As a general rule integrated audio systems offer versatility and affordability at the expense of overall ability; performance hounds will always advise taking the separates route if absolute fidelity is a priority. But, as with all rules, there are exceptions and some experiments in integration have come close to emulating separates performance from a single system - previously there was the Linn Classik and more recently Arcam's Solo. The L53 from NAD combines a DVD/CD player with a tuner and stereo amplifier.

As NAD's 'Music First' mission statement dictates, the L53 is primarily a CD player that focuses attention on 2-channel sound performance while allowing you to play DVDs and enjoy 'some' of the spatial sound effects of home cinema. If space or your budget is limited then the L53 is an affordable alternative that claims few compromises in design, operation and performance.

The compact unit is well built and features a solid front panel in titanium - a welcome departure from NAD's usual gun-metal grey - with retro, elliptical controls and display. Internally, high current power supplies have been used with discrete transistor output stages and coordinated components with the hope of minimising distortion and producing crisp power delivery.

An intrinsic virtue of housing all components in a single system is that fewer connections reduce signal degradation and other electronic noise. All audio processing is conducted on a PCB board mounted directly over the transport .

Essentially, the L53 is a stereo player/receiver offering a modest 50W of power for each of its two channels. But, while the system will play CDs including -R/RW recordable formats and discs encoded with MP3, WMA and JPEG files it is also equipped to play DVD films. But, with only two channels to play with, NAD has opted to use SRS (Sound Retrieval technology) 3D sound to help recreate the ambience of film soundtracks.

SRS supposedly retrieves spatial information lost during recording and playback to create the illusion of surround sound by broadening the sound stage and enhancing ambient effects - it's not Virtual Dolby, but it can still make a neat second system solution.

Although the system doesn't locate a specific 'sweet spot', SRS works best when speakers are placed around 2.5m apart and at least 2m from your listening position. You can also experience spatial effects when listening via headphones.

Although a single box system there's enough spare inputs to support several other components, including a VCR and set-top receiver. Component outputs are equipped to enable both PAL and NTSC progressive scan output; other connections include a single RGB Scart and basic AV outputs. On the audio side, digital connections include an optical in/output as well as an electrical input and a subwoofer output. Naturally enough, all input jacks have been gold plated to improve signal integrity and long-term reliability.

Installation is predictably simple. The only connections necessary are to a pair of speakers and your screen leaving you ready to plug and play within a matter of minutes. DVD settings are displayed on screen using well-presented graphics that are easily navigated via a learning remote, which can be organised to operate your entire system with only a couple of keystrokes. Audio settings are displayed on the front panel and as well as activating SRS there's also tone controls for bass and treble, and right and left channel adjustments.