Just bought a second-hand cd5 to go with my nait 5i. This has replaced my arcam alpha one cd player which I have had for many years. I have to say that I don’t have a second-hand sound!

The first thing I noticed was how much cleaner the overall presentation is and particularly the vocals, which is important to me. I had heard that this was a laid back cd player but was struck with how much punch it has where the track demands…it really does groove along! Also the second thing that impressed me was how the dynamics of the music can quickly build from quiet to loud really involving you in the music. It also has a great balance with complex music and able to present delicacy where required.

Overall I think the combination of cd5 with nait 5i is great and would heartily recommend.

I am using the standard lavender interconnect and in the future would consider upgrading to a hi-line or adding a hi-cap. If anyone has any suggestions of what sonic benefits either would bring to this set up please let me know…although for now I am happy with what I have, but it is my birthday in a few months…!

Regards all
Phil

quote:

this was a laid back cd player

laidback only compared to the more forward naim cd-players
congrats and well done (i also have a CD5 fyi).

regards,blackforest.

IMO I would go for a FC2(x) instead of the HC. Find the HC extends bass just a bit too much for my liking.

Paulo

Damn! I hope the CD5 doeds not get too popular! I want one to augement my Nait5i, and SBLs!!

I am certain this would be lovely combo!!!

Fredrik!!!!

[Doh! Wrong thing to say Smiley!].

prc
Thats interesting what you say about too much bass extention with hicap. Could this be rectified with speaker placement?...I guess I should try to demo them both.

Fredrick
It was only after reading your posts on memories of the cd5 that got me seriously thinking about the cd5 with nait 5i! and I was fortunate to pick up a great ebay bargain...Don't worry though I am sure that there are still lots around...all you need to do is have a post about how ordinary this player is and unreliable etc and I sure ebay will respond nicely. Seriously, am sure you wont be disappointed...let us know how you get on.

Kind Regards
Phil

I am planning to purchase a second hand hi cap or hi-line in the near future. Out of the two which one would I get most benefit from(and what in sonic terms would it add/alter the presentation)? I know they are both popular upgrades but can only afford one at the moment...

Or...save up a little bit more and go for flatcap plus hi-line.

Thanks Phil

quote:

Originally posted by Phil123:
Or...save up a little bit more and go for flatcap plus hi-line.
Thanks Phil

I found both the Hi-Line and flatcap to be worthwhile improvements, the Hi-Line especially so. But adding the flatcap on top of the Hi-Line made the sounds worse to my ears! Strange but true.

My long term plan is to get a CD5 to compliment the Nait 5i and SBLs, and then experiement with a Hi-line! I reckon [even without a separate PS) that this will be a little gem of a set!

Two nice boxes, two speakers and in my case two completely separated Passive cross-overs.

It is frustrating waiting...

ATB from Fredrik

quote:

Originally posted by Phil123:
I am planning to purchase a second hand hi cap or hi-line in the near future. Out of the two which one would I get most benefit from(and what in sonic terms would it add/alter the presentation)?

What in particular are you hoping to change with regards to the sound of your current system?

All the best,
Bill

I enjoy my CD5 with the Nait 5i more than I did with CDX2/XPS2 and listen to much more music.

The combination of the Nait 5i and CD5 is indeed very enjoyable as it is.

I have experienced what a high quality interconnect can achieve in my previous arcam set up with the expensive Kimber 1021(This was also around£500) for a piece of cable!...But it was well worth it. However to use with my CD5 I purchased an rca-din adapter which unfortunately compromised the sound to the extent that the lavendar outperforms.

As I say I am enjoying the sound and could live quite happily with it as it is, but am looking to maximise performance with a modest upgrade (finding it hard to think of what I want to achieve which is a very relevant question), maybe more detail retrieval, possibly more dynamics slightly weightier more controlled at higher volumes...more of the same?.

As an aside although my speakers of extremely revealing I am concerned that they will only sound their best with even more powerful amplification(can't afford this at the moment so just looking what I can do short term) but am really enjoying how the Nait sounds!

Thanks Phil

quote:

Originally posted by Phil123:
The combination of the Nait 5i and CD5 is indeed very enjoyable as it is.

...

As an aside although my speakers of extremely revealing I am concerned that they will only sound their best with even more powerful amplification(can't afford this at the moment so just looking what I can do short term) but am really enjoying how the Nait sounds!

Thanks Phil

Dear Phil,

What you need to avoid spoiling things is not more powerful amplification, but better quality.

I am sure this is possible, but the Nait 5i is the most remarkably pure little amplifier. You will have to go some to beat it by a significant margin...

ATB from Fredrik

quote: Posted by Opportunity for growth
________________________________________________________________________________________________
I found both the Hi-Line and flatcap to be worthwhile improvements, the Hi-Line especially so. But adding the flatcap on top of the Hi-Line made the sounds worse to my ears! Strange but true.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

This is certainly very interesting. Just wondered if anyone else has experienced this?


quote: Posted by Fredrik_Fiske
________________________________________________________________________________________________
What you need to avoid spoiling things is not more powerful amplification, but better quality.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
I agree that quality is more important than power, but having heard Naim amplification I would not look at using another brand, and can't afford their more powerful ranges yet. The little Nait 5i is certainly a fine and enjoyable amp...I am only guessing how much more my speakers would sing with the more powerful Naim amps.

Best Regards
Phil