Last night my CD5X was sounding tip-top one moment and then the next moment cutting out and distorting badly in the left-hand channel. Some swapping around with interconnects and inputs confirmed it is the CD player.
Any theories what the problem might be? I’m guessing it’s not the transport, but more likely the DAC or another failed component – in which case, is it salvageable? Bloody love this player, so I’m not happy right now!
Probably a question for Naim Servicing while they have it open on the bench.
Several things can cause cutting and out distortion. Nearly all will be Naim repair only unless there is a simple dry joint on the output a dealer is authorized to deal with.
Diagnosing it with absolute accuracy on the forum is probably not realistic.
@NeilS might be willing to advance an opinion?
Left or right - I hope it isn’t this as per my post last year.
“ Naim having confirmed that they are no longer repairing CD players - I had my local dealer send my CD5X as a last hope it to their repair man who reports:
“left channel PCM1704 IC Pro version DAC has PCM serial data input but no analog output - SMD IC DAC unobtainable in Pro-version and obselete, player classed as EOSL (End of Service Life)” “
EOSL. That is my fear. I have spoken with the local dealer, who sucked his teeth. There is a steady crackling sound coming through the left channel, even with no disc playing.
What is the rest of your system?
Do you have any other sources?
Could you have a bad cable somewhere in your system?
David
I dug out my original Uniti and linked that up via the line out to the XS3. In that configuration, CDs are playing fine. It’s definitely the CD5X that’s the problem.
Can I ask how old the CD5X is please? I am already worrying about the day my CD5XS packs up and I have to tell the wife that what I said about Naim gear being built to last was wrong.
My CD5X is still in good condition,play all disc fine .
It is 2008 year manufacture.
Makes no difference mine lost the right channel first (repaired by Naim when they were still repairing CDs). Then the left channel went.
It was in my third system and I would think I played no more than 100 CDs on it from new. All in all a very expensive versus use purchase.
Just luck of the draw.
It does sound like a DAC failure. I’m not sure what our position is regarding non transport related faults. I would reach out to our tech support dept. directly to get an accurate picture.
Regards
Neil.
I think it’s a 2006 model. I bought it a couple of years ago from a dealer; the paperwork supplied with showed it had been serviced in 2018, receiving a new mech. I thought I would be good for a few more years yet…
My local dealer is reaching out. He didn’t sound hopeful, though.
My CD5XS is from 2011. It is still a worry that if/when it does stop playing discs that it is only fit for landfill. Better treat it with care.
This always surprises me a bit. I mean, it certainly is a possible outcome. But there are other steps before then if someone is so inclined:
That’s pretty much my thinking. And it could be something as simple as a loose connection inside. But it does feel disheartening that something that has been designed and built with such care and good old-fashioned solidity may be beyond economical repair.
Good points I had not considered. Worst case, I would get some funds towards a new CD player.
@RunRonnieRun did you find a solution.
I have fond memories from my time with a CD5X + FC2X
When I realized the risk scenario of becoming a doorstop, I went to Rega CD players which is fully supported.
Fingers crossed OP get it solved.
I did: an independent repair chap. It was indeed a failed DAC, and he happened to have a replacement in stock. I am listening to my rejuvenated CD5X as a I type (Sons of Kemet, Back to the Future). Fingers crossed it’ll now give me a few more years of groovy service.