I spent much of my Xmas holidays listening to CD players at Grahams and would like to add some new and old opinions about the CD5.

I listened to the Linn Genki, CD5 and Arcam FMJ and the new Rega in back to back tests with Vivaldi, Coldplay, The Charlatans and various Dance via a Nait -- here is what i thought.

1. Linn
Easily the worst player on test. Detail levels were fine but nothing special. Treble harshened at higher volumes, bass was not as well controlled or as weighty as the other players. Timing was non-existent with rock tracks.

2. Arcam
The most 'upfront' sound. Slightly more detail than the Naim and more bass depth and weight. Very hi-fi, lots of top and bottom end (which caused the midrange to suffer), but the music just wasn't natural and certainly wasn't smooth.

3. Naim
Not a million miles from the CD3.5 but a much more refined sound. Never harsh or aggressive. Lacked the bass weight of the Arcam but controlled complex mixes better. Mid range (especially vocals) were much more natural sounding. Got my foot tapping first!

4. Rega
The surprise of the bunch. Dredged up instruments from Cds that I didn't even hear with the other players. Timing as impeccable as the Naim but not quite as smooth at dynamic peaks.

Although very tempted by the Rega I have gone for the CD5. The only reason was that although the Rega was just as good if not better in most areas the Naim made bands sound more together, more like a band.

Happy New Year!!!

The ability to add a power supply must also weigh in the CD5's favour.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

if you are referring to the planet, i share your experience. i found it to be a very good cd player when my nephew brought it round for a spin. however, it lacked what i would guess call the "danceability" that my cd2 had, in abundance, so in the end my preference was rather obvious.

this same nephew now has a cdi, which easily trounced my cd2 when we compared the two over christmas.

enjoy...

ken

Auditioning CD players at this price point I should think that the Rega player in question was the Jupiter not the Planet, as the Planet is £498, less than half the price of the CD5, and definitely not in the same league as the CD5, especially where timing is concerned.However the Jupiter is a different matter.

steven, many thanks for correction. a bit out of touch with rega cd players...

enjoy...

ken

Sorry for the confusion - It was the Rega Jupiter and it was wicked.