is switching from a cd3.5 to a cd5 worthwhile? upgrade or sideways move? I've read a few threads but would appreciate any recent experiences. Have hi-cap at the ready.

Hi.

If you use the Find-function, you will get a lot of answers:

http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums?a=search&reqWor...forum_scope=48019385

quote:

Originally posted by newbloke:
is switching from a cd3.5 to a cd5 worthwhile? upgrade or sideways move? I've read a few threads but would appreciate any recent experiences. Have hi-cap at the ready.

Is your Hi-Cap powering the CD3.5 at the moment?

Hi,

I used a CD3 many years ago and after a journey upwards to CDS3 and back down I am now using a CD5i Mk11. Although this and the CD3 are both entry level players, seperated by many years in time, I think that the CD5i is far superior - in a different class altogether. So I would say the change would most definitely NOT be a sideways move. I am genuinely shocked by how good a player the CD5i Mk11 is. Even after living with the CDS3, it does not disappoint.

Regards,

Peter

I have a cd5 and it is a wonderful sounding cd player for the money, but mine is with a Hicap. However a while ago I did compare the two in a friends system, both without a psu. To my ears the cd5 was slightly better. The cd5 is more laid back in its presentation but still has the naim groove in bucket loads. But the difference is not huge. Depending on your budget it may be wise to try and look for a good s/h CDX.

i haven't heard 3.5 but i had cd5 with hi-cap and i thought it was wonderful.

Aha, something I can comment on through personal experience!!

I have a 3.5 which I bought new in '98. It has a flat cap and hi-line attached.

Earlier this year it went back to naim for a new transport. The dealer kindly lent me a CD5 while it was away.

I missed the 3.5. The 5 was far too laid back and nothing like as dynamic (and I don't mean shouty, I mean PRAT) as my 3.5. It sounded grown up still but a little 'flat'. On the plus side, I played far more vinyl while it was away!

Then I got my 3.5 back and plugged in. Hello.. , I thought, this is even better than I remember it. I presume partly because of ten years familiarity, partly because I preferred the boogying nature of the 3.5 and partly because it had a shiny new up to date mech as used in current machines, rather than the old one which would be a generation (or two) behind.

So, IMO, getting a 3.5 with a new transport is the ideal!

i think its like cdx2 and cds3 depends what sound you like,up front or a bit more laid back.

quote:

Originally posted by 151:
i think its like cdx2 and cds3 depends what sound you like,up front or a bit more laid back.

That for me is an excellent way of describing it but on a lower level. Spot on 151

thanks to all - very helpful and clear comments. I share Jamie's liking for up-front sounds, so the 3.5 may be hanging around for a bit. Just to mention - 3.5 is hooked up to CB 62 / cap / 250 into Epos ES11s. Obviously main reason for considering a CD5 is that its black rather than olive, and will obviously suit my CBs and consequently sound better