NAD C558 turntable

The NAD C558 turntable is the latest model offered by the manufacturer. It reflects NAD's desire to offer a simple, reliable, and musical turntable.

NAD C558: MOTOR AND DRIVE

This NAD C558 features a new AC motor equipped with a new suspension. This limits vibrations in the turntable, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

The motor drives the sub-platter via a flat belt. Located under the motor, there is also a new bearing with a stainless steel shaft. It is powered by an external 15vDC power supply. A circuit reconditions an alternating current with a stable frequency of 50 Hz.

The speed change between 33 RPM and 45 RPM is done easily, but manually, by lifting the platter and changing the belt on the pulley.

NAD C558: TONEARM AND CARTRIDGE

The aluminum tonearm is of Austrian origin. It is a 9-inch aluminum tonearm with an effective mass of 9.5 g. Its rigidity gives it good neutrality. The tracking force is adjusted with an ungraduated counterweight, which requires a balance. The anti-skating is applied laterally via a graduated dial. It is also possible to adjust the height (VTA) and azimuth.

This turntable comes standard with an Ortofon OM10 MM cartridge, but it will be possible and easy to upgrade to a higher-performing cartridge in the future.

NAD C558: PLINTH AND PLATTER

The plinth is made of high-density MDF covered with a satin black paint.

The platter is made of 0.8 cm thick silica (glass) with a mass of 1.7 kg. It is logically paired with a felt mat, but it can be replaced later with a leather mat.

NAD C558: PHONO CABLES AND ACCESSORIES

It should be noted that the tonearm output cables are not captive, making it easy to upgrade from the standard cables to higher-performing models.

This NAD C558 turntable also comes with a translucent protective cover.

NAD C558: TEST AND LISTENING

The bass is reproduced with a nice fullness without being exaggerated. Kick drums and bass are rendered with impact and substance. It is paired with a relatively neutral and flat midrange. This register is well-positioned, as well as the treble, which highlights details and offers good transparency.

The cartridge is perfectly and fully utilized, contributing to the balance of this NAD C558. If you desire more clarity or transparency, you will likely need to change the cartridge.

The NAD C558 turntable offers a beautiful, precise, and realistic soundstage. It also provides a lot of space for different performers. The depth of the soundstage is also relatively significant, quite surprising for a turntable of this range.

The NAD C558 is an easy-to-use turntable that prioritizes musicality. It also remains very upgradeable over time. At the offered price, we find no faults with it.

Highly recommended.