What is it with the 5-series
Posted by: Arthur on 06 June 2002
All:
I've been reading a lot and posting a little on this forum. I think it's a great forum and a bit like the Porsche enthusiast forum I also frequent. It's the same type of community, level of help and expertise. In one word: great!
There's one thing however, that struck me. To me it seems that the 5-series is either viewed as not being serious gear, or well-received.
I'd like to understand why this is. As you may gather I play my CD's on a a full 5-series kit, and I like it a lot. I came from an all Cyrus system and my Naim is so much better and much more involving.
Surely it's the entry level, but considering the prices at which the stuff goes, it must be pretty high entry level then, I hope.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter that much to me what someone else thinks or finds about it, as long as it satisfies my ne expectations, it's all fine. But it continues to intrigue me.
So, I'd like to find out what it is that makes these apparently two camps exist. What is good and bad about the 5-series, all, of course in relative comparision. Surely I can buy a CDS-II for €10,000 and it would be better than my CD-5. Well, it better be.
Also, what can/should/must be done with a 5-series kit to get the max out of it.
I'm really curious to the responses...
Arthur
I've been reading a lot and posting a little on this forum. I think it's a great forum and a bit like the Porsche enthusiast forum I also frequent. It's the same type of community, level of help and expertise. In one word: great!
There's one thing however, that struck me. To me it seems that the 5-series is either viewed as not being serious gear, or well-received.
I'd like to understand why this is. As you may gather I play my CD's on a a full 5-series kit, and I like it a lot. I came from an all Cyrus system and my Naim is so much better and much more involving.
Surely it's the entry level, but considering the prices at which the stuff goes, it must be pretty high entry level then, I hope.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter that much to me what someone else thinks or finds about it, as long as it satisfies my ne expectations, it's all fine. But it continues to intrigue me.
So, I'd like to find out what it is that makes these apparently two camps exist. What is good and bad about the 5-series, all, of course in relative comparision. Surely I can buy a CDS-II for €10,000 and it would be better than my CD-5. Well, it better be.
Also, what can/should/must be done with a 5-series kit to get the max out of it.
I'm really curious to the responses...
Arthur
quote:
I too get the sense that many regard the 5-series as Naim for newbies or hi-fi beginners
I'll honor James' 1000th post by disagreeing with it.
Who's giving off anti 5 series vibes, other than a few boffins in this forum?
My impression is that people love the 5 series, and it's been well received in the press. As it's not the one trick pony the 3 series was (though its trick was a spectacular one). The 5s do everything well, really. People who took a cautious view of Naim really like the 5s.
As far as I'm concerned, the 112/FC2/150- the replacement for the 92/90, is just as good as a 72/hi/140. A great value in fact, as RC and gain matching are thrown in. True, there's no on board phono, but the Stageline is a pittance considering its performance.
As for people dismissing the 5s as "entry level"?
Effete assheads.
So, IMO the 5 series are great boxes. OK, the new logo is weak, but that's it!
I reckon it's like this.
People are buying the 5 series. And lots of it. They like it. They buy it with their ears.
Some people come here looking for advice. SOme of those have already discovered the 5 series and voted with their wallet - those people already "get it", and are often looking for "more". So it's not so much "bag the 5 series", as "this is the path from there if you want *more*". You see many recommendations for a CDX - but this is not saying the 5 series is bad. It's just one of the natrual alternatives when the requirement is "more". Along with some of the competing products, of course!
Additionally, most of us "regulars" (irregulars if truth be told) here do "get it", want "more", and have gone there. Often it means crazy racks, (or less crazy if you count FRAIM), and permutations of kit alonmg the CDSII/52/135's/SBL road. We enjoy this so much we're prepared to come here and discuss it and argue about the price of fish. It's easy to misjudge this 'passion' as dismissal of Naim's entry-level kit. Note I have delineated this as "Naim's entry-level", not *mere* entry-level. The point is it (5 series) still plays music fabulously.
The same goes for the 3 series kit - too few posts lately from fellow contributor Peter Clinch lately (sadly), grounding those refusing to listen to lesser systems with simple clear explainations of the musical qualities of a well put together Naim system in the slim boxes - and that it's all about the music.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
People are buying the 5 series. And lots of it. They like it. They buy it with their ears.
Some people come here looking for advice. SOme of those have already discovered the 5 series and voted with their wallet - those people already "get it", and are often looking for "more". So it's not so much "bag the 5 series", as "this is the path from there if you want *more*". You see many recommendations for a CDX - but this is not saying the 5 series is bad. It's just one of the natrual alternatives when the requirement is "more". Along with some of the competing products, of course!
