CDS3 vs. CDS2 etc etc

Well, a new CDS3 is sitting at the top of my Fraim with the illuminated logos all out of whack with the rest of my kit, but what the hell. Its had a week or so to start telling its story and make an account for itself and it goes like this I guess.

First impressions were a brooding monster awoken from a deep sleep. A bit like a Formula 1 car on cold tyres. Each succesive evening I have done the sonic dissection and gone to bed (usually late) astounded by its talent, depth of ability and all round improvement within my system.

Two things are key in my view. Relatively speaking, its a bargain if its wholesale changes being considered from olive boxes to the new range for the simple reason that it has breathed huge amounts of new life into my 52/250/SBL's. Sure, a 552 would be a huge leap again, and yes, a 300 or 500 and SL2's fantastic, but for now, I am utterly blown away by what the new player does and the margin it gives for everything.

It is a vast improvement over the earlier model and still improving each day. It has an almost supernatural quality about its delivery, whereas music came out of the speakers with a CDS2, something more alive and stunningly realistic happens with the 3.

It has to be one of Naims biggest achievements after the 500. It is worth every penny.

Naim used to run a print ad years ago when it launched the Aro arm that said, "Now find out what's on your record collection.

I am now finding what's on my CD collection. For example, backup vocals never heard before, instruments previously absent within a huge presentation that is so smooth it doesnt sound as though the volume is up until you leave the room to make a cuppa or another slug of Chardonnay and realise the house is creaking and windows being blown in.

IMO at least the best equipment analogy I can give (though its been a while since I have heard it) is the full active system my brother had before he took the 500 plunge.

It really is that close on its own.

Hats off Naim.