Is the CDI a decent 3.5 upgrade?

The CDI is a cracking player - substantially better than a 3.5 IMHO. There are different versions, personally I'd want one with the original transport. However, if the Nextel ring goes, you're stuffed, so don't pay too much for it.

David

Its listed as a CD1 although it was originally called a CDI as in CD integrated.

Hans

I have one. It is superb in my set up. Whether its better than the 3.5..not sure, as I've never heard one.

Naim assured me that they have a reasonable stock of transport for these machines as a result of people upgrading their CDS to CDS11.

Nan

I might be wrong but the CD1 is an old cd player...
And everybody knows a cd-lense has a limited life.... Is it really a good idea to buy a "so " old cd player?
How much does a "lense-changement" cost?


Charles

Now I'm confused chaps

Keep the comments coming please!

I have also had a CDI. It was a marvellous player, but it refused tracking, so I could never listen to a single song (unless it was the first of an album). I sold my whole system and now have a HiCapped CD5. I cannot say whether it is a better player; it sounds quite different. The CDI throws everything in your face and makes you boogie all night long. The CD5 is more refined and "right" in some way.
Compared to the CD3.5 the CDI is a better player. The CDI gives you just more of everything and the sonic signature is the same.

It's difficult to give a recommendation. I know Naim can repair CDI's, but it is quite expensive. So if you can buy the CDI at a really good price, it's worth it. I guess a good price + the price of a repair (which is probably a new transport) should be less than the price of a s/hand CDX.

Good luck!

GR. Bas

It's had a 2002 service by Naim, what would be a good price. How much do second hand CDX's go for?

It's the one at Ebay?

You should find out what this service consisted of, has it had it's transport replaced, or a new laser, or... If my memory doesn't fail me, I have sold my CDI for about € 900 (+/- UKP 600). A '/hand CDX costs about € 1500 - 2500 over here, don't know exactly in the UK.

Gr. Bas

I bought a second hand CDi two years ago and have never looked back. The value offered by this player is astonishing, but it's not upgradeable like a CDX - so decide how long you can resist the upgrade.

Examine it carefully and give a good listen.

Sounds good to me.

Hi, i changed from a cd5 with hicap to a CDI in November past. I feel the CDI is more realistic in the mid and treble giving more air and space and depth to sound, CD5 + hi prob.edges it in the bass and is smoother but the CDI is in no way harsh. I prefer the CDI.
Regards
David

The CDI is a beautyfull sounding cd-player. The boogie sound of the CDI makes much more fun as the CD3.5 without a hi-cap.
The replacement of the transport of a CDI,CD2,CDSI and CDSII costs about 800 swissfrancs, thats maybe 350£.

Dani

This message has been edited by the moderators. Please note Forum rules about no For Sale & Wanted ads.

Thanks.

[This message was edited by Richard Dane on FRIDAY 31 January 2003 at 14:57.]

[This message was edited by Richard Dane on FRIDAY 31 January 2003 at 14:58.]

Upgraded from a Meridian to a CDI but demoed a CDI vs CD3.5 prior. CDI was the obvious choice, it somhow seem so involving. I agree that good supports is essential also, levelled and warmed up is definitely a VFM player IMO

Mat