Additionally, most of us "regulars" (irregulars if truth be told) here do "get it", want "more", and have gone there. Often it means crazy racks, (or less crazy if you count FRAIM), and permutations of kit alonmg the CDSII/52/135's/SBL road. We enjoy this so much we're prepared to come here and discuss it and argue about the price of fish. It's easy to misjudge this 'passion' as dismissal of Naim's entry-level kit. Note I have delineated this as "Naim's entry-level", not *mere* entry-level. The point is it (5 series) still plays music fabulously.
The same goes for the 3 series kit - too few posts lately from fellow contributor Peter Clinch lately (sadly), grounding those refusing to listen to lesser systems with simple clear explainations of the musical qualities of a well put together Naim system in the slim boxes - and that it's all about the music.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
First of all, thanks for the many replies.
Let me see and summarize a bit...it's good gear if it weren't for the looks. Mmmm... So if all Naim gear would have the same look it would be a more appreciated member of the family... I happen to like the looks of the 5-series a lot because I feel it has a very contemporary look and as such also my wife loves it as it goes very well with the rest of our (very contemporary) house and its interior. That, definitely, is a big pro (and a promise for the future). Apart from that she's also a music lover and one of the first things she mentioned about the sound quality is the ease at which it all works. That, and the fact she started asking, can you play this, and that, and that...
That did tell me something as she usually would never make any comments on my hifi gear other than that it looks ugly, too many boxes etc.
Yes! I am enjoying it a lot, and that's why I started wondering about it. I came from a full Cyrus system and the upgrade to Naim was the best I ever did. It brings something to my music that makes me foot-tap. So the smiley was to express I did not quite understand what would be wrong with the entry level.
That was my thinking as well. Surely, I also suffer from what is called "upgraditis"; who doesn't? To me this represents the potential of the gear. You immediately feel that it can do even more for, and to you than it already does.
I kept my speakers as I liked them with the earlier system I used, but now I am asking myself what different speakers would add to the equation. Or additional powersupplies for my Gyro for example, or the Stageline, or the CD-5, or... If the HiCap would be available in the Stageline box The sources already sound so involving that you just want more, but not necessarily start trading in the boxes I just have for 9 months or so. Besides that, it usually involves mucho $$$, which is ok, but to a certain degree.
So, yes, I am very happy with it, I foot-tap a lot and want to get as much out the 5-series as it has to offer and more
Arthur is my middle Naim
Let me see and summarize a bit...it's good gear if it weren't for the looks. Mmmm... So if all Naim gear would have the same look it would be a more appreciated member of the family... I happen to like the looks of the 5-series a lot because I feel it has a very contemporary look and as such also my wife loves it as it goes very well with the rest of our (very contemporary) house and its interior. That, definitely, is a big pro (and a promise for the future). Apart from that she's also a music lover and one of the first things she mentioned about the sound quality is the ease at which it all works. That, and the fact she started asking, can you play this, and that, and that...
That did tell me something as she usually would never make any comments on my hifi gear other than that it looks ugly, too many boxes etc.quote:
Also, why the miffed smiley? You're enjoying the stuff aren't you?
Yes! I am enjoying it a lot, and that's why I started wondering about it. I came from a full Cyrus system and the upgrade to Naim was the best I ever did. It brings something to my music that makes me foot-tap. So the smiley was to express I did not quite understand what would be wrong with the entry level.
quote:
Note I have delineated this as "Naim's entry-level", not *mere* entry-level. The point is it (5 series) still plays music fabulously.
That was my thinking as well. Surely, I also suffer from what is called "upgraditis"; who doesn't? To me this represents the potential of the gear. You immediately feel that it can do even more for, and to you than it already does.
I kept my speakers as I liked them with the earlier system I used, but now I am asking myself what different speakers would add to the equation. Or additional powersupplies for my Gyro for example, or the Stageline, or the CD-5, or... If the HiCap would be available in the Stageline box
The sources already sound so involving that you just want more, but not necessarily start trading in the boxes I just have for 9 months or so. Besides that, it usually involves mucho $$$, which is ok, but to a certain degree.So, yes, I am very happy with it, I foot-tap a lot
and want to get as much out the 5-series as it has to offer and more Arthur is my middle Naim
Silklee
the 5 series superseded the earlier 3 series... which looked a little more like the "early series" as you call it - but they were still different.
