new cd-player needed

Posted by: bjorne on 18 October 2002

Hi there. I'm new to the forum but not to naim audio. I need to buy a new cd-player, my 6 yo. arcam delta 270 have finally burnt the laser and there are no new lasers to be bought!! The cd will run with my nait 3r+ hi-cap. I really need some advice here, the dealers in Stockholm aren't to good. I can spend around 1000£. I know the obvious answer is the cd5, but are there any good alternatives? The problem with the cd5 is that i know the impact that flat and hi caps bring and there is no chance i can afford that also, not even in the future(families cost a lot!!!). I know the effect of power supplies well after first running my 3r solo, then flatcapped and now hi capped. So if someone has a good suggestion i would be very grateful.
Posted on: 18 October 2002 by herm
Hi Bjorne,

Why don't you just get a naked CD5? There is no problem. Lots of folks enjoy it without a flatcap or hi-cap. You will not believe how much better it is than the Arcam you had.

Otherwise ask Nuño. wink

Herman
Posted on: 18 October 2002 by Steve B
quote:
I know the obvious answer is the cd5, but are there any good alternatives?


The only alternative I have heard is the Densen Beat 400. Both are excellent players although I personally prefer the Densen.

Steve B
Posted on: 18 October 2002 by Mr_Sukebe
I recently had a dem of the CD5 against an Arcam 92 and a Musical Fidelity CDP (don't ask me which MF unit, all I can remember is that it was about the same price as the CD5).

The CD5 definitely has the usual sonic signature that Naim electronics have, i.e. very pacy, full of PRat. I thought it sounded wonderful, but I like the sound. Having said that, it was definitely a different presentation style to the other brands, and that could well come down to personal preference.

Ref the flatcap idea. From listening to some other Naim gear during the same demo, from what I could hear, seems that adding new power supplies and going further up their range will improve the CDP, but it will still retain it's sonic style.

So if you just want to get in on the bandwagon, the CD5 is a must.
Posted on: 19 October 2002 by NB
If you can strech to it I would go for a second hand CDX.

With the new range just been released therre should be a steady flow of good second hand equipment available.

The CD5 is very good and well worth £1,000 but the CDX is noticably better and gives you more scope for upgrading in the future when funds allow.


Regards

NB


smile
Posted on: 19 October 2002 by HTK
I was in a similar position this year, having reached the end of the line with my beloved Marantz CD94/CDA94 - stop laughing - I'd had it for 15 years and it did me just fine.

It's really down to personal taste but for what it's worth, the naked CD5 for me, is in it's own league at that price point.

Get your ears round one soon and don't worry about Flatcaps. Good though the FC2 is with the CD5, it's the icing on an already very delicious cake.

Good luck. Have fun.

Harry