I had a CDS 2 for years but decided to move it on before it turned into a doorstop. For the past five years I’ve been LP12 only, but I’ve got a stack of CDs collecting dust, so I’m keen to get back into CD playback.
I’m using an Oppo 105 at the moment it’s decent, but a bit uninspiring. I’m not interested in streaming, just want a solid CD player.
Since Naim seem to have stepped away from CD players, I’ll need to look at other brands. Any recommendations for something reasonably priced that could keep up with the CDS 2
A good inexpensive transport e.g. SMSL partnered with NDS/PSU if you can afford the combo - bargain and would beat your CDS2, otherwise paired with NDAC / NDX(/2) / maybe even ND5XS2 .. which would be used as your DAC. These will certainly keep pace, and probably surprise.
Thanks mate, but nah, I’ve had an NDS with 555PS and Hi-Line/powerline here for the last couple of months. It’s definitely good enough from a hi-fi point of view and does have (to a point) that classic Naim DNA but lacks that CDS pRat imo. I just don’t enjoy streaming.
If you re-read you’ll find I suggested using these devices as DACS, not streamers. However if you don’t like them, the transport may not make enough of a difference. Fair enough.
Naim DAC and a good transport such as a Meridian would be a good start. Lots of upgrade options too, such as Powerlines, XPS or 555PS PSU.
The transport though can make or break this one and it’s worth trying some out as I found that most sound much of a muchness, but a few can break though that ceiling into something much more visceral.
Failing that, if you just want a cheap CD player that will be huge fun and give you the very essence of the early Naim CD player sound in its rawest form, get a working CD3, add a Hi-line just to finesse it a little, and then run it as long as you can. You might be surprised.
Ayre makes exceptional equipment, and has even been called “the U.S. Naim.” I have an Ayre universal disc player, now out of production, and currently in for servicing. Anyway, the Ayre CX-8 is a beaut. It’s available new for 6K-ish the the UK, or pre-owned for about 3K.
@PerF I had repeated failure with Rega Saturn CDP. After 6 months it stopped initializing the discs. Two replacements did the same thing. Rega support and dealer support was excellent. I gave up and moved on.
In fairness i also had several issues with my Naim CD5Si, after I moved from Rega to Naim.
As I said previously, my Luxman is very robust and easy to operate. I also found the UI on the Saturn to be challenging for those with visual issues. Orange letters on an orange background made the screen impossible to read. By comparison, the UI on the Luxmsn is a breeze.
I have been through many Naim CD players and there is nothing quite like them.
I have had the following in order:
CD5Si. A good introduction to Naim which I enjoyed with Nait 5Si. My first two Naim boxes
CDS2 with XPS. Wow what a transformation. Stunning.
CDS3 with XPS2. Clearer and more detailed than CDS2 and stunning to look at. Loved it.
CDS2 with XPS2. Back to CDS2 and loved it again. Got rid as error messages popping up.
So what to do my friend?
I got myself a Marantz SA12SE to start with and used as transport into ND555 with 2 x 555PSDRs. Beautifully built, brand new. Amazing build. Price £1850 new, half price deal.
And since June 2026 Marantz SA10. Sounds a great deal better analogue than above SA12SE. Bought used for £2950. 10 years old. Have kept SA12SE also. Stunning.
The Marantz players have built in power supplies and are built like tanks. Slightly warmer soundstage to Naim but I have never looked back, especially with SA10.
Marantz are very very good, but not the same as Naim.
The Accuphase CD players are meant to be superb also, my brother has one in New Zealand, but have not heard it as yet.
There are many other options. Rotel Michi is meant to be great also.
I use my SA10 as a source in itself and like the different sound from the ND555. It’s nice to have variation.
Richard, as a proud owner of a 30 year old CD3 (which I’m embarrassingly constantly thinking about replacing but don’t tell it!) I was really interested in your comment regarding the Hi-line. Does it really make an improvement? Just done a quick search & the Hi-line costs more than the CD3 is worth! Thanks.
@Richard.Dane. Sorry…just tried to edlit my original post but you beat me to it. Looks like the Hi-line costs more than the CD3 is worth! Not too sure what you mean about it dying & needing to be installed “with no stress”?