Naim CD5si update

Posted by: Stuart12 on 15 January 2016

My present Linn Genki CD player is playing up, jumping seconds and making 'tic' like sounds particularly on the first one or two tracks. Time for a replacement, and having had Naim amps before I am considering the cd5si. It's been around for some time now and I wondered whether anyone has views on when it might be upgraded or replaced. The player will for now be used with a Linn Kolektor preamp and two LK140s.

thanks

Stuart

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by Hal

It will be in no time you’ll be asked why on earth you need such a measly CDP in the first place!

 

At any rate I have one and I like it a lot. It makes a nice front end for Nait XS-2+HcDR. It’s the latest CDP from Naim and it has been released in 2011 if I am not mistaken. So the chances are slim that it will be replaced soon.

 

As known, it cannot be upgraded by outboard power supplies. It does not have digital out.

 

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by b_lund

Ikemi if proceeding the LK combo (which I think have a weak pre)

Rega Apollo/R could be an option on the cheap or s/h: CDX2, CD5X/CD5XS, Rega Saturn

I'd choose above over CD5i serie

 

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by Stuart12

Thanks for the quick response Hal, albeit somewhat cryptic...

my reservation with the current cd5si is the lack of upgrade options.

only want to spend c£1000 or so as I would like to make other changes to my system and turntable upgrades are also competing for funds.

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by b_lund
Stuart12 posted:

 

my reservation with the current cd5si is the lack of upgrade options.

 

There's plenty

I just suggested  five or six

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by Hal

I thought you are interested in getting a brand new CD5si. It is a very decent, no nonsense Cdp though it is not "future proof".

Clinching a good deal on a pre-loved CD5X or CD5XS might be the way to go then, if you insist on Naim. They are also upgradable and can be used solely as transport with a Dac to your liking when the finances allow.

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by J.N.

Hi Stuart,

I have a 5si. It's a lovely CD player. In some ways, a 'closed-loop' product has its advantages. One cannot spend money upgrading it - short of trading up to a more expensive player.

Just beware the lure of a matching Naim amp!

John.

 

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by Stuart12

Thanks for the advice guys, will give more thought to future upgrade options.

stuart

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by wenger2015

Hi, I started with the CD5si, and found it to be a superb piece of kit, plenty of punch and detail,timing ect,  I have since upgraded, and when the time comes if you so desire, you will find the unit holds its value extremely well.

Posted on: 15 January 2016 by Adam Zielinski

Why aim for such a basic player? Just kiddin'

I would recommend stretching to a CD5XS with a digital out. 

Posted on: 16 January 2016 by b_lund
wenger2015 posted:

Hi, I started with the CD5si, and found it to be a superb piece of kit, plenty of punch and detail,timing ect,  I have since upgraded, and when the time comes if you so desire, you will find the unit holds its value extremely well.

Extremely yes, with a little luck 40-55% of new retail

CD players these days, are very slow sellers, s/h bargains to be had out there, a CD5XS or CDX(2) is a much better player for similar outlay

Posted on: 16 January 2016 by Stuart12

Again thanks for all the comments. Seems to me that 5si is both popular and good, but limited in terms of future upgrades. Think I will speak with some Naim dealers about shop demo versions of the cd5xs etc. 

Ultimately is about replacing the current CD player which itself cost c£1000 15 years ago but not pushing backwards too far with a growing interest in downloads/streaming.

been buying records and CDs for forty years so new kit must support current music collection before everything else.

thanks

stuart