Next steps: upgrade from 5i

Posted by: AT on 30 March 2004

Having been very happy with the NAIT5i and CD5i but with the taste leaving me wanting more I'd like to hear some expert opinions on what would be the most effective upgrade. I'm looking to take a step up from here to settle into for a while. Essentially, would upgrading the source or amp/preamp make the biggest improvement right now?

I know the CDX2 is a fine option. How important is the PSX2 to the success of this CDP? Would a bare CDX2 be a worthwhile upgrade from the CD5i?

Or I can upgrade to a seperate amp/preamp, most likely the 200/202. Is a seperate power supply going to add a benefit here? Another thing to consider is that the NAIT5i is more adaptable to other brands of speaker cables; with it I can stick with my current setup. The 200 amp would require a change. (Out of curiosity, what speaker cables, other than NACA5, do you recommend for use with the 200?)

Based on the general notion of source first which I've usually found to be accurate the CDX2 is perhaps the way to go. I've also read a few comments here that the NAIT5i/CDX2 combo is sweet.

The cost of the bare CDX2 and the 200/202 are close. What would your advice be? And please chime in with power supply thoughts.
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by AT
One thing I forgot to mention is that the CD5i has a little trouble sorting out complex passages of music so that is one area I'd like to improve.
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by Mike in PA, USA
If you are having no problems driving your speakers with the Nait 5i, I would upgrade the CD player. I'm running a CD5 (non-i) into the 202/200 combo, but my issues were putting enough "oomph" behind inefficient minimonitors (cyne contour 1.1s). You seem to have different concerns, hence my suggestion.

-Mike
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by Geoff P
A "bare" CDX2 is very good at it's job. I have run one for about a year and feel it can certainly bring out all the nuances in complex music. The Nait 5 has been recommended over and over again as being far above expectations so if the 5i is in the same class it would do sterling duty.

I would certainly consider the CDX2 but the best and safest way is to have a demo, even it means takiing the NAIT 5i along with you.

regards
GEOFF
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by garyi
It beggers belief that someone who bought a product which cannot have been on the market for more than a few months is now ready to upgrade.

Common man enjoy it for a little while!
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by Markus
AT,

Honestly, there are so many good options that you'll be hard pressed to choose one!

A caveat--if you've already bought the cd5i and nait 5i then the counsel you're receiving to enjoy it for a while is very worthwhile. I am kind of assuming that you may still be making up your mind about which way to go... Is that clear enough?

First, either a CDX or CDX2 would be more than sufficient as a source. If I were in your position I would not purchase a power supply for the cd player yet. While it would improve the sound, it would not be addressing the weakest link in the system. Henceforward I'll be assuming that your cd player is at least on a cd5i/cdx/cdx2 level. Yes, I include the cd5i 'cause even though I haven't heard it, from everything I've read here it sounds like a very worthwhile player, tho not in the same league as cdx/cdx2. I personally use a cd3.5, though have owned a cds1 previously. It's good enough for me for now, as a cd5i probably would be for your for a while, if you've already bought one.

Here are some amazing, classic Naim combos that will blow you away with their very different levels of performance:
1. 72/hicap/140
2. 72/hicap/250 (fast, powerful, fun!)
3. 82/180 (tremendous!)
4. 82/hicap/180 (does it get any better than this?)
5. 82/supercap/140 or 150 or 200 or 250 (*any* of these would probably blow your mind)(if they are older models, make sure they have been serviced)
6. various permutations of all the above will prove inviting, depending upon availability, price and your personal sonic priorities. And the new "classic" series components, either new or used, will prove even better than what I've listed above.

Markus
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Posted on: 30 March 2004 by Mr_Sukebe
You can't have had the pair for more than 3 months, just why on earth are you upgrading?
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by Wolf
It's such a rush to hear good stuff you just want more, but I'd say sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. I"ve had my CD5 and FC2 for almost three years now and think it's great. Tho I do get an itch, now and again, for a CDX2 so I stay away from any exposure to that player.

glenn

Life is analogue
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by J.N.
Greetings AT

If you can afford to upgrade; go for it - life's too short.

A friend and fellow contributor here went to our local dealer for a CD5i dem, and ordered a CDX2.

It is a much better player, capable of resolving more musical information and giving a bigger sound in every way.

A fine machine, with an upgrade path.

202/NAPSC/200 should follow, with a Hi-Cap after that.

Happy listening.
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by AT
You guys are too rational Frown But seriously mostly I'm just asking for curiosity purposes. I intend to stick with the 5i for some time. But I can't help dreaming Smile I appreciate the advice so far!
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by Ray1
Hi AT,

I long have you had the nait5i and cd5i, not that long maybee 3 months or so. Why the hurry to upgrade. Just curious.
Posted on: 30 March 2004 by kuma
quote:
Originally posted by AT:
You guys are too rational Frown But seriously mostly I'm just asking for curiosity purposes. I intend to stick with the 5i for some time. But I can't help dreaming Smile I appreciate the advice so far!


AT,

Amongst other things, CDX2 would do better than 5i, I am guessing ( I haven't heard the 5i) is the low level details. This should address your concern of low volume listening. If you could afford it, get the XPS2. I could not live with a bare CDX2. ( lack of bass dynamics and everything seems to be biased towards midrange and up. )