C
521BEE CD Player
• CD, CD-R and CD-RW Compatible
• Burr-Brown Sigma-Delta 20 bit Digital to Analogue Converter
• Coaxial Digital Output
• Low Output Impedance
• Separate Power Regulators for Analogue and Digital Sections
• EL Backlit Display with selectable Track, Time and Repeat
• Repeat Mode for Single Track or Entire CD
• Program Play up to 20 Tracks
• Random Play
• NAD CD-6 Full Function Remote Control
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 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 Electro-Luminescent backlit 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 521BEE, 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.
The Model C 521BEE 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 20 bit high
resolution Burr-Brown S-D Digital-to-Analogue converter
chip was chosen for its excellent low-level linearity and
As an excellent example of Bjorn Erik Edvardsen’s*
“10/10 Rule”, we have added Erik’s initials to our
“Best Buy” CD Player, the C 521. Erik’s 10/10
Rule states that the ideal for high value products is
achieved when it costs 10 times more money to get
only a 10% increase in performance. While some
people will gladly spend to get that last gram of
musical pleasure, for the vast majority of music lovers
the C 521BEE offers that sweet spot where spending
less gets a lot less, and spending more gets only a
small incremental improvement.
As always, sonic performance is the first priority at
NAD. We think that even the most critical music
listeners will appreciate the fluid dynamics, spacious
sound, and refined harmonic textures the C 521BEE
is able to extract from their favorite performances
on Compact Disc. Whether your musical taste leans
toward the expansive majesty of a full symphony
orchestra, the driving beat and raw energy of rock,
or the warm intimacy of the a capella voice, the
C 521BEE never gets in the way of the musical
expression.
Features and Circuitry
Creating one’s own favorite compilation CD-R
and CD-RW’s on a CD Recorder is becoming ever
more popular, and unlike ordinary CD players, the
C 521BEE will easily play these discs. We have
included a number of additional features to make your
listening more enjoyable: RANDOM gives the listener
