Naim Nait 5 and source

The Planet was one machine I was considering very seriously before I bought the cd 3.5

Markus

I am not familiar with NAD's more recent cdp offerings but do recall their earlier models sounding a bit rolled off and slow.

I have listened to the original Planet extensively and have recently had a quick listen to the new version at the dealership (although not with familiar amps/speakers).

My guess is that although the old Planet would sound better than the NAD, it too has a smooth, mellowish sound that may not fare well with the Nait 5 if speed is what you are after. The new Planet is somewhat faster/brighter but at the new price you may as well go for the CD5 which is still way out in front and in addition has upgrade potential (as does your amp) via Flat-Cap 2 in its favour.

Have you considered an intermediary step like going for a faster sounding budget player to hold you over until you have saved enough for a CD5?

Both Marantz and Rotel make great sounding cheap players, one of which may suit your tastes better than the NAD. Why not try borrowing one or two examples from a dealer to see if one might be a worthwhile short term move in your system?

BTW, your NAD could be part exchanged saving a bit in the process towards your inevitable CD5 purchase (and whatever you buy now could be traded in at that time).

Let us know how you fare.

Craig

Being at the same exact position as you a few months ago, I did get a used Planet to replace my C540. The Planet was then replaced by a CD5. Well, the Planet bought a more musical sound to my system. With the C540, the sound is bit harsher, maybe they don't really gel. But the improvement is not that huge, the real improvement is the CD5.

If you could get the Planet at a very affordable price, go for it. If not, wait for the CD5.

I've heard this player in a couple of contexts; It plays music. I also really like it's aluminium made to look like plastic looks, it's almost enough to want to have one as a pet , keep in mind too, that if you have a need to make copies of anything in the digital domain that a Naim CD player doesn't have a digital out. I could almost justify the cost of a Rega Planet (c. 200 GBP) just so that I can copy CDs to MD.

Peter

Otherwise, you could consider a second-hand CD3.5 or even a 5.

I don't think anything else will do.

The Planet 2000 is dynamically limited and bass-light compared to the Naim CD players, and would probably sound rather restrained in your set-up.

Peter,

The Planet you speak of is no longer made, and the same issues of s/h purchasing would apply to a Planet as it would to a CD3.5 or 5, but at lower cost, admittedly.

Regards,

Steve.

The proof of the pudding...

quote:

---

Originally posted by Steven Toy:
If I were you, I would wait until I had the money to get a new CD5.

<snip>

I don't think anything else will do.

The Planet 2000 is dynamically limited and bass-light compared to the Naim CD players, and would probably sound rather restrained in your set-up.

Peter,

The Planet you speak of is no longer made, and the same issues of s/h purchasing would apply to a Planet as it would to a CD3.5 or 5, but at lower cost, admittedly.

---

Admitedly I've only heard the Planet 2000 in the context of a 2h demo with a Nait and B&W CDM1NT speakers, for the music I enjoy I didn't find it 'underpowered', but then I don't listen to Dance or headbanging rock.

The planet (the one that looks like a french bulldog) boogies nicely IMO. But, ultimately, one has to decide how much to gamble while waiting

Peter

Eager looks belie an underlying toughness but alas wee Planet Dog would never think of biting your ear off were you to lie sleeping as he played.

Craig

Loyal and well behaved if treated properly, but doesn't get along with other dogs and will attack if provoked.

Inspires awe amongst friends and neighbours. Bulletproof.

Peter

Compact dimensions, neatly trimmed coat and well bred. Doesn't like getting dirty and is fussy about diet. Has a cult following of owners and tends to annoy other dogs & their owners with incessant yapping.

Grossly overweight, takes up a lot of space, competes for attention, yet is cold towards its owners.
Nonplussed, owners wonder why they got the Cat in the first place, as pets are supposed to bring joy and happiness.

quote:

---

a large bandwidth,

---

I am not sure about that, or even if it is even relevant.

The Naim will concentrate on getting the music right within the range of your hearing rather than "score" in areas where we cannot hear.

Regards,

Steve.

The proof of the pudding...