CD5 vs CD5i

I would have thought he's saying that because he just bought a 5i.

-- woody

quote:

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Originally posted by JohnMak:
Are there any audible sonic differences between the Naim CD5 - with or without PS and the Naim CD5i?

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I've recently been auditioning the Naim 5 series amplification and did quite a bit of in-store playback via the CD5 (no Flatcap) and the CD5i. Personally, I favored the CD5. To my ears it was a bit more refined with a somewhat smoother top end. The CD5i, sounded just a bit rough by comparison. That said, both struck me as fine players.

All the best,
Bill

any1 know if a CD5X is on its way ???

According to my chat with a London dealer last Sturday, CD5x will hit the shelves in a month to two and apparently it's the reference 5's CDX player and will cost around £1700

Hi,

What do you mean by "reference 5's CDX player"?

Thanks,
Tze-Ho

I conducted a CD5i vs CD5/hicap combo recently.
The CD5/hi most certainly was better. Having said that, new cost for the CD5/hicap is £2200, so when comparing it to the CD5i at £845, you'd expect it to be.

My thoughts on the differences were:
CD5: more weight, depth, smoother, better tonally and more slam.
However, wasn't all one way. I thought the CD5i was more groovey and fun to listen to.
Infact I'd actually put the "groove" level of the 5i on par with the CDX2, although the CDX2 murders it for tonality.
So, all a question of what you're looking for. The CD5 is smoother, the CD5i is IMO more fun, more to the point it's also MASSIVELY cheaper, making it something along the lines of the bargain CD player of the moment.

At their respective price points they are both best in class. For me, a power supply on the CD5 is mandatory, resulting in a step up in performance beyond the cash invested - if you get a second hand Cap.

This CD5x information is interesting - anybody got any more information please?

Cheers

Harry