20 Most Recent NAD C521 CD Player Questions & Answers

Hi, From your description, it sounds as if the noise is coming from the circuit that controls the display backlight. If I recall correctly, the C520 has an EL backlight just like the C521 (which I have one of). On the front of the circuit board, there should be a little yellow trimmer potentiometer that controls the brightness of the display. It may be that the noise will go away if the brightness is turned down some. If  the noise varies as you turn the controller, but doesn't go away completely, the backlight may need servicing.

You need another tray

Hello. It sounds like the tray button needs to be replaced.

I've dealt with this type issue quite a bit.
Believe it or not the drawer belt needs to be changed.
If the drawer isnt drawn all the way into the unit...the disc motor wont spin and ....you get rejected

Also, if it reads poorly, the lens on the laser could be dirty.

Take it to a tech . Try a local stereo store . They should know who's best. It's a quick easy job for a tech who knows what he's doing.

Happy new Years,

Scott

I've dealt with this type issue quite a bit.
Believe it or not the drawer belt needs to be changed.
If the drawer isnt drawn all the way into the unit...the disc motor wont spin and ....you get rejected

this product seems to be an audio CD player in use with a stereo system.Have you tried inserting a paperclip (that has been straightened out) through the tiny hole available to manually coax the tray to come out. It will pop out just a little, but it will then be unlocked and be easy to bring out, displaying the entire CD.If you have tried that, then..... Take the cover off (the entire case) and inspect the area where the CD is. Many of these players have no metal encasement around the CD mechanism and one can see the inner workings. The CD may have gotten askew, or the mechanism jammed. Gently try to free things up.You should at least retrieve your CD. Put the thing back together. Use a junk cd (keep the stereo amp off) and try to load and unload it. If that fails.... Time to get a new one.Here's a suggestion for that. Most all DVD players handle cd's. Purchasing an inexpensive DVD player might be cheaper than finding a stereo component CD player. Just use the audio out.Good luck ---Sam

This cd player sound great but have in mind it is fitted with NE5532 op amps in linedriver stage, but single trafo supply, and this player is a standard production line cd player. I owned one, i liked the NAD sound, and i think if you pay something like $100-$130 you will be happy. Also you ask if you shall be aware of something, in older nad cd player displays is sometimes defect, but easy to fix. Also the laser need to be adjusted often. (as in most cd players.) Step from track 1 to the last traack fast and back to track 1 again, listen to music parts from track 1, track 4, track 10 track xx. If the sounud is not choppy, if there are coming sound in both speakers and otherwise it sounds good then i think you can buy it without expecting major problems.;)

Is it in the path of strong direct sunlight at times during the day?
Changed the remote's battery lately?

To fix it, you need to replace the spindle motor top bearing. The bearing is worn and the player mistracks as the armature moves about under the changing drive conditions. Makes the player mistrack and skip. Because the disc is spinning fast.

Replacing the bearing should resolves the problem.

Hope this helps and have a great day!

Where are you located?

I have the c521i with similar problem. It will play discs most of the time and sometimes can go for an hour or more before hanging up. Sometimes the disc is spinning and the laser is moving up and down (clicking) trying to read data. Sometimes the disc will stop spinning.
The replacement laser mechanism is a Sony KSS-213C and can be found by a few resellers on ebay for between $10 - 26, and also online at stores like MCM Electronics. This assembly has the laser head, gears, everything that needs to be replaced. I should get mine in the next few days. I also bought the 16 pin flex ribbon cable that is about 8 inches long that connects from the laser and goes into the circuit board. With basic DIY skills, this is a simple fix. A little care and effort is required on the laser assembly. I am told this will fix and will report back as soon as I get it installed and can verify it works.