NAD C542 or C521BEE?

[Mark4583]

Any real advantage to using the C542 over the C521BEE CD player hooked to the NAD C352 Integrated Amp? Almost a $200.00 diffrence.
Dont mind the extra 200 if its going to be that much better.

[WAF!]

Any real advantage to using the C542 over the C521BEE CD player hooked to the NAD C352 Integrated Amp? Almost a $200.00 diffrence.
Dont mind the extra 200 if its going to be that much better.

Mark,

The C542 has a better DAC and does HDCD. The C521BEE does not play HDCD. The C542 will be marginally better due to the better DAC when playing standard CD's (redbook).

HDCD is a noticeable improvement in sound IMO. There are alot of titles out there in the HDCD format that might make it worth while to get. If you are not really interested in HDCD then get the C521BEE.