NAD 5220 Compact Disc Player – Minimalist Excellence
$195.00
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NAD 5220 Compact Disc Player – Minimalist Excellence
NAD’s renowned single-disc CD player from 1987 combines minimalist design with resolute engineering, delivering musically satisfying playback from a compact, understated chassis. The 5220 represents an era when NAD prioritized sonic fundamentals over feature creep—a philosophy that continues to attract discerning listeners nearly four decades later.
The front-loading transport accepts standard CDs and CDR discs with equal competence, loading smoothly and engaging quickly. This unit has been thoroughly tested and verified: the transport mechanism operates flawlessly, disc detection is reliable, playback initiates without hesitation, and all front-panel controls respond accurately. Cosmetically, this player presents in good condition with clean bezel, functional display, and normal signs of age appropriate for a 1987 component.
NAD’s design philosophy emphasized uncolored, neutral playback rather than flattery. The 5220 delivers exactly that: a clean, unfatiguing sound signature that lets music speak for itself. The 16-bit linear digital converter processes audio with impressive low distortion (0.004% THD), producing a dynamic range of 94dB with 90dB channel separation. The 2V fixed output level requires no level control adjustment, simplifying integration with any amplifier or receiver. Frequency response spans 5Hz to 20kHz ±0.5dB, capturing the full audible spectrum without artificial enhancement.
The front panel is refreshingly straightforward: a large play button, pause, stop, and disc eject, with a simple LED display showing track position and elapsed time. The numeric keypad enables direct track access. Timer play function allows delayed playback activation. The design eschews unnecessary buttons and displays—a aesthetic choice that feels intentional rather than cost-cutting. An optional NAD RM-5240 remote control was available (not included), though hands-on operation from the front panel suffices admirably.
At 2.9 kg (6 lbs 6 oz), the 5220’s compact footprint belies its build quality. The metal chassis, linear power supply, and robust transport mechanism are characteristic of NAD’s mid-1980s engineering ethos—designed for reliability and sonic performance rather than feature lists. Power consumption is modest at 13 watts, reflecting efficient design. This player remains fully functional for music lovers prioritizing unadorned CD playback over carousel convenience or digital theater features.
Key Features & Specifications:
Single-disc front-loading CD player with rapid-access transport
Plays standard Red Book audio CDs and CDR discs
16-bit linear digital-to-analog conversion
Fixed 2V RCA line output; no level control needed
Frequency response: 5Hz–20kHz ± 0.5dB
Dynamic range: 94dB; Channel separation: 90dB
Total harmonic distortion: 0.004% (1kHz)
Timer play function for delayed playback activation
Direct track access via numeric keypad
Low 13-watt power consumption
Thoroughly tested; all functions verified working
Good cosmetic condition
Dimensions: 340 x 57.5 x 309.5 mm (13.4 x 2.3 x 12.2 inches)
Weight: 2.9 kg (6 lbs 6 oz)
For purists seeking uncompromising single-disc CD playback without modern conveniences, the NAD 5220 remains a capable, musically engaging choice from one of audio’s most respected engineering houses.
Backed by Radique Audio’s 90-day warranty and our perpetual trade-back policy, you can purchase with confidence.
Asking $195
| Weight | 8.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.2 × 17.4 × 6.3 in |
NAD began in London in 1972 as New Acoustic Dimension, a brand created by a group of hi-fi distributors and led by American audio executive Martin L. Borish. Since 1999 it has been part of Lenbrook of Pickering, Ontario, which also owns PSB. We carry NAD stereo receivers and AV receivers, integrated and power amplifiers, phono preamps and CD players. We've had more than 110 NAD listings so far, covering nearly 70 different models. Every used NAD here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.
Our five best-selling NAD models so far: the 2150 power amplifier, the 705 and 7020e stereo receivers, the T 531 DVD and CD player, and the 7140 receiver.
The NAD story, 1972 to today
NAD began in London in 1972, when a group of hi-fi distributors organized by Martin L. Borish, then of Acoustic Research, planned a new brand of affordable electronics they could sell: New Acoustic Dimension. Borish left his post as president of Acoustic Research in 1976 to run NAD full time, and in its early years NAD was run from his London apartment.
The 3020. Norwegian-born engineer Bjørn Erik Edvardsen designed the NAD 3020 integrated amplifier, introduced in 1978 at 20 watts per channel and built in Taiwan. It sold well over a million units, and Stereophile named it one of the 100 most significant audio products of its first 40 years. NAD calls it the best-selling hi-fi amplifier in history.
From distributors to owners. Lenbrook became NAD's Canadian distributor in 1978. In the 1990s NAD was owned by the Scandinavian distributor AudioNord, and in 1999 the Lenbrook Group of Pickering, Ontario, bought it.
Today. NAD is still part of Lenbrook, alongside PSB and Bluesound. Its range runs from C-series integrated amplifiers such as the C 320BEE, named with Edvardsen's initials, to direct-digital designs and the Masters Series. The C 3050 LE of 2023, a 50th-anniversary model, was limited to 1,972 units.
Which NAD is which?
1970s receivers: early models such as the 160 and 160a.
The 3020 family (from 1978): the 3020 and 3020e integrated amplifiers, and receivers such as the 7020 and the 7020e of 1988, which shares the 3020e's amplifier section.
1980s amplifiers: the 3140 and 3150 integrated amps and the 2150 and 2200 power amps, many with NAD's soft-clipping and bridging switches. Our best-selling 2150 is a 50-watt-per-channel power amp from the early 1980s.
Later receivers: the 7140 (about 1984 to 1989), the Monitor Series 7100 and its siblings from 1988, and the 705 of the early 1990s.
Home theatre: T-series AV receivers such as the T 757, whose Modular Design Construction lets the receiver be upgraded with new modules, and the T 531 DVD and CD player.
C-series and Masters Series (2000s on): the C 320BEE and later C-series integrated amps, the direct-digital C 390DD, and the Masters Series.
Buying used NAD: what to check
Pre-out and main-in jumpers. Many NAD integrated amps split the preamp and power amp at the back panel. If the jumpers between pre-out and main-in are missing, the inputs play nothing, so make sure they are there.
Switches on the back. Many 1980s NADs have soft-clipping, bridging or impedance switches. An amp that sounds wrong may just have one set oddly, so check every switch before blaming the amp.
Age. Technicians restoring 3020s report blown fuses, failed output transistors and leaky capacitors, and reviewers call cleaning the selectors and volume control almost mandatory on 1980s units. Ask what has been done.
Receivers. On late-1980s Monitor Series receivers, test every front-panel button, both speaker relays and the preset memory. The 7140's display can fail, though it can be repaired.
Disc players. Play both a CD and a DVD in a T-series player before you buy.
Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.
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✔️ Original remote included
✔️ Very good condition
✔️ Covered by Radique Warranty
✔️ Includes Perpetual Trade-Back Program eligibility
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