Specifications

C 542 CD Player
• CD, CD-R and CD-RW Compatible 
• HDCD
®
Decoder with Automatic Detection
®
Decoder with Automatic Detection
®
• Burr-Brown Sigma-Delta 24 bit Digital to Analogue Converter 
• Nichicon “Muse” capacitors
• Coaxial Digital Output
• Optical Digital Output 
• Low Output Impedance
• Separate Power Regulators for Analog and Digital Sections 
• VFL Display with 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 
• NAD CD-6 Full Function Remote Control
quickly accessed using the SKIP function (Forward and
Back), and the SCAN function (Forward and Back) gives
an aural précis of individual tracks, giving the listener the
opportunity to reach specific sections of the track.
The Vacuum Fluorescent display provides clear and
understated, yet comprehensive information to the
listener. The track number is displayed, and for those who
regularly transfer CDs to cassette, MiniDisc or CD-R, the
button displays the current time elapsed or remaining for
complete CDs. A “calendar” type section in the display
gives immediate visual information of how many tracks in
total there are on the CD.
Not all digital outputs are equal. In the case of the NAD
C 542, careful attention has been paid so that best use
can be made of the ever increasing number of products
now available with digital inputs (CD, MD recorders,
computer sound cards, outboard D to A converters, etc.).
Unusually at this price point, the coaxial output is buffered
and isolated by a transformer from the converter itself
and the output impedance has been carefully tailored to
produce a precise 75 ohms impedance to ensure perfect
matching. This attention to detail reduces the timing errors
(jitter) that could otherwise distort the digital data stream.
An optical TOS Link output is also provided allowing
connection to devices that only provide this option.
The Model C 542 comes supplied with the new NAD
CD-6 full function remote control, offering all of the
features described above from the comfort of your
listening chair. On top of that, the remote control handset
gives you direct track access and programming facilities,
as well, saving the user’s time when they’re storing
preferred song titles. Up to 20 tracks can be programmed.
It is possible to delete tracks without using the program
function by simply using the delete key.
Separate power regulators for the digital and analogue
sections isolate the two electrically, reducing interference
effects. Furthermore, careful layout of the PCB tracks
around the Digital-to-Analogue converter helps to
contain RF radiation and interference. The 24 bit high
resolution Burr-Brown Sigma-Delta Digital-to-Analogue
converter chip with built in Pacific Microsonics digital
The C 542 replaces NAD’s venerable C 541i. With
the worldwide acclaim and numerous awards for
outstanding performance and value, it is fair to ask
why NAD would “mess with success”. But NAD
has never rested on its laurels; rather development
is ongoing at the NAD Lab and new models are
launched when we feel a significant improvement
has been achieved. Such is the case with the
C 542. Besides the new more refined cosmetics and
improved remote control, many component changes
have been implemented in the C 542’s circuits. The
cumulative effect of these changes is quite dramatic,
improving low frequency slam and extension, while
maintaining the pace and timing for which the C 541i
was so lavishly praised. Image depth and scale are
further enhanced while retaining the timbral accuracy
and lucid harmonic structure of its predecessor.
Features and Circuitry
Creating one’s own favourite compilation CD-R and
CD-RW’s on a CD Recorder is becoming ever more
popular, and unlike ordinary CD players, the C 542
will easily play these discs. We have included a
number of additional features to make your listening
more enjoyable: RANDOM gives the listener a
random selection of all tracks on the disc in play, and
REPEAT allows repeat playing of either the entire
disc, or individual tracks. Individual tracks can be