It’s worth noting, as mentioned above, that the looks are not identical. The XS3 has a brushed fascia, other than the middle, whereas the CD5si has the cheaper fully painted finish.
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My XS3 and ND5 XS2 are smooth whereas the CD5si is very slightly rougher, but the difference barely noticeable in a rack with normal lighting, even up close.
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I agree, it’s no big deal, but worth making sure the OP isn’t expecting a perfect match.
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I’m not bothered about them not matching
I’m only interested in the CD5Si matching ok with the XS3 sound wise
In that case, go for it.
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That’s great thanks HungryHalibut
At least a new CD5Si will come with a warranty
Pretty sure I’ll be buying a new CD5Si because anything used is a huge risk when Naim cannot service it now
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Hurrah! For completeness, my only very minor quibble with mine is that I have 2 slightly thicker CDs from the 1990s (Metallica and U2 from memory) that it simply refuses to play, which is a known issue with the magnetic “puck” that Naim use to hold CDs in place, affecting a very few CDs, possibly just from that era. But that is 2 out of over 2,000 and I just stream them on Tidal instead. It is still an excellent player in my experience.
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Perfect thanks AntonSmith
I reckon a brand new CD5Si is the safest way forward; it might not be as good as a CDX2 etc but the CDX2 can no longer be serviced by Naim and that’s a huge worry to me
The CDX2 can be purchased for less than £1k now but it’s a huge risk
I’d rather have a brand new CD5Si with a full Naim warranty than a very risky second hand purchase
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When are you splashing the cash?!
Sounds very sensible to me.
I’m actually ready to ‘splash the cash’ now Christopher_M
I’m just trying to get the best deal from a Naim dealer at the moment
This close to Christmas I don’t think many people have the spare cash available but I’m in the lucky position to be able to shell out on a cd player right now
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I’m thinking of replacing my 140/72/Hicap to reduce units so any idea how they would compare to an XS3.
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I purchased a new CD5si from a dealer a couple of months ago. It comes with a 5 year warranty and is a lovely player, I think you will be pleased.
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Perfect thanks Aren
I’m looking forward to getting one
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Hi Royh
I have absolutely no idea how the XS3 would compare to your current setup
However I’m extremely happy with the XS3; it has a very addictive sound to it which I’m loving so far
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I believe VA is roughly equivalent to watts.
Soundwise. - as you call it - CD5i/CD5Si were actually made to go with Nait 5i/Nait 5Si as a combo.
CD5X/CD5XS intended for Nait XS/XS2.
This doesn’t mean mixing isn’t ok, just notice source first would create best result, for example CDX2 into XS amp etc..
I was a big fan of Naim CD players, apart from the entry level CD5i/Si, as my amplication was quite revealing, I wasn’t happy on that level, notice coming from CDS/CDX/CD5X range.
When I realized the possible doorstop scenario (no repair support) I went from Naim CD players to Rega. They fully support their customers and make some fantastic players too. Fantastic company BTW.
I’d encourage you to go listen for yourself if you accept top loading machines.
Have Naim discontinued the 5Si series by now ?
Meaning only available from dealers with old stock ?
I caught an XS and then landed a SN2 but I preferred the flavor of the XS, so I threw it back and fished around for an XS2.
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