NAD C545BEE review

The NAD C545BEE CD player is an excellent all-rounder that entertains like no other at this price point Tested at £350.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A gifted CD player that can still rub shoulders with the very best decks that the budget market can offer

Pros

  • +

    Rythmic, fluid delivery

  • +

    displays wonderful balance, detail levels and agility

Cons

  • -

    Doesn't look particularly impressive

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Marantz might have staked its claim for top honours in recent tests, but NAD will have something to say about that.

The last meeting between the two companies resulted in victory for the C545BEE over the now discontinued CD6002.

And, it doesn't take long for the C545BEE to remind you why it's a five-star machine. For a start, the sound is expertly organized.

Every instrument and vocal takes its place in an open, airy soundstage.

The NAD's lively, fleet-footed delivery ensures there's no sluggishness, but at the same time, the player doesn't use this as an excuse to skip over the finer details of a track.

Crisply defined notes
The edges of notes are crisply defined, the NAD's sure-footed approach to music is unwavering and confidence inspiring.

The player reproduces all those subtle dynamic shifts that can elude less capable machines. It displays some nice feats of agility during the opening and closing sections of Oasis's Don't Go Away, Noel's guitar strumming following a natural and fluid path.

Spin Feeder's Tender, and you get another glimpse of the player's thoughtful approach to music.

It's willing to take the time to get the pace and rhythm of the track spot on, exhibiting beautiful balance; and this delicate approach really brings great dividends.

Bass quality ahead of quantity
Low frequencies sound punchy and zesty – the NAD serves up a thumpingly rhythmic and textured bass line to accompany Notorious BIG's attitude-filled Got Beef?

Some players are capable of kicking out greater weight, but the NAD puts quality ahead of quantity without sounding lean or malnourished.

Lined up comparable machines, it's fair to say that the C545BEE is the last player to catch your eye.

The rounded edges and smooth buttons look tidy, but there's no real hint that there's a talented disc-spinner lying beneath this chassis.

Sockets are limited to a pair of analogue outs and coaxial and optical digital outputs. There's no headphone jack or USB input.

The look and feel of the remote control does nothing to enhance the player's aesthetic appeal, but spend some time with it and you realize that the compact button layout works in your thumb's favour.

The C545BEE is a great CD player for the money, but it can't quite beat the Award-winning Marantz CD6003.

See all our CD player Best Buys

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test