Mods for NAD C-540

slownlo · 1st January 2004, 11:06 AM

Hi (Happy New Year!)

Wondering if anyone out here has any GOOD mods for the NAD-C540 CD Player. Its a nice sounding rig for the money, but with some MODs I think it can sound "better" (please, no "sound is subjective lectures?).

I am hearing folks talk about upgrading the clock's and DAC's, etc... and I am interested in trying this myself. I would suspect that since this unit was built there have been major improvments in those components, and replacing them with "better" ones would make a positive sonic difference... The transport in the C-540 is pseudo-flimsy, but its quiet, and gets the job done. I opened it to see what I had to work with and it looks like NAD put in some decent components (ELNA Red caps, Gold plated RCA ouputs, Burr-Brown DACs, etc...)

Any suggestions on how to make a stock C-540 improve? Sure, I could run it thru a nice LINK III DAC (coaxial digital output) but whats the fun it that? Also, any schematics of the C-540 would be helpful...

I am a novice so please take it easy with the techno-babble...

Thanks in advance!
Clinton

Drew · 4th January 2004, 03:53 AM

Hey there,
Yeah good cd player for the money. I totally agree.
Try changing the power cord. Solid core preferably. Also install sound deading material on the case,chasis, and bridge if you can. I'm not sure which transport mech it uses. Start with those. Post your thoughts.

slownlo · 4th January 2004, 12:33 PM

Those are good suggestions thanks. I was trying to find out what kind of transport it uses but I can't find much on that. I think NAD intentionally shys away from expounding on that aspect of this unit, because they use such a crappy one in it...but I agree: its got much bang for the buck you pay. I do think its time to upgrade though, thinking seriously about the Jolida JD-100. You can buy these on www.cattylink.com for about $449USD. They are 220v versions though, but thats what step up/down tranny's are for. Especially considering that U.S. retailers want close to $1K for them!

1st January 2004, 11:06 AM	#1
slownlo diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Havre de Grace, MD	Mods for NAD C-540 Hi (Happy New Year!) Wondering if anyone out here has any GOOD mods for the NAD-C540 CD Player. Its a nice sounding rig for the money, but with some MODs I think it can sound "better" (please, no "sound is subjective lectures?). I am hearing folks talk about upgrading the clock's and DAC's, etc... and I am interested in trying this myself. I would suspect that since this unit was built there have been major improvments in those components, and replacing them with "better" ones would make a positive sonic difference... The transport in the C-540 is pseudo-flimsy, but its quiet, and gets the job done. I opened it to see what I had to work with and it looks like NAD put in some decent components (ELNA Red caps, Gold plated RCA ouputs, Burr-Brown DACs, etc...) Any suggestions on how to make a stock C-540 improve? Sure, I could run it thru a nice LINK III DAC (coaxial digital output) but whats the fun it that? Also, any schematics of the C-540 would be helpful... I am a novice so please take it easy with the techno-babble... Thanks in advance! Clinton

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4th January 2004, 03:53 AM	#2
Drew diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Saskatoon, Sk. Canada	Hey there, Yeah good cd player for the money. I totally agree. Try changing the power cord. Solid core preferably. Also install sound deading material on the case,chasis, and bridge if you can. I'm not sure which transport mech it uses. Start with those. Post your thoughts.

4th January 2004, 12:33 PM	#3
slownlo diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Havre de Grace, MD	Those are good suggestions thanks. I was trying to find out what kind of transport it uses but I can't find much on that. I think NAD intentionally shys away from expounding on that aspect of this unit, because they use such a crappy one in it...but I agree: its got much bang for the buck you pay. I do think its time to upgrade though, thinking seriously about the Jolida JD-100. You can buy these on www.cattylink.com for about $449USD. They are 220v versions though, but thats what step up/down tranny's are for. Especially considering that U.S. retailers want close to $1K for them!