CD5/NAC112/NAP150 Help! Have I just wasted my money?
Posted by: RogerH on 11 November 2003
This always seems to happen to me. I bought this kit in the summer and now they've launched the CD5i (cheaper) and the Nait 5i (50w per channel). Does this mean I've lost a load of cash or can anyone put my mind at rest by convincing me that what I've got is better than the newer and cheaper stuff?
Posted on: 11 November 2003 by woody
I kind of felt the same at first but I love the sound of my kit (nait5/cd5/fc2) and purchasers of the new stuff can't upgrade with fc2 and now it's special as it's not "entry level" any more 
-- woody
-- woody
Posted on: 11 November 2003 by Freckles
This is my speculation as I've not heard any of the new 5i series. I think the Nait 5i will probably sound a little better than the original 5 obviously because it's got more juice in the output department. I think the Nait 5 will still sound better then a 5i with a flatcap 2 in place and the CD5i will be very close to the CD5 but once agian the CD5 will comfortably outperform it with the flatcap 2 in place. In other words don't worry you can always easily improve what you already have. A single flatcap 2 will power both your CD5 and preamp for a very worthwhile improvement. Unfortunately this option will not be open to 5i series components as they cannot be upgraded. Unless of course you trade them in against your next purchase and lose money in the process.
Posted on: 11 November 2003 by J.N.
Hi Roger
Naim are pretty careful about not alienating customers by devaluing previous models.
The new 'i' kit is a great way to get into Naim on a budget, but it is not as sophisticated and flexible as the '5' series.
The CD player uses what looks like an inferior transport, with a different type of puck, for a start.
Your Naim kit has a residual value, the equal or more than just about anything else in the market place.
Enjoy the music.
It's an investment; if it puts a smile on your face.
Naim are pretty careful about not alienating customers by devaluing previous models.
The new 'i' kit is a great way to get into Naim on a budget, but it is not as sophisticated and flexible as the '5' series.
The CD player uses what looks like an inferior transport, with a different type of puck, for a start.
Your Naim kit has a residual value, the equal or more than just about anything else in the market place.
Enjoy the music.
It's an investment; if it puts a smile on your face.
Posted on: 11 November 2003 by ken c
roger, i have not heard the fuel injected naim electronics, but if this is any comfort, i am using nac112 right now in an active system -- and i am not wincing... in fact, i am enjoying myself thoroughly...
enjoy
ken
enjoy
ken
Posted on: 12 November 2003 by NB
Roger,
Enjoy the equipment you currently have and ignore the equipment you havn't got.
Your current system will provide you with many years of enjoyment and will retain its value in future years.
Regards
NB
Enjoy the equipment you currently have and ignore the equipment you havn't got.
Your current system will provide you with many years of enjoyment and will retain its value in future years.
Regards
NB
Posted on: 12 November 2003 by Mike Hanson
I think Freckles might have hit the nail on the head. Similarly, I preferred a bare CD3 to the newer CD3.5 (without power supply). However, adding a Flat-Cap or Hi-Cap to the 3.5 took it well into the lead.
The CD5i is a deadend. The CD5 is not. As it is, the CD5 is a great player.
-=> Mike Hanson <=-
The CD5i is a deadend. The CD5 is not. As it is, the CD5 is a great player.
-=> Mike Hanson <=-
Posted on: 12 November 2003 by Pete Lewthwaite
Roger,
I do not think you should be worried as none of the equipment you have bought is being deleted by Naim. The CD5 and CD5i are to be produced alongside each other and I suspect there will be a sound improvement with the CD5 to justify the additional £370 purchase price.
Similarly the 112/150 are still going to be in production with the Nait5i. If Naim did not believe that there was a significant difference in the performance of the two configurations, and one which their customers were prepared to pay for, they would have to do something about the price difference.
Yes the new boxes may be cheaper, but I think you should relax and enjoy the music from the very good system you now own.
One further point is to look to the future. You may wish to upgrade the equipment at some future date. With the "i" boxes this means replacing them which will be an expensive task. As suggested by several people above, you can upgrade the current configuration with the addition of a Flatcap2 which should make quite an improvement.
Pete
I do not think you should be worried as none of the equipment you have bought is being deleted by Naim. The CD5 and CD5i are to be produced alongside each other and I suspect there will be a sound improvement with the CD5 to justify the additional £370 purchase price.
Similarly the 112/150 are still going to be in production with the Nait5i. If Naim did not believe that there was a significant difference in the performance of the two configurations, and one which their customers were prepared to pay for, they would have to do something about the price difference.
Yes the new boxes may be cheaper, but I think you should relax and enjoy the music from the very good system you now own.
One further point is to look to the future. You may wish to upgrade the equipment at some future date. With the "i" boxes this means replacing them which will be an expensive task. As suggested by several people above, you can upgrade the current configuration with the addition of a Flatcap2 which should make quite an improvement.
Pete
Posted on: 12 November 2003 by RogerH
Well that's my mind put at rest .... I think. Looks like my next move is to buy a second hand Flatcap 2. Is that right Charlie?
Come to think of it, I agree with Akis. We've all been taken for a ride just a little bit. Naim's suggestion that we can overtake the cheaper kit is a bit rich given the fact that we've shelled out more money already. I think I'll wait for the Flatcap 2 discount voucher to arrive........................................................................................... I'm still waiting!
Come to think of it, I agree with Akis. We've all been taken for a ride just a little bit. Naim's suggestion that we can overtake the cheaper kit is a bit rich given the fact that we've shelled out more money already. I think I'll wait for the Flatcap 2 discount voucher to arrive........................................................................................... I'm still waiting!