The platter of the C 556 uses a special phenolic resin that is pressure moulded to create the ideal properties of being both massive and inert. The mass creates a flywheel effect that eliminates small, and very unmusical, speed variations called wow and flutter. The mass also rejects unwanted external vibrations, and combined with the extreme hardness of the phenolic material, suppresses vibrations in the audible range. This massive platter requires a precision low friction bearing to allow smooth and stable revolving motion. A special bronze body with a stainless steel ball bearing provides a point-perfect contact with the hardened steel shaft of the platter assembly. This is the ideal design for minimal friction, and a complete elimination of any play or ‘wobble.’ The bearing is firmly connected to the rigid and well-damped base that provides a rigid connection to the tone arm. A precision synchronous clock motor keeps the platter spinning at exactly 33 1/3 RPM and its own vibrations are carefully isolated from the platter by a synthetic rubber belt and from the base by rubber isolation mountings.

The tone arm must have the lowest possible mass while still maintaining a rigid, vibration-free connection to the record. To achieve this contradictory goal, the C 556 uses a hand built arm featuring an alloy tube and precision bearings at the gimbal pivot. A simple counter weight balance is combined with a magnetic anti-skate bias control to make for a friction-free pivot that allows the cartridge to operate in an ideal environment.

Easy to Enjoy

By delivering the turntable with the cartridge already correctly installed and aligned, we were thinking of the many new vinyl devotees who may be less familiar with the setup requirements of a transcription turntable. Setup and operation could not be simpler—the C 556 comes complete. Just set the tone arm counter weight to the indicated position, then plug ‘n play.

Whether you are new to vinyl, simply want to upgrade the sound of your vinyl collection, or even want to transcribe your LPs to digital files for playback on your computer, the NAD C 556 is the perfect choice. It is fully capable of providing the ‘vinyl magic’ that has made the LP the most successful recorded medium of all time. With the C 556, NAD is offering the best performing turntable in its 45-year history.