NAD C588 Turntable

Description

NAD C 588 Belt Drive Turntable

Precision Engineering for the Finest Vinyl Playback

The NAD C 588 is a meticulously engineered belt-drive turntable that reflects NAD’s 45-year legacy of award-winning audio design. Drawing on the same music-first philosophy that defines every product in the NAD range, the C 588 combines precision-machined components, electronic speed control, a 9-inch carbon fibre tonearm, and a factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge into a cohesive and thoroughly considered vinyl playback system. The result is a turntable that hits a compelling sweet spot between performance and value, capable of bringing new life to any record collection while preserving it for the future.

Electronic Speed Control for Exceptional Stability

The C 588 addresses the two most critical measures of turntable performance, wow and flutter, with proven and effective engineering solutions. A high-precision synchronous clock motor provides smooth and accurate speed, driven from a clean and stable AC voltage generated by first converting the mains supply to DC and then electronically synthesising the precise AC frequency required to regulate the motor. This isolated power supply eliminates the noise and instability of a direct mains connection, while a specially formulated belt further filters and isolates any remaining motor vibration from the platter. All rotating parts are machined from aluminium alloy to very tight tolerances, eliminating any eccentricity or vibration in the drive system.

Precision Tonearm and Factory-Installed Cartridge

The C 588 features a custom-designed 9-inch carbon fibre tonearm shaft with a fixed metal headshell, decoupled counterweight, and magnetic anti-skate compensation. The longer than usual 9-inch tonearm length is chosen to optimise stylus overhang and minimise tracking angle error across the full width of the record. Adjustments for both azimuth and vertical tracking angle are provided, along with an alignment gauge, a level of setup precision that is genuinely uncommon at this price point. A factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge offers superb tracking and a delicately nuanced, full-range sound with an output voltage of 5.5mV and a recommended tracking force of 18mN.

Closing the Triangle: Mechanical Precision Throughout

NAD’s engineering philosophy for the C 588 is founded on the concept of closing the mechanical triangle between the record, platter, and tonearm. Vibrations travel from the record being played, through the platter, bearing, and plinth, to the arm mount, pivot, and ultimately to the cartridge and stylus. Any play or imprecision in this mechanical path results in a loss of musical energy and fine detail. The C 588 addresses this through strict attention to precision machining, assembly, and testing at every point in the mechanical signal path, ensuring that micro-dynamics are fully preserved and accurately reproduced.

Resonance Control and Vibration Isolation

The C 588’s choice of materials reflects a carefully calculated approach to resonance control and vibration isolation. A massive MDF plinth with specially tuned isolation feet absorbs external vibrations from loudspeakers and floor-borne footfalls, while a thick non-resonant dust cover protects the playing surface. The 10mm glass platter with felt pad, MDF base, and carbon fibre tonearm are chosen to work together as a system, limiting and reducing spurious vibration to a minimum and preventing any buildup of energy at particular frequencies that could colour the sound.

KEY FEATURES:

• Belt-drive turntable with electronic speed control for precise, stable 33 and 45 RPM playback
• Isolated AC power supply converting mains to DC, then electronically generating precise AC frequency for motor regulation
• 9-inch custom carbon fibre tonearm with fixed metal headshell, decoupled counterweight, and magnetic anti-skate compensation
• Azimuth and vertical tracking angle adjustment with included alignment gauge
• Factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge: 5.5mV output, elliptical stylus, 18mN recommended tracking force
• 10mm glass platter with felt pad and precision alloy sub-platter
• Rigid MDF plinth with specially tuned metal isolation feet
• All rotating parts precision-machined from aluminium alloy to tight tolerances
• Low-resonance dust cover included
• Detachable high-quality RCA cable with separate ground lead
• Universal voltage isolated AC power supply
• Dimensions: 435 x 340 x 125mm, shipping weight: 9.2kg