NAD C521BEE or C542 better than NAD dvd?

[johnsm78]

While listening to some CDs last night on my NAD T512 dvd-player, I was wondering what kind of improvement I may expect from listening to the same CDs through a NAD cd-player C521 BEE or the more expensive C542?

While I'm kinda happy with the sound through the dvd-player, I was asking myself what a decent cd-player could do in terms of improvement.

I know both NAD cd-players are well regarded.
The receiver I use is a NAD av-receiver T742, and I know for stereo music listening a AV-receiver is not the best way to go, but I presume my NAD is one of the more "musical" av-receivers around.

Hence, my question, would using a decent cd player would improve sound quality, knowing that I'm using a av-receiver??

I did a test, using a 8 year old cheap sony cdplayer, I bought for £80 back then, and I didn't notice any real difference in sound quality comparing with my nad dvd player.
I'm sure the aformentioned Nad cdp are in a different league than my cheapish sony...

I'm confused if spending a good amount on a cdp would give a good improvement instead of using my dvd-player.

Front speakers are B&W 602.5s3.

Any opinions?

[Cable Monkey]

I got an improvement using a Rotel RCD-02 over a Denon 3910 DVD player (that is touted as a universal player). In most players, CD playback is a compromise and that can make an aural difference. I got much better soundstaging with the Rotel.

[nsherin]

I've not heard any of the NAD DVD players personally, so I can't compare the two. However, I'd imagine you would get an improvement. Best thing to to is to go and have a listen to both NAD CD players you mention. Both are excellent players - I use the C521BEE myself and have been very impressed by it. My dad has an older C540 and it's also a good 'un.

[Thekop]

I agree with Cable Monkey on this ....
My previous CD player was a NAD C541i and it certainly gave my Denon 3910 a hard time on CD replay... I'm not a fan of DVD players for CD playback.. They just sound wrong to me ( Or the ones i've had in the past ) ... I haven't heard the NAD DVD player so i can't comment on that model, so i guess a demo would be the most sensible thing to do... The NAD C542 CD player however is one of my favourite CD players for under a £1000.. I fully recommend you listen to one... A stunning little machine !

Goodluck

Tim

[Nimby]

I swore by my NAD T533 DVD/CDP as being considerably better than my old CD63SE.

The NAD was soft, liquid and seeemed so much more like vinyl than the gritty Marantz. It's sounds great on films!

But I have slowly drifted back to the Marantz for more musical fireworks and better bass.

My wife calls the NAD "easy listening". She may be right.

Does this help? Probably not.