CD555

Manu said so in this thread:

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...21#69849598744716321

OK  didn't see that,  

Perhaps they will still build one 'special order' for Emre. I hope so.

C.

Mike-B posted:

OK  didn't see that,  

I think the news deserves a separate thread, it went a bit unnoticed in the other one.

Although I've never been a CD aficionado I do find this news a little sad. Sign of the times and all that. Funny how what was once new fangled eventually becomes old hat. But the pace of change seems incredible, or has it always been thus?

Alba1320 posted:

Mike-B posted:

Has CD555 been withdrawn?,  it's no longer on the www product list. 

Strangely, Ovators are still on the site...

Until they clear the last boxes out of the hallway maybe? I recall seeing a couple of 800s hanging around the factory. Any takers? I might be tempted at an 80% discount 

15k on a cd player...... it does seem excessive?  Naim, I assume don't sell that many....unless they are planning something new?

No - they've completely lost their soul.  

More seriously I wonder if they might introduce a high end transport based on a Teac mechanism to work with the nDAC and streamers.   

Except that Teac/Esoteric transport alwasy sound lead footed. :/

I always admired their nice engineering, but wonder if anyone can make it sounds differently.

The Strat (Fender) posted:

More seriously I wonder if they might introduce a high end transport based on a Teac mechanism to work with the nDAC and streamers.   

Isn't that the role of the Core. Takes the issue of real time CD read out, out of the equation so one less problem to deal with. 

This is by far one of the best sources on earth, period.
The NDS is superb, but different to the mighty CD555.

Well think about it, as Marksnaim said, sign of the times!

10 years ago Streaming made its mark, but it couldn't compete with the CDP.

So what did Naim do, they released an heck of CDP, 2007 Naim Debuts its $30K reference CDP.  

2 years later, an unknown Hi Fi Company, which goes by the Naim of Linn, Ceases production of its $20K reference CDP.

Trust me, no need to crank up production for an $30K CDP in 2017!

As Marksnaim simply said, it's a Prince Thing, Sign Of The Times!

Nice Album.

Allante93!

Martin.L posted:

This is by far one of the best sources on earth, period.
The NDS is superb, but different to the mighty CD555.

Agree. I very much enjoyed owning the latter, and now the former.

Cheers

Rick.

Martin.L posted:

This is by far one of the best sources on earth, period.
The NDS is superb, but different to the mighty CD555.

+2

But with that being said, it's a competitive Market out their, to stay profitable some major moves would have to be made!

The Merger, and Streamline.

Focal/Naim

Ovators

The CD555

The question is, what's next?????

Allante93!

The Strat (Fender) posted:

More seriously I wonder if they might introduce a high end transport based on a Teac mechanism to work with the nDAC and streamers.   

IIRC, the VRDS mech was considered many years back but rejected. Nicely made though it was, the thinking behind it was the complete opposite to what Naim considered necessary for best transport performance. This was borne out in listening tests.

It's worth bearing mind that Paul S stated some years back that so long as adequate demand was there and the necessary parts (like mechs) were available, then Naim would continue to make CD players. Which they still do.

The CD555 was a little different in that a limited number was envisioned right from inception. Fact is, demand exceeded even Naim's most optimistic projections and so Naim kept production going for longer than plAnned to try to meet that demand. So if production has indeed ceased then I'm not at all surprised. The dedicated areas of the favtory required to build the CD555 are valuable space. And space is at a premium as the factory can't easily increase in size. And Naim is building and selling more equipment than ever before...

One has to assume that the day is not so far off when production of the remaining CDP models is ceased. 

I wonder if, when that day comes, Naim will retain sufficient mechs to service the CDPs still under guarantee that are being sold now. I declare an interest here in that I purchased a CDX2 in October 2015, that was replaced in March 2016 (mech issue) and is still in its 5yr guarantee period. Previously I owned a CD5 purchased in 2003 which needed its mech replaced in 2006.

In any event the CDX2 sounds wonderful.. but I have that niggling concern...

The CD5 with 2006 mech is still going strong in a friends system.

kuma posted:

Except that Teac/Esoteric transport alwasy sound lead footed. :/

I always admired their nice engineering, but wonder if anyone can make it sounds differently.

I recently demo'd an Esoteric K-05 CDP. Lead footed never came to mind. Tight, fast and succinct did. Bordering on the too analytical side maybe, but a musical machine. Then again, I'm not sure what you mean by lead footed. I take that to mean sluggish/slow. Although as it applies to cars, I guess it could mean fast.

Richard Dane posted:

The dedicated areas of the favtory required to build the CD555 are valuable space. And space is at a premium as the factory can't easily increase in size. And Naim is building and selling more equipment than ever before...

This made me wonder about the possibilty of a new, bigger, purpose built factory on the edge of Salisbury. Built with Focal's money perhaps. Hopefully senior Naim bods are having a good look at it.

Chris

When you go to the products section of the Naim website, the picture for CD players shows the 555. A bit like London Zoo advertising with a Brontosaurus. 

Allante93 posted:

Martin.L posted:

This is by far one of the best sources on earth, period.
The NDS is superb, but different to the mighty CD555.

+2

But with that being said, it's a competitive Market out their, to stay profitable some major moves would have to be made!

The Merger, and Streamline.

Focal/Naim

Ovators

The CD555

The question is, what's next?????

Allante93!

 

 

No knock on Naim!

I own, and Love Naim.

Simply put, Sign Of The Times!

Posted by Richard:

""The CD555 was a little different in that a limited number was envisioned right from inception. Fact is, demand exceeded even Naim's most optimistic projections and so Naim kept production going for longer than planned to try to meet that demand. So if production has indeed ceased then I'm not at all surprised. The dedicated areas of the factory required to build the CD555 are valuable space. And space is at a premium as the factory can't easily increase in size. And Naim is building and selling more equipment than ever before...""

Allante93!

Poor Emre - what will he buy now?

Adam Zielinski posted:

Poor Emre - what will he buy now?

Maybe Lego can make one ?