Which NAD cd players are good ones?

[appar111]

I keep seeing NAD cd players pop up and I know that NAD makes good quality stuff based on comments from people here on head-fi. My question is-- which NAD models are good ones? In particular, out of the inexpensive ones that I see (under $175), here are some I keep seeing:

5340
5170
523
5420
5425
521
5240
5220

thanks!
appar111

 

[dd3mon]

I've read good things about the new NAD 521BEE and the 542. The 541i is an old favorite here as well.

These models are all probably a little more than you'd like to spend (the 521BEE may be reasonable, a big step up from the original 521). Unfortunately I have very little information the others on your list.

-dd3mon

 

[cpw]

I know for a few years in the early 90's there were some really inferior players put out including one I own (513- 3 disc changer). The displays burn out and I've heard of other chronic issues as well. I'm not familiar w/ any of the models you listed but IMO anything from that time frame should be suspect. A very nice DIY'er just put some LED's into my unit to revive a display that's been dead for years. Just an FYI.
I'm not anti-NAD cuz lots of the stuff is great. I just got bit by some bad gear. (Had to fix display on my 705 receiver from the same era!)
Good luck,
CPW

 

[oosoo]

Quote:

Originally posted by cpw I just got bit by some bad gear.

Good multi-disc players are hard to come by and even back then the 513 did not earn high marks from reviewers. I own the 515 changer and remember it was the only such model earning consistent praise at the entry level in 1999.

 

[taylor]

Yes, those magazine players, while having the best design imaginable, break down pretty frequently.