Upgrade to CD5?.

Posted by: Colin Ackerman on 22 June 2003

Hi
Thinking of a upgrade to a CD5 from my Arcam FMJ CD23. The CD23 is a good player but is the Cd5 going to sound better through my 202/200.
On paper the CD23 has a high spec, (HDCD, 24bit). The Other option is the CDX2 but that is a lot more cash + my main source is a Alphason Sonata turntable, going by comments on this forum the CDX won't match a high end TT so a sideways move to a CD5 maybe ok.
Roll Eyes

[This message was edited by Colin Ackerman on SUNDAY 22 June 2003 at 16:34.]
Posted on: 22 June 2003 by bjorne
Hi Colin. This seems to me more like a sideways move than an upgrade. Do you like the Arcam in your sistem? Maybe you need to get a CD5 to your home and compare it to your current player. Of course if you buy a CD5 there is always room for future upgrades by adding a cap. I believe the Arcam and the Naim will sound quite different to each other.
Posted on: 22 June 2003 by HTK
Colin

I did a sideways move to a CD5 because my old (non Naim) CDP was beyond repair. To my ears it sounded in a different league to everything else at that price point (didn't hear anything from Meredian or MF but covered the other obvious suspects) but you do need to have a good listen.

Yes the addition of a HiCap makes a significant difference and it's something that is well worth adding on down the line.

Of course, human nature being what it is, I now wish I'd listened to a CDX2 - but I just didn't have the money.

I see you're using 202/200. What did you upgrade from and what do you like about this combo? Sorry if this skews the thread, but my (non Naim) amp is also in need of either extensive refurbishment or replacement and I'm leaning towards clearing the decks and buying something tasty (in my price range).

Cheers

Harry
Posted on: 22 June 2003 by Colin Ackerman
Hi
I agree a home demo is the next move, I think the CD5 will be a more dynamic player and the CD23 more detailed.
I moved to Naim 202/200 from an Arcam FMJ A22/P25 combo to improve the sound from my TT which it did Big Grin. The better mid range of the Naim matched the TT and has improved the CD23 also.
The 202 pre has RCA or Din inputs so a side by side test of Naim SNAIC and my Chord Corus can also be carried out on the CD5.
Posted on: 22 June 2003 by Simon Perry
Colin,

I was perfectly happy with the cd5 as the right player for me until I bought a TT to 'rediscover my vinyl'. I bought a modest rega p25 and it slays my CD collection. As a result its very disappointing to move between CD and vinyl in the same listening session. Good though the CD5 is, it doesn't come close to vinyl.
Regards
Simon
Posted on: 22 June 2003 by Colin Ackerman
Hi Simon
I know it won't better my TT, I don't think a CDS2 will going by what I have heard on this forum. A Naim dealer which has heard my TT said it matches a good LP12 but with a different sound. All I really want is a upgrade for CD not a match for vinyl.
What cart do you run on the P25.
Posted on: 23 June 2003 by Colin Ackerman
Hi

Has anybody else moved from a Arcam CD player to Naim, what gains were made Confused Smile
Posted on: 23 June 2003 by Nuno Baptista
Colin
They are two different brands.With a cd 5 you can add a flatcap2,I think this made all trhe difference

MY system : Naim Nait 5 amplifier,Naim cd 5 ,Epos M 15 speakers,Naca5
Posted on: 24 June 2003 by Simon Perry
Colin,
My cart is a DV-20X. Very pleased with it. I wonder why we all persist with CDs when they sound so poor in comparison to the black stuff? I know that I keep buying CDs, but WHY? Perhaps I am programmed to do so.
I would be interested to hear what you make of the CD5.
Cheers
Simon
Posted on: 24 June 2003 by Rico
Colin

forget the specs on paper, just do the demo.

Additionally, I recommend you at least audition the CDX2 also, considering the quality of your amplification.

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Posted on: 24 June 2003 by herm
Hi Colin,

as I recall from old-time comparisons, this won't be a sideways move. A CD5 is so much more involving than the FMJ23. With Arcam you're listening through a flat screen, as if the music is a movie. With the CD5 the music comes and meets you. And, yes, the ability to add a hi-cap later is pretty great.

Herman
Posted on: 24 June 2003 by Nuno Baptista
Colin
I just add a FC2 in my cd 5 and everithing change More space and more dynamics sound

MY system : Naim Nait 5 amplifier,Naim cd 5 ,Epos M 15 speakers,Naca5,FC2
Posted on: 24 June 2003 by Colin Ackerman
Simon,
I agree, we were all fooled into thinking CDs improved on vinyl. Now it looks like CD is tobe replaced with a new format, when the big guns decide what it is (SACD,DVD?) Roll Eyes.
I recall reading a review of a Linn CD12 which said it made a "silk purse out of a pigs ear", CD being the pigs ear. All high end CD players try to sound like vinyl-CDS3,CD12 but at a cost Eek.
My next move is to demo the CD5 at dealers and home, as for the CDX2 i know it will improve on the CD5 and CD23 but I never demo gear I can't afford.
Colin.
Posted on: 25 June 2003 by Linds
Go up — not across!

If you're happy with your Arcam, stay with it. Dem of a CD5 has to be worthwhile, but if it turns out to be a sideways (without FC) and decent upgrade (with FC), then oOnce you have funds to go to CD5+FC, then buy them.

No point in having a "getting older every day" CD5 in your system if you've not gained anything from moving from Arcam!

!!! There's always money somewhere for the next upgrade... !!!
Posted on: 25 June 2003 by Colin Ackerman
Hi
If the CD5 sounds no better without a *cap I won't be changing, it's realy down to how the players work with the 202/200.
At present I have no *cap powering the 202, but I want to add a NAPSC 2 soon. If I did go with the CD5 what will sound best, CD5 no cap/202 Hcap or CD5/202 Fcap feeding both. Using the Hcap on the 202 will give better results with my TT.