IR) SENSOR: Receives commands from the remote control. Requires an unobstructed line of sight (approx. 23ft/7m distance, 30° angle). Avoid strong light sources like direct sunlight.
• 6 PLAY/PAUSE: Starts, pauses ▶️ / ⏸️, or resumes disc playback. If the disc tray is open, pressing this button closes the tray and starts playback if a disc is loaded.
• 7 STOP: Stops playback ⏹️. For programmed playback, pressing STOP twice deletes the program.
• 8 DISPLAY: Toggles display information (e.g., elapsed time, remaining time, song info). Can also be used to enable/disable Auto Standby mode.
• 9 OPEN/CLOSE: Opens or closes the disc tray ?️. When in standby mode, this button also powers up the unit and opens the disc tray.
• 10 SKIP ►► / SCAN ►►:
  • SKIP ►►: Moves to the next track or file ⏩.
  • SKIP ◄◄: Moves to the beginning of the current track/file or the previous track/file ⏪.
  • SCAN ►► / ◄◄: Press and hold to scan forward or backward through tracks or files.

Display Information: The DISPLAY button cycles through information such as elapsed playback time, remaining playback time (track/disc), song title, artist name, and album name. Some information may not be displayed depending on the disc content. If no ID3 tag information is available, "No ID3" is shown.

Identification of Controls - Rear Panel

The rear panel of the NAD C 538 provides the following connections:

• 1 DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL/COAXIAL): Connect to digital input of a receiver, amplifier, computer soundcard, or other digital processors using a high-quality 75 ohms digital RCA interconnect cable for best results.
• 2 LINE OUT: Use good quality RCA interconnect cables to connect these sockets to any line level input of a receiver, amplifier, or any compatible audio system.
• 3 AC MAINS INPUT: Connect the supplied power cord ? here. Ensure the female connector is firmly secured. Always unplug the power cord from the mains power source before disconnecting it from the unit.

Power specifications: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 15W.

Identification of Controls - CD 8 Remote Control

The CD 8 remote control allows operation of playback functions from a distance. A clear line-of-sight to the IR sensor is required.

• 1 ON: Powers the unit ON ? from standby mode.
• 2 OFF: Powers the unit OFF to standby mode.
• 3 FUNCTION BUTTONS:
  • RANDOM: Plays tracks/files in random order ?. Press again to return to normal playback.
  • PROGRAM: Enters or exits program mode ⚙️.
  • REPEAT: Repeats the current track/file, folder, or the entire disc ?.
  • RPT A-B: Repeats a selected playback sequence.
• 4 STOP: Stops playback ⏹️.
• 5 OPEN: Opens or closes the disc tray ?️.
• 6 SKIP / SCAN:
  • ►►: Skips to the next track or file ⏩.
  • ◄◄: Skips to the beginning of the current track/file or the previous track/file ⏪.
  • SCAN ►► / ◄◄: Press and hold to scan forward or backward through tracks or files.
• 7 PAUSE (II): Pauses playback ⏸️.
• 8 INDEX: Not applicable for C 538.
• 9 FOLDER: Scrolls up or down the folder list ? (for MP3/WMA files).
• 10 FILE: Scrolls up or down the WMA or MP3 file list ?.
• 11 Number buttons (0-9): Directly access or select a track or file number.
• 12 DIM: Adjusts display brightness ? (reduces, restores, or turns off).
• ENTER: Selects an MP3 or WMA file for playback ✅.
• 13 TIME: Displays playback time ⏰ and other information, similar to the front panel DISPLAY button.
• 14 DELETE: Clears programmed tracks/files ❌.

Numeric Keypad: Use the numeric keypad (0-9) to jump directly to the beginning of a numbered track/file and commence play (e.g., press "5" for Track 5, or "2" then "0" for File 20).

Repeat Function: Pressing the [REPEAT] button cycles through repeat modes: RPT ONE (track/file), RPT FOLD (folder), RPT ALL (entire disc). Press again until RPT OFF is displayed to disable repeat.

Repeat A-B Function: To repeat a specific playback sequence:

1. Press [RPT A-B] at the chosen starting point.
2. Press [RPT A-B] again at the chosen end point. The sequence will repeat, indicated by "RPT A-B" on the VFD.
3. Press [RPT A-B] again to cancel the sequence.

Operation

CD-R and CD-RW Audio Discs

The C 538 can play CD-R or CD-RW audio discs. Playability can vary based on disc quality, CD recorder/writer quality, and writing speed. Generally, discs from reputable manufacturers and written at lower speeds yield better results.

Playing MP3/WMA Files

The C 538 can play MP3/WMA formatted recordings on CD-R or CD-RW discs. You can mix file types on a disc. Use the remote control to select folders and files:

1. Load the disc ?.
2. Press [FOLDER ►/▼] to select the desired folder ?, then press [ENTER] ✅.
3. Press [FILE ▲/▼] to select the desired file number ?, then press [ENTER] ✅ to start playback.

The C 538 displays Song Title, Album, and Artist name if available.

Notes on File Numbering: File numbers are recognized per disc, not per folder. If selecting file "9" on a disc with over 100 files, press "0" twice then "9".

Programming

The program function allows storing favorite tracks from any disc into player memory. The C 538 must be in STOP mode ⏹️ for programming. This procedure applies to both CD tracks and MP3/WMA files.

1. Press [PROGRAM] ⚙️ on the remote. The display shows "PRO1-01" (or "PRO1-001" for MP3/WMA).
2. Use number buttons (or SKIP/FILE buttons) to enter the desired track number (e.g., track 5).
3. Press [PROGRAM] ⚙️ again. Track 5 is recorded as programmed track 1. Display shows "PRO2-05".
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for subsequent tracks (e.g., track 9 for program number 2).
5. A maximum of 20 CD tracks or 65 MP3/WMA files can be programmed. "FULL" is displayed if the limit is reached.
6. Press [PLAY] ▶️ to start program playback.

Notes on Programming:

• Press [DELETE] ❌ at any time to clear programmed tracks and return to normal playback. "PROGCLEAR" will briefly appear.
• Pressing STOP ⏹️ twice during program playback deletes the entire program list.

Program Playback

Press [PLAY] ▶️ while in "PROGRAM" mode to play the stored program. SKIP buttons will only access tracks within the program list. "PROGRAM" is shown intermittently on the VFD.

To play only a portion of a stored program, initiate play and use [SKIP ►►] ⏩ to jump over unwanted tracks.

Stop or Delete Program

1. Press [STOP] ⏹️ once to terminate Program play. The stored list remains. Press [PLAY] ▶️ to resume.
2. To clear the program memory: Press [STOP] ⏹️ twice during program playback, press [OPEN] ?️, or set the unit to standby mode.

Auto Standby

The C 538 features an Auto Standby mode conforming to ecodesign regulations.

• Enable Auto Standby: At standby mode, press and hold the front panel's DISPLAY button until "ERP ON" is displayed. The C 538 will automatically go to standby after 20 minutes of inactivity (no disc ?, stop mode ⏹️, or pause mode ⏸️).
• Disable Auto Standby: At standby mode, press and hold the front panel's DISPLAY button until "ERP OFF" is displayed. The C 538 will remain in operating mode until manually powered off.

Reference - Specifications

General Parameters

Dimension and Weight

* Gross dimensions include feet, extended buttons, and rear panel terminals.

NAD shall not be held liable for any technical or user interface discrepancies in this manual. The C 538 Owner's Manual may be subject to change without notice. Check out www.NADelectronics.com for the latest version of the C 538 Owner's Manual.