Naim CD5 XS VS Meridian G08.2
Posted by: Troodon on 05 June 2018
I have had a G08.2 in my system for the last 8 years and the laser is finally started showing signs of giving up. Loved the dynamic drive and deep low end that the Meridian brought to the table but I might be willing to try the CD5 XS. They have recently been discontinued and I could pick one up for a very good price with full warranty.
Has anyone owned both units and could give me a rundown on how similar/dissimilar these units are?
How much am I giving up running RCA cables vs the Balanced on the Meridian?
Any current CD5 XS owners out there that could tell me of any shortcomings that they had noticed with their unit?
I am currently Running through a Levinson 38S Preamp, McIntosh MC252 Power Amp and JBL L300 Speakers.
Amp to Preamp is fully balanced.
Thanks Guys,
Tom
When the G08.2 was introduced, its nearest rival in price and performance was the CDX2.
Troodon posted:I could pick one up for a very good price with full warranty.
Full warranty indicates to me you're dealing with an authorized dealer who ought to allow you a home demo. Hear for yourself what the difference in the players merits. Seems impossible to sort balanced vs RCA mode when you're listening to different decks.
Troodon posted:Any current CD5 XS owners out there that could tell me of any shortcomings that they had noticed with their unit?
None.
I can't compare it to the Meridian as I've never heard it, but I've been very happy with my CD5XS over the years (in a 200/202/Hicap/Napsc system). In fact, I preferred my CD5XS with Flatcap2 to a bare CDX2 (others will have other views, but this was/is my preference). As I recall, the Flatcap improved things quite a bit (in terms of resolution/detail and removing "digital edge") so would consider adding that if you go for the CD5XS.
Troodon posted:...and JBL L300 Speakers...
Oops. Should have replied sooner, but I got as far as the JBL bit and I got all wobbly and then needed a lie down. I once hesitated on an offer for a pair of L300s for £700. Silly me...
As for the CD players, I've heard both (was actually a CD5x, but you get the idea), but it was a while ago and not one against the other in a comparison. Let's just say they are both very good, if rather different. You should try to listen to the CD5xs before committing, although with that level of system I'd be looking at a better balance of source to amp. The JBLs don't demand so much from the amp - although they do like something that will keep a bit of a reign on the low end - but as in most things, they will thrive with a top quality source at the front end. For example, a CDX2 has appreciably superior bass control over the outwardly quite similar CD5xs, to the point where a bit of bass boom with a system with the CD5xs can be almost completely fixed by upping the source to a CDX2, along with greater resolution etc.. Adding an XPS2 or better yet, a 555PS keeps the boom in check but adds even greater weight and impact. You see where I'm going with this...?
Hi Rich,
Thanks for the reply. Thanks for the insight. The CDX2 is a little out of my budget right now...it does look very interesting and I was told the same in relation to the low end capabilities. The CD5 XS is out West, so I will have to chance it w/o an audition. I can return if not happy. Meridian also contacted me and stated that they do indeed have more laser assemblies (After stating that they did not) and that I could still have it serviced if I wanted. I may still just have it fixed and use it as a back-up if the Naim falls short. The G08.2 is nothing sort of fantastic and has served me well.
I looked for years for "Perfect" condition L300's and got lucky about 10-years ago......They were like new and even came with an extra set of unused grill covers in a different color. This is the only component in my system that I will never let go. While not the most accurate, they reproduce music up to another dimension. Truly worth a mere listen for anyone with a love of Hi-Fi. Addictive to say the least.
I will keep you posted on my finding when the CD5 XS arrives.
thanks again,
Tom
Hi Tom,
I have owned both...the G08 with a 502/557 ....the cd5xs with a 282/200.
The Meridian was better for classical music, the Naim was better for everything else.
I thought the G08 was the weak point in my Meridian system as I had been much happier with a 588.
That said I am not sure a cd5xs would really fit in with your existing amp.
Ray
Hello,
Did you have the G08 or the G08.2?.....2-different animals. My results with this player showed virtually no weak points from Joni Mitchell to the Stooges.......Deep bass and non-fatiguing.
thanks,
Tom
Thanks PSAN.....The power supply upgrade would also give me some flexibility if I went that way. More things to consider!
thanks
Troodon posted:Hello,
Did you have the G08 or the G08.2?.....2-different animals. My results with this player showed virtually no weak points from Joni Mitchell to the Stooges.......Deep bass and non-fatiguing.
thanks,
Tom
Fair point.
I had my G08 in 2005/6 so I guess it was the original one which, to my ears at least, was lacking a bit in drive. it did instrumental and vocal music beautifully though.
IMHO I would just get your Meridian fixed and leave the cd5xs for another day when you feel like a change to an all Naim system. OTOH, if you've got money to burn or just fancy a play about, then give it a go by all means.
