I got a CD5 today

Posted by: Ancient Mariner on 10 December 2003

I am now the very proud owner of a CD5. What a fantastic sounding player. Its replaced my old Micromega stage 1, and the difference is mind blowing. Smoother, much more detailed, and plays tunes like I never heard before.

The CD5 was an ex-dem model, its 18 months old and is in perfect condition. Its still cold at the moment, but as every hour goes by it improves all the time. It has none of the harshness that my old Micromega had, the CD5 has a really rich but fast presentation, its fantastic.

I also listened to some speakers while I was there. Quad 12L, Spendor S3, PMC DB1, and Royd RR1.

In the end I decided on the Quad 12L, they had a really solid sound, that was detailed and presented things in more focus. The Royd RR1 were also very good indeed, and in some areas they were better than the Quad, but there price is £300 more, and I did not think it was worth the extra outlay. The Spedors were also very good, but IMHO not worth £800. The little PMC were stunning for their size, really big and musical sound, but the top end was a little shouty for me. The Quads pulled everything together more for me, they had a more solid but natural presentation, and the maple piano finish was superb.

I am going to buy the Quads just after Christmas, and also after my bank balance has recovered from the purchase of the CD5.

A happy days listening, with a very nice end. The CD5 is really good, as a lot of you will know already. Thanks to Steve and Rob at Adventures in HiFi for there expert help and time today.

Ian Marsh
Posted on: 10 December 2003 by David Patterson
Hi Ian, enjoy your new toy now and in a few months or so when you have finally gotten used to it , treat yourself to a second hand Hi cap (forget the flat cap) and experience the whole pleasure of raised performance again.

David
Posted on: 10 December 2003 by Lightkeeper
Ian,
congratulations, I know exactly how do you feel.
Happy listening Smile

Ozren
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Tom F
Envy...

...is a terrible thing.

Hope you enjoy it (am still saving for the same). In fact, I first listened to the CD5 at Adventures in Hi-Fi but through the 11Ls (I have the 21L) and thought they went together v well. Keep us updated on how you get on with the CDP and also the new speakers when they arrive.
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Ancient Mariner
Yep I will keep you all updated. After leaving the player on overnight, its now even better (as I expected). Vocals are coming through more clear, and the PRaT has also improved. Music now has more control, and better dynamics.

Now I just have to wait a little while for the Quads. Smile

Ian Marsh

Posted on: 11 December 2003 by James S
Ian

As David said, get a second hand hi-cap next. The improvement in performance is just as marked and makes for a lovely CD player
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Gurn Blanston
Will this new CD5i completely outperform a standalone CD5, and is it true that the CD5i is not upgradeable?
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Ancient Mariner
Gurn

I have not done a side by side test of the CD5i V CD5, but from what I know the CD5i sounds a bit more like the older Olive range, I think it has more bite, and that typical Naim sound. The CD5 offers a smoother presentation, but is also very detailed.

The CD5i is not upgradable with *Caps*, thats the main reason I decided to go for the CD5, which is of course upgradable with FlatCap or HiCap.

[This message was edited by Ian Marsh on THURSDAY 11 December 2003 at 15:44.]
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Ancient Mariner
James/David

I am sure a HiCap would be a fantastic upgrade. Yesterday I got my dealer to run the CD5 through a FlatCap 2 after I listend to it bare. There was a definate difference. The chords on the acoustic, were more definded, and crisper. There was a general feeling of more weight and drive.

I therefore assume a HiCap would be even better. If at some point I was to add a s/h HiCap, would it be better through my NAC92/NAP90.3 ? and therefore running my CD5 through my current FlatCap 1, or keep the FlatCap 1 on the amplifiers, and use the HiCap with the CD5 ?. At the moment I am using the CD5 bare and my FlatCap 1 with my 92/90.3

Of course I would try both, but does anyone have any preferences ?, sorry if this has been mentioned before.

So maybe the purchase of a s/h HiCap before the Quads could be a better move ?

Ian Marsh
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by Gurn Blanston
Ian

Well shucks Man, if it's true that the CD5i has the old school Naim sound then that's definiely the player I want to buy. Has anybody gotten hold of of an actual production unit yet? Has there been any reviews written about it?

Gurn
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by CW
Ill be standing behind gurn in the queue waiting for a listen.
Posted on: 11 December 2003 by David Patterson
Ian, i ran a CD5 with brand new flatcap 2 and a second hand Hicap and can say that the CD5/Hicap combo was far superior (for less cost).I would forget flatcaps for your pre as well and go for another second hand hicap. The two hicaps sitting side by side also looks aesthetically pleasing with other full width equipment.

David
Posted on: 12 December 2003 by HTK
I added a S/H Hi Cap to my CD5 after a year and it really is a whole new level of musical enjoyment. It was hard to believe that such a good player at its price point could be improved by such a margin - but listening is believing.

Have fun.

Harry