FC2 or Hi for CD5?

Posted by: HTK on 01 November 2002

I know this ain't exactly new territory...
As a one off upgrade, is there significant sonic benefit in adding a Hi to my CD5, or would I be just as happy with a FC2.
I'd really appreciate the comments of anyone who has ears on experience.
This is going to be a one off upgrade (no, honestly) - I can't face years of tweaking and swapping. Obviously, I'll do a dem, but it's always valuable (often more so) to hear what others think.

System is - Audio Innovations 500 amp (which won't last for ever but I'm keeping it until it dies), Ruark Talismans (Mk1 bi-wired) and CD5. Not the a system of most people's dreams, but I like it just fine.

Thanks in anticipation.
Harry

Posted on: 01 November 2002 by herm

more bang, same buck

Hi Harry,

The FC2 has two benefits over the Hi. It's cheaper and secondly you can split it over CD5 and preamp. Third could be the visual rhyme FC2 and CD5 make (as long as you don't put them too close).

You don't have a Naim amp so the second point is of no importance to you.

Most importantly the Hi is better than the FC2 - check the search option in the HiFi Corner if you will - so that's my recommendation. I have a CD5 + Hi + non Naim electronics in my 2nd sistem myself. And I like it.

Second-hand prices of a good recent Hi (they need to be serviced after 8 - 10 years, so I'd stop at the year 1998) are pretty close to a new FC2. So that's more bang, same buck.

Herman

BTW, you may or may not have noticed but these days we spell sistem with and i, as a tribute to Nuño the Great Procrastino.

Posted on: 01 November 2002 by Bob Shedlock

Bearing in mind Herm's advice as to the age of the hi cap, that upgrade is (IMO) the best way to go. Unless you are driven to distraction by the appearance differences, in which case you should get a new hobby.
I've done both power supplys. Almost two years with a CD5/FC2, and now with a chrome bumper Hi.
It all depends on the availability of a serviceable HI and your finances, but I'd have saved a lot of money going for the HI from the get-go. It makes for an extremely good front end, better than CD5/FC2, which is no slouch

Posted on: 04 November 2002 by HTK

Thanks guys.
S/H Hi-Cap it is - subject to hearing one first.
I very much appreciate your comments.
Thanks
Harry

Posted on: 05 November 2002 by phil. S

I have to agree with Bob. I have also tried both combinations and in my view the HCap is by far the better partner for a CD5. A good quality second hand HCap will cost less than a new FCap2.
Regards
Phil