Ray
Update: CD5 XS arrived yesterday.....Out of the box this player is fantastic. Very close, up-front and dynamic with substantial bottom-end....very close to my old Merdian G08.2. I have to get used to the 5DB or so loss in sensitivity that I gave up with my balanced XLR cables.....funny how your ears get used to things. I am running high quality Shunyata copper RCA cables into her. I am giving up sensitivity but in no means sound quality. This may very well be my keeper. It reads every disc that I throw at it and my collection contains a bunch of HD discs which the CD5 reproduces nicely. Last Fall I tried a Sim Audio 750D which was very highly acclaimed and produces vocals far better than any other CD player I have ever auditioned, Dylan, John Lee Hooker, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young never sounded better.but lacked dynamics when listening to Hard Rock......Sabbath, The Stooges, Stones all lacked bite. Way too relaxed with Rock. I had to send it back.
The swing out door is a marvel...I like the intimacy involved with changing discs. It has a better-than-most remote and is well laid out. I do miss having a "total time left" option for selection and disc though. Not enough information on the read-out....should at least have both track# and time displayed....not one or the other! These are small things...the music is what matters. All genres of music have been faithfully reproduced with a detailed sound stage. Some of my discs sound like a revelation....like hearing them for the first time. The unit is well built and am sure once the cables and unit are broken in will only sound better. I couldn't be happier with the sound this unit produces. I am pretty picky about my stereo system and I can notice right away if the source is lacking..........No lacking with the CD5 XS!
Next question: How will upgrading to a Flatcap improve the sound? Looking on the internet some people love it or hate it. Some state that the Flatcap will elevate it above the CDX2, while some say it changes the harmonics of the base CD5 XS. Any opinions on this would be welcomed.
Thanks!
Tom
i had before the cd5xs with flatcap then hicap, preferred the later. Then bare cdx2 for some weeks: preferred the tonality of cd5xs/ hicap. Then cdx2/ xps2, the best cd player i had.
Troodon posted:All genres of music have been faithfully reproduced with a detailed sound stage. Some of my discs sound like a revelation....like hearing them for the first time. The unit is well built and am sure once the cables and unit are broken in will only sound better. I couldn't be happier with the sound this unit produces. I am pretty picky about my stereo system and I can notice right away if the source is lacking..........No lacking with the CD5 XS!
Quite right, this is why we're Naimers Glad it's good.
But no eulogies from me, Tom, I value brevity, hence my 'none' when you asked if there were any shortcomings on the CD5 XS.
I've got a FCXS on mine. I cannot easily describe what it does to the sound, sorry. But I do prefer it.
C.
Get a FC2xs and your done
Troodon posted:Update: CD5 XS arrived yesterday ...
... How will upgrading to a Flatcap improve the sound? Looking on the internet some people love it or hate it. Some state that the Flatcap will elevate it above the CDX2, while some say it changes the harmonics of the base CD5 XS. Any opinions on this would be welcomed.
For starters I'd say simply slow down and enjoy your new player. Arrived yesterday, IC's still burning in and already you're talking about adding a PSU.
My own take on PSUs with my CD5X is that the FCXS will increase clarity and solidify bass. Great for me on redbook CDs but over-plumped the bass on my HDCDs, and I listen to a lot of them. The HCDR is a better overall choice on the 5X. Darker background, better separation of details, excellent clarity, and quality bass control on both CD formats with a nice overall tonal balance. The grander issue being that once you add the HCDR you're into the cost territory of a bare CDX2. How far do you wish to ride the upgrade train?
I replaced my ageing Meridian 508.24 with CD5XS five years ago and have no regrets. The XS has better timing (the bass sometimes seemed half a beat out with the 508 sometimes on selected EDM tracks) and better placement of instruments. Sad to see it leave the Naim roster.
Am not looking to upgrade yet......down the road I'm sure I'll try something if I get a good deal. Another option.....Has anyone tried the CD5 XS running through the Naim DAC?..........Would the CD5/DAC or the CD5/Flatcap be the better move?
thanks,
Tom
Troodon posted:Am not looking to upgrade yet......down the road I'm sure I'll try something if I get a good deal. Another option.....Has anyone tried the CD5 XS running through the Naim DAC?..........Would the CD5/DAC or the CD5/Flatcap be the better move?
thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom
A few years ago I had an XS setup: CD5XS into Nait XS and later added a FlatCap XS. To my ears the FlatCap gave a subtle but noticeable improvement but without fundamentally altering the character of the sound, just more of the same. However, with a HiCap, which I also tried, I found the sound overblown and "manic" (as someone described it). I think this shows that Naim knew what they were doing and had balanced their XS series rather well. Other listeners do seem to like the effect of HiCap on the CD5XS, which I think reflects not only different tastes, but also that the rest of the system matters. But, but ... the change that really made a difference in my system was adding an nDAC. Once I heard it, I had to have one. If you are really interested you might care to track down a thread from a well-respected dealer who reported on a detailed comparison with and without the nDAC on various Naim CD players made shortly after the nDAC was introduced. He actually preferred the CD5XS/nDAC to the CDX2 and though not everyone agreed with this preference, I think it showed how good the nDAC was on the CD5XS. You will undoubtedly be told that the nDAC is hopelessly out-of-date technology or that this, that or some the other DAC is much better, but if you can pick up a pre-loved nDAC for a reasonable price it might be worth consideration.
