CD player to replace CDS3

Posted by: Naimark on 11 November 2018

Hello everyone,

in order to replace temporarily my loved CDS3, I'm wondering what used cdp (within 1000€) could represent a valid alternative, in line with the rest of gear.

Currently my basket includes: rega saturn, linn ikemi, meridian g08, unison unico cd...what else?

Please don't consider other naims in your advices.

Thanks in advance,

best

 

Posted on: 11 November 2018 by French Rooster

moon 650d, rega isis, esoteric k01....or even second hand nds.....

Posted on: 11 November 2018 by Japtimscarlet

If it's just a temporary replacement.. then resale after its served its purpose is important

A 2017 cd5xs sold on a well known auction site for £975 very recently... Get a deal like that and I'd say you will have a great . CD and and easy seller with no money loss

Posted on: 11 November 2018 by davidf

Why are you getting rid of cds3? Or did I miss something?

david

Posted on: 11 November 2018 by cdboy

You'd be surprised on how good the Rega Saturn will be. Not a CDS3 of course but an enjoyable stop gap. 

Posted on: 12 November 2018 by beefster

This is easy.

RA Opus 21.

Posted on: 12 November 2018 by bdnyc

I recently had the Naim importer in my country rebuild my CDS3, which they did in superb fashion.     While the Naim was away from home, I listened to CD's on my Oppo Blue Ray/ DVD player.    While it was nowhere close to the sound of the CDS3, I could certainly enjoy music through it.    I don't know that I would have wanted to spend money on a temporary substitute.     I would encourage you to get your CDS3 repaired by Naim or one of their authorized repair centers.    

Good luck,

Bruce

Posted on: 12 November 2018 by Cdb

I went from a Meridian G08 to CDS3 and XPS and couldn’t discern a great deal of difference. However this was with a less revealing system than you have. I’m confident though that the Meridian would be a very good temporary substitute. And if you can get one for a good price, you shouldn’t lose much financially.

Clive

Posted on: 12 November 2018 by J.N.

Rega Saturn. Fabulous SQ for the price. Rega allegedly have THE largest stock of replacement transport mechs.

John. 

Posted on: 12 November 2018 by Naimark

What are the main differences between Rega Saturn (the first model) and Meridian G08?

At the same price, what is the best deal?

Posted on: 12 November 2018 by Foot tapper

Another CDS3 owner’s vote for the Rega Saturn. We have one of the older Saturn’s in the family and a thoroughly musical thing it is too.

Posted on: 16 November 2018 by beefster
beefster posted:

This is easy.

RA Opus 21.

I should add that the opus is not quite a cds3.

For the money though - remarkably enjoyable. 

Posted on: 16 November 2018 by JRHardee

I went from Ikemi to CDS3/555PS. Ikemi is not in the same league. That would be a big step backward.

Posted on: 16 November 2018 by Kevin-W

See if you can find a secondhand Marantz SA-11S3. Built like a tank, extremely versatile, great DAC and very musical.

Posted on: 17 November 2018 by Richard Dane

You could do like I do and go for a Meridian 200 CD transport into a s/h Naim DAC via DC1 s/pdif cable.  That should come in just a bit over budget.  You can even use the XPS2 on it for even better results. Oh, and your Naim remote will work just fine controlling the Meridian CD, which is a nice touch.