CD5 vs CD5si

CD5 is a peach of a player, which gets even better with a Flatcap2. Don't underestimate what the Flatcap2 does, it's far from subtle. Personally i regard the CD5/FC2 as the bargain of all used Naim CD players, and quite a way ahead of the CD5si, itself a nice player. My CD5 has a new laser assembly too, and i use this machine with a Flatcap2 (socket 2) in my second system, and it shares a very similar voicing to my CDS3. What it lacks in detail it makes up for in spirit…. very highly recommended.

Do you also think the you would prefer CD5 over CD5si without flatcap? Flatcap is not an option right now, but maybe later it will be. 

Yes, but Flatcap2's are so cheap, i'd have thought you could pick up a CD5/FC2 for the same price as a used CD5si. Either way, the CD5 is the better player, just in the end you will buy the Flatcap2 once you hear what it does.

Okay I'm also leaning toward the CD5. The "problem" is that the secondhand CD5si i'm looking at is only slightly more expensive than the CD5 and only 15 months old. 

Sounds like a slightly overpriced CD5…. I guess some people are 'realising' how good the CD5 actually is.

buy cd 5 only if just serviced 

CD5si would be my choice. It sounds (as it should) like a CD5 with several steps of development/improvement - to these ears at least.

That said; the two players sound different - the CD5 arguably 'safer and smoother' and the si having more alacrity, bounce, transparency and verve. I think it would also be a better match for your Nait 5i.

But ............ ultimately the two players sound different, and the choice could largely come down to achieving synergy with your chosen loudspeakers and listening room. As ever; there is no substitute for a good demonstration; preferably at home.

Good luck.

John.