CD555

tef posted:

.... That could the beginning of the end of a fine brand. Let's hope I'm wrong.

I don't follow that logic.   Linn stopped ALL CD player production in 2009,  it hasn't done them much harm.

tef posted:

FWith the CDX2 as best CD-player the credibility of Naim as a serious high end brand is diminishing fast. There seems to be a redirection to a more commercial path imo. Production of machines like the Muso (Qb) underline that. Seizing production of a truly classy machine to make room in the factory for the production of Muso's..... That could the beginning of the end of a fine brand. Let's hope I'm wrong.

Credibility of Naim as a serious high end brand diminishing?? Come on, what about Statement? 

tef posted:

Funny to see the "streaming vs physical formats"- discussion coming back in every other thread on this forum almost. It's a pity that Naim has decided to stop CD555 production. In hindsight  it might have been better if they'd decided to continue the CDS3 instead of the 555. With the CDX2 as best CD-player the credibility of Naim as a serious high end brand is diminishing fast. There seems to be a redirection to a more commercial path imo. Production of machines like the Muso (Qb) underline that. Seizing production of a truly classy machine to make room in the factory for the production of Muso's..... That could the beginning of the end of a fine brand. Let's hope I'm wrong.

On a point of detail the Muso is manufactured in China.  

I don't know a lot about Linn, except that they make great record players. That could be the reason why they're still around, not because of their streaming players, but again I don't have information regarding the business side of the Linn brand. Furthermore, stopping CD player production while maintainng the record player productionline is very paradoxical if you ask me...

The Statement is a good point although these players are not really made with commercial sales in mind. It's more of a "look what we can do" thing. Think of it as haute couture vs pret a porter.

A CDx3 would be a great idea, or a CDS5?

Also a mid priced phono pre-amp, somewhere between the Stageline and the Superline would be a much more interesting proposition than a Muso, for a company like Naim.  

Sorry, didn't know about the China thing.

Not good for my point about the factory.

Good for the point about profit and commericalization (is that a word?) 

Suggest you have a read up on Linn TEF,  yes they make a record player, how many do they sell these days? who knows,  it's probably the company's 'Icon' product that is keeping it going.    They make excellent variations of streaming products, either as complete systems or separates with different price points & functions of streaming, amp & speaker products.  They compete very favourably in the marketplace.

For many the CD555 is the best source Naim ever made. Just a reminder that 16 bits and 10 years old dacs is all it takes to make one happy! 

I'm the first to admit that I don't know anything about Linn, and I have no intention of changing that.

However Mike, your info seems just as unfounded...

@Alba: Probably if Naim had decided to discontinue the CD555, the sales of the CDS3 would have increased. Production cost of the CDS3 was probably way lower than that of the 555, maybe it would have been wise, I don't know. All I really want to say is; being left with the CDx2 as Naim's flagship CDP just feels weird, since I've read too many so so reviews about that player

It's enormously sad to hear that Naim are dropping the iconic 555. It was only when I bought one of these and ran it with a full 500 system that I reached audio nirvana. A truly amazing machine. I just hope they keep enough mechs and spare parts to keep me going while I'm still on this planet.

Like many others, I do feel the link up with Focal is pressuring them towards making  much more commercial products, and they have to eat of course, but it's a sad move all the same.

tef posted:

..............   However Mike, your info seems just as unfounded...

I don't understand your point  ..........  I'm not flying a Linn flag, far from it,  all I'm saying is Linn have survived together with continuous growth in the business without any CD players in their product line for the last 8 years.

Mike Kent posted:

It's enormously sad to hear that Naim are dropping the iconic 555. It was only when I bought one of these and ran it with a full 500 system that I reached audio nirvana. A truly amazing machine. I just hope they keep enough mechs and spare parts to keep me going while I'm still on this planet.

Like many others, I do feel the link up with Focal is pressuring them towards making  much more commercial products, and they have to eat of course, but it's a sad move all the same.

+1

Regards

Roberto

Frankly, I'm amazed Naim have been able to manufacture 555s for as long as they have. A lovely machine of course, and I really enjoyed mine, but it's an expensive machine to produce and buy, and more convenient and much cheaper digital sources have overtaken it in sound quality. It's obviously reached a point whereby it's no longer commercially viable and it's nothing to do with Focal, any business would be making the same decision. 

Mike-B posted:

tef posted:

.... That could the beginning of the end of a fine brand. Let's hope I'm wrong.

I don't follow that logic.   Linn stopped ALL CD player production in 2009,  it hasn't done them much harm.

I live in the US, and got turned on to High end Hi Fi in the 80s.  
Polk Audio, GAS, Philips, Thorens, etc... 

Then Came Linn, LP 12, Kans, LK 280s, Active, Bingo Cards, and CDPs.
Linn Genki, I think, Where did they get those names from! 

Things change, back then the store was Linn Driven, They actually sold equipment based on their high end products. 