The whole thing is to be buying what your ear dictates, or what your wallet affords.
Upgrades from 5 series? You don't have to start with a pre/power - what about a Nait 5. Then add FC2 - double whammy, improves the CD5 as well. Want more? Dem between going pre-power, or buy a stronger source (CDX). It's not too difficult.
If you're hung up on looks - buy a midi system perhaps?
Just kidding. Instead of "new" and "old" think "small" and "large". 
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
the 5 series superseded the earlier 3 series... which looked a little more like the "early series" as you call it - but they were still different.
The whole thing is to be buying what your ear dictates, or what your wallet affords.
Upgrades from 5 series? You don't have to start with a pre/power - what about a Nait 5. Then add FC2 - double whammy, improves the CD5 as well. Want more? Dem between going pre-power, or buy a stronger source (CDX). It's not too difficult.
If you're hung up on looks - buy a midi system perhaps?
Just kidding. Instead of "new" and "old" think "small" and "large". Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Silklee, Airness is absolutely right.
But it's not (going back), providing it gives you more music. Trust your ears, listen for the music. If more music comes from the Nait, who cares if it's one box or two, or ten?
Stop "thinking" about it, and trust your instincts.
Assuming you've now settled on a source and an amplifier, careful selection of speakers at this point will save you much heartache later. Choose something that matches and works well with the source/amplifier of your choice, and don't be too concerned about inexpensive speakers not supporting upstream upgrades later on. It's surprising how (say) Royd Minstrels or Epos ES11's will reveal better sources quite happily. So then you end up now with CD5/Nait5/[insert decent flat-earth speaker here]. EG Royd A7, Rega Kyte etc. first upgrade is flatcap 2. Then later a CDX. then if you're still going at the upgrade path, XPS or pre-power (say 102/140?)... and then you have a system worthy of some better speakers. But to go circular - you might not be wanting for CDX, or pre/power - if you choose speakers carefully now. Anything too demanding or not well matched might see you paddling up upgrade underpass with your credit card haemorraging $$$ as you go (it's been done before). Don't forget your NACA5!
I've been exactly where you are (different kit), about 11 years ago. Thought I needed to stay with the pre-power thing, having got there. Listening to all sorts of crappy alternatives, trying to fit my ideal of pre/power into my beer budget. Ended up with an integrated that made much better music than all the pre-powers I was trialling. Then later an even bigger breakthrough to go with LP12: Naim Nait 2. Truckloads more music, and in such a small box! Game over - music at last!
If you end up keeping your current amps because you prefer them, that would be valid too - because you prefer them. Just ensure it's on musical grounds, rather than your ideals. HTH.
/rant.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
quote:
(1) I am using pre power now. going back to integrated seems like downgrading.
But it's not (going back), providing it gives you more music. Trust your ears, listen for the music. If more music comes from the Nait, who cares if it's one box or two, or ten?
Stop "thinking" about it, and trust your instincts. Assuming you've now settled on a source and an amplifier, careful selection of speakers at this point will save you much heartache later. Choose something that matches and works well with the source/amplifier of your choice, and don't be too concerned about inexpensive speakers not supporting upstream upgrades later on. It's surprising how (say) Royd Minstrels or Epos ES11's will reveal better sources quite happily. So then you end up now with CD5/Nait5/[insert decent flat-earth speaker here]. EG Royd A7, Rega Kyte etc. first upgrade is flatcap 2. Then later a CDX. then if you're still going at the upgrade path, XPS or pre-power (say 102/140?)... and then you have a system worthy of some better speakers. But to go circular - you might not be wanting for CDX, or pre/power - if you choose speakers carefully now. Anything too demanding or not well matched might see you paddling up upgrade underpass with your credit card haemorraging $$$ as you go (it's been done before). Don't forget your NACA5!
I've been exactly where you are (different kit), about 11 years ago. Thought I needed to stay with the pre-power thing, having got there. Listening to all sorts of crappy alternatives, trying to fit my ideal of pre/power into my beer budget. Ended up with an integrated that made much better music than all the pre-powers I was trialling. Then later an even bigger breakthrough to go with LP12: Naim Nait 2. Truckloads more music, and in such a small box! Game over - music at last!
If you end up keeping your current amps because you prefer them, that would be valid too - because you prefer them. Just ensure it's on musical grounds, rather than your ideals. HTH.
/rant.
Rico - SM/Mullet Audio