Naim CD5 XS

Hi-Fi Corner
1

I am looking at buying a used CD5 XS to replace my aged Rega Planet. I would add a Hi Cap or flat cap to the Naim. I have a NAC282 Dr and NAP250Dr with two hi caps. Any views on whether a used CD5 XS is worthwhile or should I look at newer offerings from current manufacturers.

2

Are you running a Naim streamer?
I went Audiolab CDT through my NDX2’s DAC for my CD solution.
Excellent sound quality, with the NDX2 doing all the heavy lifting.
Just a thought if you have a streamer with digital input connections.

3

IME a Flatcap is better on their CD players rather than Hicap, while powering preamps its the opposite, if possible listen for yourself.

I had that combo CD5XS/FC2XS back then and it was really good, a pity with the doorstop scenario, reason I went to Rega Saturn latest edition.

4

I have a Flat Cap and a CD5XS

5

I’m a huge fan of my CD5 XS with a FCXS. I imagine these models are capable of giving you the essence of Naim in your Naim set.

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I would say another option, which I felt was better than a HiCap on the CD5XS is using it as a transport to an nDAC.

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7

Suggest you read the forum rules mon ami.

8

Hi Nicholas

I have the CD5XS, it’s great piece of Naim kit, highly recommended if you can find one, I think those who have one hold onto them

I started off just using as alone and sounded pretty good

Then progressed using its digital out ( master stroke by Naim to introduce that) to the NDAC - really excellent SQ

Ultimate nDAC to XPS2 , icing on the cake

Can’t go wrong with the CD5XS, I’m sure it sounds really with the flat cap also

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9

I used to have a CD5XS with FC2. Very good on its own, even better with the FC2 (which, IIRC, made it sound more analogue/natural).

10

Exactly mirrors my experience.

11

That accords with my experience with a CD5XS. Mind you, even better than a Flatcap IMO is to get an nDAC and use the CD5 as transport. That makes a front end worthy of a 282/250 and with potential for further improvement with a power supply.

Roger

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12

Second that :+1:

13

CD5XS is now the only bit of Naim kit in my main system. I bought it specifically for use as a transport and because the swing out drive is the nicest solution to loading CDs I’ve ever used. I use it mainly for playing classical music and it sounds fab through my Aqua La Scala DAC. Highly recommended.

14

Thanks forgot that so I’ve canned it.

15

Best through most DAC’s I reckon glos_olly :+1:

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