The C542 replaces NAD’s venerable C541i. 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 C542. 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 C541i was so lavishly praised. Image depth and scale are further enhanced while retaining the timbral accuracy and lucid harmonic structure of its predecessor.

Not all digital outputs are equal. In the case of the NAD C542, 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 C542 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 filter was chosen for its excellent low-level linearity and detail retrieving capabilities. Metal film resistors and polypropylene capacitors are used in key areas to ensure a highly accurate frequency response. High quality Burr Brown 2134 professional grade op-amps are used instead of the much lower grade and type normally found at this price level. Apart from the single output capacitor, no other capacitors are used in the signal path. The output impedance is very low at 150 ohms, making the NAD C542 less sensitive to cables or the ancillary equipment it is partnered with.