NAD C 588 Turntable - Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge

A Complete Manual Turntable Built for Careful Listening

The NAD C 588 is a belt-drive turntable for listeners who want accurate setup, manual operation, and room to upgrade. Its rigid MDF plinth, 10 mm glass platter, isolated motor, and adjustable carbon-fiber tonearm form a solid foundation for the factory-installed Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.

The cartridge arrives mounted, so you do not need to choose and install one before playing records. You will still need to balance the tonearm, set tracking force, and connect the C 588 to a moving-magnet phono input or external phono preamp.

Controlled Speed from a Precision Belt-Drive System

The C 588 converts incoming AC power to DC, then generates a controlled AC frequency for its synchronous motor. A precision alloy sub-platter and specially formulated belt transfer that motion to the glass platter while helping isolate motor vibration.

The turntable plays 33⅓ and 45 rpm records. Changing speed requires lifting the platter and moving the belt to the matching pulley position. Optional 78 rpm operation requires a special pulley and a suitable 78 rpm cartridge or stylus.

An Adjustable Carbon-Fiber Tonearm

The 9-inch carbon-fiber tonearm uses a fixed metal headshell, decoupled counterweight, and magnetic anti-skating. Its vertical tracking angle and azimuth can be adjusted, allowing precise setup of the included cartridge and greater flexibility if you upgrade later.

The Ortofon 2M Red is a moving-magnet cartridge with a replaceable elliptical stylus. Its 5.5 mV output works with standard 47-kilohm MM phono inputs. The stylus can also be replaced with a compatible 2M Blue stylus when you are ready to upgrade.

Critics Agree

Professional reviews of the stock C 588 and Ortofon 2M Red package have praised its lively presentation and careful system matching.

• SoundStage! Access, 2020 – Called the C 588 and 2M Red a “fine-performing package” with excellent pace and rhythm.
• Hi-Fi Choice, 2019 – Reported that the turntable and cartridge package “gels beautifully.”
• Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, 2019 – Praised its included cartridge, adjustable tonearm, and build quality.

Is This Right for You?

The C 588 balances a ready-to-use cartridge package with useful adjustment and upgrade options:

• Best use: Choose it for a dedicated stereo system where you want a manual belt-drive turntable with a factory-installed MM cartridge.
• System requirements: You need an amplifier with an MM phono input or a separate moving-magnet phono preamp.
• Upgrade path: The adjustable tonearm accepts cartridges weighing 6 to 13 grams, while the 2M Red supports a direct 2M Blue stylus upgrade.
• Honest limitation: The C 588 has no automatic start, stop, or tonearm return, and changing speed requires moving the belt manually.

Setup & Installation

Install the platter, felt mat, belt, counterweight, and dust cover before use. Balance the tonearm, set the 2M Red’s tracking force to 1.8 grams, and confirm the magnetic anti-skating adjustment. NAD includes a tracking-force gauge and alignment tools to help with setup.

The C 588 measures 17.1 inches wide, 4.9 inches high, and 13.4 inches deep with the cover closed. Place it on a rigid, level surface away from direct speaker vibration. A detachable RCA phono cable with a separate ground lead is included.

If your amplifier lacks a phono input, browse Audio Advisor’s phono preamplifiers or read our phono preamp guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NAD C 588 include a cartridge?

Yes. An Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge is installed at the factory. Initial tracking-force and anti-skating adjustments are still required.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

No. Connect it to an MM phono input or an external phono preamp. It cannot feed a standard AUX input directly.

How do I change from 33⅓ to 45 rpm?

Remove the glass platter and move the drive belt to the correct pulley position. Electronic speed switching is not included.

Can I upgrade the Ortofon 2M Red?

Yes. A compatible 2M Blue replacement stylus fits the existing cartridge body. The adjustable tonearm can also accept other cartridges weighing 6 to 13 grams.

Are a dust cover and phono cable included?

Yes. The package includes a hinged dust cover and a detachable stereo RCA cable with a separate ground lead.

What is the warranty?

The C 588 includes a two-year parts-and-labor manufacturer warranty. Save the original box for returns and warranty transportation.

Hear it in your own system — you have 60 days to be sure.

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