Roger
I had the older Meridan 506 & 508
Solid built and friendly sort of boring laid back sound
I'd choose an Ikemi over Meridian if you want smooth signature, problem is Linn sucks on service
Using the CD5xs as drive transport only implies lots of unused electronics inside.
Hugo disciples will soon chime in
Will the CD5 XS/DAC up the performance to near a CDX2?.....just keeping my options open for down the road.
thanks,
Tom
In answer to your question, here's a link which may help: https://forums.naimaudio.com/t...s-initial-perpective
Whilst using a CD5XS purely as a transport does indeed entail 'unused electronics', if you’ve already got one it could be a cost-effective upgrade. And the nDAC has potential as a digital hub. Well, it had for me.
Roger
IMHO, owning a CD5XS does not lead naturally to the need to add an external DAC. Though, if you already have the DAC, do give it a try (and let us know your findings!)
I have a CD5X, which cannot use an external DAC. I am chuffed enough by it’s performance (sometimes using a FC2X) that I do not pine for a way to run it through my DAC.
I also have a CD555, which also cannot use an external DAC, and is very fine; but the CD5X has “heroic” charm and VFM in abundance. I imagine your CD5XS does, too.
Good luck with all of it.
Nick
Peakman posted:Troodon posted:Am not looking to upgrade yet......down the road I'm sure I'll try something if I get a good deal. Another option.....Has anyone tried the CD5 XS running through the Naim DAC?..........Would the CD5/DAC or the CD5/Flatcap be the better move?
thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom
A few years ago I had an XS setup: CD5XS into Nait XS and later added a FlatCap XS. To my ears the FlatCap gave a subtle but noticeable improvement but without fundamentally altering the character of the sound, just more of the same. However, with a HiCap, which I also tried, I found the sound overblown and "manic" (as someone described it). I think this shows that Naim knew what they were doing and had balanced their XS series rather well. Other listeners do seem to like the effect of HiCap on the CD5XS, which I think reflects not only different tastes, but also that the rest of the system matters. But, but ... the change that really made a difference in my system was adding an nDAC. Once I heard it, I had to have one. If you are really interested you might care to track down a thread from a well-respected dealer who reported on a detailed comparison with and without the nDAC on various Naim CD players made shortly after the nDAC was introduced. He actually preferred the CD5XS/nDAC to the CDX2 and though not everyone agreed with this preference, I think it showed how good the nDAC was on the CD5XS. You will undoubtedly be told that the nDAC is hopelessly out-of-date technology or that this, that or some the other DAC is much better, but if you can pick up a pre-loved nDAC for a reasonable price it might be worth consideration.
Roger
I have the opportunity to pick up a NDAC for a really good price........The CD5 XS plus the DAC sounds very tempting at this price.
Anyone else with this pairing have any thoughts?
Thanks,
Tom
Troodon posted:Peakman posted:Troodon posted:Am not looking to upgrade yet......down the road I'm sure I'll try something if I get a good deal. Another option.....Has anyone tried the CD5 XS running through the Naim DAC?..........Would the CD5/DAC or the CD5/Flatcap be the better move?
thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom
A few years ago I had an XS setup: CD5XS into Nait XS and later added a FlatCap XS. To my ears the FlatCap gave a subtle but noticeable improvement but without fundamentally altering the character of the sound, just more of the same. However, with a HiCap, which I also tried, I found the sound overblown and "manic" (as someone described it). I think this shows that Naim knew what they were doing and had balanced their XS series rather well. Other listeners do seem to like the effect of HiCap on the CD5XS, which I think reflects not only different tastes, but also that the rest of the system matters. But, but ... the change that really made a difference in my system was adding an nDAC. Once I heard it, I had to have one. If you are really interested you might care to track down a thread from a well-respected dealer who reported on a detailed comparison with and without the nDAC on various Naim CD players made shortly after the nDAC was introduced. He actually preferred the CD5XS/nDAC to the CDX2 and though not everyone agreed with this preference, I think it showed how good the nDAC was on the CD5XS. You will undoubtedly be told that the nDAC is hopelessly out-of-date technology or that this, that or some the other DAC is much better, but if you can pick up a pre-loved nDAC for a reasonable price it might be worth consideration.
Roger
I have the opportunity to pick up a NDAC for a really good price........The CD5 XS plus the DAC sounds very tempting at this price.
Anyone else with this pairing have any thoughts?
Thanks,
Tom
Yes Tom, I have a CD5XS/nDAC/XPS and I'm really pleased with it. The bare nDAC lifts the 5XS performance with more detail and a more natural sound. The XPS does the same again but in more a typical Naim power supply way.
NB you don't need a power supply on the 5XS if you use a nDAC so that will save you some money ☺