Cd Player, audio setup, speaker stands

Posted by: seamus88 on 28 October 2003

Hello all,

Let me begin by stating that I am new at hi-fi, so please be patient.

I realize that many hi-fi specialists suggest that you obtain/purchase the components in the following order:

source
amp/pre-amp
speakers
stand

I started in the middle and moved to the end. At the present I have a Yamaha tuner, NAIM 32.5/140, Paradigm Monitor 3 and four shelf solid pine stand setup. Now I am in the midst of determining the CD source. I can not afford a Naim CD player and I am reluctant to purchase a gently used player. I have a budget of 1200-1500 CAN. The questions are which cd player fits best with the setup I have and is the pine stand I have adequate.

Thanks, Seamus
Posted on: 28 October 2003 by Taylormade
If I'm not mistaken, the cd3 may be in your price range. I understand your reluctance to buy s/h but the reality is that you can definitely buy more player for your money that route. Perhaps buying a demo or trade-in from a dealer would provide more assurance in the player you buy?
Posted on: 28 October 2003 by David Robert Bell
Hi Seamus,

Don't be afraid of buying a second hand naim CD player. I don't think you'll regret it.
Naim unlike other electricals can be serviced. CD players are fragile and most naim owners look after them very well. Try buying direct from a dealer. It may cost a little more but you may even get a warranty and a reliable history of the machine. They probably would not sell it if they thought was treated poorly.
This will create a system synergy with you system that will rock! Your budget should find you a used CD3 or CD3.5 in Canada. CD3.5 can be upgrade with a hicap or flatcap2. Flatcap can also be use on the pre. Forum usually recommends the use of the hicap for each. You'll need two but brilliant upgrades!

Dave Big Grin
Posted on: 29 October 2003 by David Stewart
Secondhand Naim CDPs are excellent VFM and you really needn't be concerned about buying this way. They are built to last and as has already been pointed out, Naim provide a first-class repair and upgrade service. I bought a s-hand CD3.5 two years ago and have been very pleased with it. If I sold it tomorrow I'd probably get back what I paid for it. You probably should consider buying a better equipment support as your next purchase.

David
Posted on: 29 October 2003 by prowla
My current Naim CD player, pre-amp and power amp were all bought s/h.

Paul Rowlands
Posted on: 29 October 2003 by andy c
Hi,Second the 3.5 suggestion - very good player for what it's going for second hand, and has upgrade potential.
Also, you would be looking at £200 ish if the transport went wrong, which when all is said and done - even taking into account what has been said on this forum - is still relatively rare for a Naim player...