NAD is doubling down on physical media with the launch of the C 589 CD player, a new addition to its Classic Series.
It’s built for listeners who still want the best possible performance from their CD collections. Priced at £1199 / €1599, it’s positioned as a dedicated, high-end source component rather than an all-in-one system.
At its core is QRONO d2a, a digital processing technology developed by MQA Labs. It focuses on improving timing and accuracy when converting digital audio to analogue. In simple terms, NAD says this helps deliver better detail and cleaner transients and also provides a more natural sense of flow.
The C 589 also leans heavily into reliability. It uses a precision transport and laser mechanism designed to read discs accurately and quietly, even older or well-used ones. That’s paired with a carefully tuned DAC stage aimed at keeping distortion low. At the same time, it works to preserve the character of the original recording.
Where this player stands out is flexibility. Around the back, you’ll find balanced XLR and RCA outputs for direct connection to amps. In addition, there are AES/EBU, coaxial and optical outputs if you’d rather use an external DAC. That means it can slot into both traditional hi-fi setups and more modern, modular systems without much fuss.
NAD hasn’t ignored usability either. The front panel includes a large display with CD Text support, so you can see track and artist info at a glance. Meanwhile, the bundled remote keeps things simple from the sofa. It’s very much a “put a disc in and press play” kind of experience, which is exactly the point.
The launch comes at a time when interest in physical formats is quietly ticking back up. Some listeners are looking for a more intentional way to engage with music beyond streaming playlists. NAD is clearly betting that CDs still have a place in that conversation.
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