When we last reviewed the NAD C545BEE CD
player, it impressed us enough to get five stars. Three years on, and NAD has
released the new C545BEE: it’s not a replacement, but seen as the ‘bigger
brother’ of the older model.
Two changes are immediately noticeable. One
is the addition of a USB input that will accept MP3 and WMA tracks stored on a
USB drive. The second is cosmetic: the 546 retains the sturdy build and matt
black finish with smooth buttons that give it a clean and uncluttered look, but
the fascia now includes a rotary control. Turning it selects tracks, while
pushing it plays and/or pauses the music. It’s responsive and pleasant to use –
a nice touch from NAD.
NAD
C546BEE
Other upgrades include an overhaul of the
audio circuitry and component selection, as well as separate power regulation
for its analogue and digital sections. The aim is to improve upon low
frequencies and overall precision, and it’s successful.
Play the Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
soundtrack and the NAD glides through the elegant and mournful music with a
good attention to detail. Play the track Esterhase, and each note is
delivered with precision and subtlety. Its dexterity with the top of the
frequency range shows in the way it follows the progression of the piano notes
and maintains the tension of the piece. That’s underlined by basslines that are
strong and taut, although a wider soundfield would ensure that instruments such
as the violins feel less swamped.
Still some room for improvement
The timing of the C546BEE could be improved
upon. Play Maroon 5’s Harder to Breathe, and snappier and more precise
timing would make the song all the more enjoyable. A rival CD player such as
the (admittedly pricier) Cyrus CD6 SE2 would zing through the track with razor
sharp precision and timing; you’d be able to locate all the separate
instruments in a song.
C546BEE
still some room for improvement
The Award-winning Marantz CD6004 is a more
pressing competitor, at just $465. It offers greater authority and a more
spacious and open sound. That said, the C546BEE is a well-built and talented CD
player with good detail definition.
Use it with
Rega
Brio-R $720
This talented stereo amp is full of subtle
detail and agility, and lends the NAD a touch more vitality.
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Details
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Price
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$750
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Ratings
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4/5
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