For example, boring day, why not go to the Linn Dealer and Listen to their Killer Active System. Who knows, one might by a Rega, or an LK 100, or some Kans, Saras, etc....

Well, walked into the Linn Dealer yesterday, One Customer, my Friend had the task of the sales pitch! 
In the High End room, their top end Streamer, and of Course their 25K TT. 

Remember, No TT, No Linn!  So one gets to hear about the the machining of the mechanics etc..... Castle, Metal Tires, speeds that reach up to near 1000 mile/hour, everything except the music.  

The Dealership sales lots of other brands of Speakers.
They design, but don't manufacture their cartridges, a little old Japanese does this fine Art, which is second to none. 
No Active Systems, even though they collaborate with Kudos, JVC, Kef, and B&W.

That's right I couldn't listen to those Exakt technologies, we read about. 

Perhaps it's different in the UK, I hope! 

Point being, no one is immune to this Electronic Age of Business.  I call it the Panama Effect! 

https://panamapapers.icij.org

That's right the study shows the effect of Global dominance by the elites, which in turn effects the  the purchasing power of  the masses, Globally. 

Hence, as Marksnaim Simply Stated!  

Sign Of The Times! 

The Top Manufactures of High End Gear, must conform, or get crushed by their competitors. 

Muso, All in one Streamers, Thank God for the 272, And Before we bash Naim, Remember its still Driven by their products! 

The Statement, DR technologies passed down, etc...

Just my view, but what do I know! 

Allante93! 

james n posted:

tef posted:

 Production of machines like the Muso (Qb) underline that. Seizing production of a truly classy machine to make room in the factory for the production of Muso's..... That could the beginning of the end of a fine brand. Let's hope I'm wrong.

As respected as the 555 is (was), the market for 21k odd (with PSU) CD players must be quite limited these days so from a commercial perspective it makes sense. 

How about making a new one with a affordable price, NDS range pricing max,I am not saying nds is affordable but compare to cd555/555 

Even today I ordered naxos 30th anniversary set, 30cd which I will never rip but listen on my cd2x

Last week, i got the 'brand new cd555' at the full price. I have 'nds/555ps dr' and 'cd555/ double 555ps dr' now.

It's been over a year since I bought nds.

yes. Nds is very convenient to use. And sound is really nice.

But cd555's SQ is much better than nds.

It's very awesome.

I found that cd555(2*555ps)sound  is soft and supple than nds(2*555ps).More Analog and natural than nds.

i paid full price for my brand new cd555.But i don't regret.

when i buy new cd in the record shop,i am always happy.

But,when i download music file or ripping cd, i don't feel the anything of emotion.

Cd555 is really lovely source player!!!

Nice move Purple Rain.

Hopefully it will provide you with decades of pleasure and maybe you got the last one ever made.

Ray

I wonder to what extent Focal are driving this?   It does strike me if other high-end manufacturers can continue to make CDPs why not Naim?     In any event it's all good

thebigfredc posted:

Nice move Purple Rain.

Hopefully it will provide you with decades of pleasure and maybe you got the last one ever made.

Ray

��omg!!! Last one? ��

[@mention:55771800718778109]

I just had a look at your system picture. Have you tried splitting your gear with power supplies all on one rack (on the right hand-side)  and other components on the other?

You got the point Purplerain, and even  sq apart, Why in Japan they still release so many re editions, box sets of classic albums and these are so much sought after by collectors ?  On the other hand playing a file it's so cold and uninspiring

Regards

Roberto

Adam Zielinski posted:

[@mention:55771800718778109]

I just had a look at your system picture. Have you tried splitting your gear with power supplies all on one rack (on the right hand-side)  and other components on the other?

Yes. I did.

again and again.

But i did,it was too high. I don't like too high rack for various reasons.

So,i chose this method unwillingly.

rsch posted:

You got the point Purplerain, and even  sq apart, Why in Japan they still release so many re editions, box sets of classic albums and these are so much sought after by collectors ?  On the other hand playing a file it's so cold and uninspiring

Regards

Roberto

I sympathize with you strongly.

rsch posted:

 On the other hand playing a file it's so cold and uninspiring

Regards

Roberto

Roberto,

That's how I see it plus I still much prefer the sound of the CDX2/CDS3 over the HDX/NDS but of course that's a personal preference. - the CDPs seem to groove better to me.  However, for a good listening session with friends being able to pass the Tablet around and letting people make their own selection is equally good fun - although I haven't got there yet now will as my CDS3 is away having a mid-life upgrade and once back thoughts of streaming will be ever more remote.

Regards,

Lindsay

rsch posted:

You got the point Purplerain, and even  sq apart, Why in Japan they still release so many re editions, box sets of classic albums and these are so much sought after by collectors ?  On the other hand playing a file it's so cold and uninspiring

Regards

Roberto

...but a 555 plays digital files...

how many replying on this thread actually own a CD555 let alone any 500series gear