Our Take
The NAD C 546BEE CD Player builds on the reputation of its predecessor, the C 545BEE, by delivering a refined and captivating performance. Supporting formats such as CD, CD-R, and CD-RW, the C 546BEE seamlessly plays discs encoded in MP3 and WMA, making it versatile for various types of audio collections. Designed for a smooth and enjoyable listening experience, it includes features like track repeat, skip, and random play, which enhance music enjoyment. With the CD-9 remote control, users can program up to 20 tracks, giving them full control over their CD collection from the comfort of their seat.
Praised for its exceptional value and performance, the C 545BEE set a high standard that NAD has chosen to advance rather than rest on. In developing the C 546BEE, NAD has introduced aesthetic refinements along with updated circuit layouts and component selections, achieving significant improvements in low-frequency response, timing, and imaging depth. These advancements enhance the player's dynamic range and maintain the tonal accuracy and harmonic clarity for which NAD players are known.
Product Details
The C 546BEE is built to accommodate both traditional CDs and custom-made CD-R/CD-RW compilations. With support for MP3 and WMA encoding, users can enjoy up to ten hours of music on a single CD-R at 128kbps compression. Features like random play, track repeat, and quick access via the SKIP and SCAN functions add convenience. Its Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) clearly shows track information and time elapsed or remaining, ideal for those who frequently use CDs.
To enhance compatibility with digital audio systems, NAD has given special attention to the digital outputs on the C 546BEE. Unusually for this price range, the coaxial output is buffered and isolated with a 75-ohm transformer, ensuring perfect digital signal matching and reducing timing errors (jitter). The player also includes an optical TOSLINK output, providing additional connectivity options.
Supplied with the NAD CD-9 full-function remote control, the C 546BEE offers features like direct track access, programmable playback, and an option to delete tracks. Separate power regulators for the digital and analog sections minimize electrical interference, while the PCB layout around the Wolfson 24-bit high-resolution DAC optimizes audio performance. This DAC chip was selected for its low-level linearity and detail retrieval, while metal film resistors and polypropylene capacitors ensure accurate frequency response. High-quality OPA 2134 op-amps and a low output impedance of 300 ohms further improve sound quality and reduce sensitivity to cables.
We encourage listeners to try the NAD C 546BEE with a wide variety of music and the best equipment to fully appreciate the finesse of this player. Though modest in appearance and affordable by high-end standards, the C 546BEE offers a rewarding musical experience that sets a new benchmark in CD playback. For those seeking a high-value, sonically complete CD player, the C 546BEE is an outstanding choice.
Tech Specs
| CD, CD-R and CD-RW Compatible | USB Input supports external memory up to 384kbps |
| MP3 and WMA decoding | NAD CD-9 Remote Control |
| Wolfson 24-bit Digital-to-Analogue Converter | Coaxial/Optical Digital Output |
| Low Output Impedance | Toroid Power Supply with Separate Power Regulators |
| VFL Display with CD text | Selectable Track, Time, and Repeat |
| Repeat Mode for Single Track or Entire CD | Program Play up to 20 Tracks |
| Random Play | External IR Input |
| 12V Trigger Input | <0.5 watt Standby consumption |
| Analog | 2.2 ± 0.2V |
| Optical | -22.5 ± 3.5dBm |
| Coaxial | 650 ± 150mV |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 1kHz : ±0.3dB (ref. 0dB) 5Hz - 20kHz : ±0.5dB (ref. 0dB) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.01% (ref. 1kHz, Audio LPF) |
| Signal/Noise Ratio | 118dB (ref. 1kHz, A-weighted LPF Stop, Pause) |
| Channel Balance | ±0.5dB (ref. 0dB 1kHz) |
| Dynamic Range | 95dB |
| Channel Separation | >90dB |
| De-emphasis | -3.73 to -5.336dB (ref. 0dB 1kHz, 5kHz) -8.04 to -10.04dB (ref. 0dB 1kHz, 16kHz) |
| Output Level | 2.2 ± 0.2V |
| Frequency Response | ±1dB (ref. 0dB 20Hz – 16kHz) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | <0.03% (ref. 0dB 1kHz, Audio LPF) |
| Signal/Noise Ratio | 118dB (ref. 1kHz, A-weighted Pause) |
| Standby Power | <0.5W (120V/230V) |
| Idle Power | 9W |
| Gross Unit Dimensions* | 435 x 89 x 306mm / 17 1/8 x 3 9/16 x 12 1/16 inches |
| Net Weight | 4.9kg (10.8lb) |
| Shipping Weight | 6.3kg (13.9lb) |
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