NAD 524

The NAD 524 is a potentially beautiful product spoilt by abysmal quality. Has almost never played more than 3 CDs in a row. Has spent most of its life displaying ER for error, rather than track numbers. Was "fixed" under warranty and has cost almost the original purchase price in repairs since.

My Cambridge Azur 640CD had won many a review, but was beginning to lose its way when I bought Quad 11L speakers to go with my Musical Fidelity x-80 amp. Having owned a NAD 540 CD which I still put to use in a second system, and having seen exceptional reviews for the NAD 542CD, I bought one without even a demo. This could have proved problematic but I must say I made a really good decision. The 542 CD outperforms both the Azur 640CD and the Nad 540CD, by a mile. Its strong point is actually its musicality. Bass is agile solid and deep. Mid range has none of the thinness the Azur can have and has a good "in the room" feel. Detail and transparency are amazing considering the richness of tone. Excellent!

I enjoyed listening to this player more than any other for it's great resolution. Specially the cleanness of acoustic pianos. Background vocals become alive too. I noticed it particularly with Ray Brown`s trio "Live at Sculler`s" and Buena Vista Social Club. The "live" feeling was incredible. The big problem is that it started malfunctioning and was told by the supplier that NAD recommended not to use cd r`s with this model, which is rather disappointing.

The difference between this CD player and other players (dearer ones from Denon and Marantz) is the mid range detail. Listen to the guitars and you can pick out every wire hit by a plectrum in the middle of voices, drums etc.

Used with NAD C340 Amp and KEF Cresta 2 speakers.

Highly recommended.