Sustaining Naim CDPs - An Appeal

Hi Richard. My point is that there seem to be lots of dealers selling CD players inc naim dealers who are omitting any mention of this issue. Not every customer would think to research this point. They’d just be buying a CD player.I just think potential customers for second hand equipment should be made aware of a key potential problem that exists under the present circumstances.

Ah right. So you think any dealer selling an item where certain parts can no longer be factory supported should clearly state that fact? Even though the item is working well and may not need that part to be replaced for many, many years (maybe even ever?). I don’t think I’ve ever seen that on a short ad, but possibly if it’s a concern then it’s something you might want to ask as a buyer (I would, and probably you would too) so I can’t see any major issue here.

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Yes I do

This progress of this thread is quite possibly taking me in a direction I didn’t intend i.e a streamer. We’ll see!

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I can quite see that……not much hope has been sprinkled.:disappointed_relieved:

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1994 new CD3 no problems, 2006 new CDX2 no problems, 2016 new CDX2.2 mech failed early 2021. CD platter came away with a CD. The platter had a radial hairline crack. There have been a few reports of the same thing with recent machines. The puck had much more magnetism than the 2006 puck, so I now carefully use the 2006 puck which works fine.

I took the platter from a cheap eBay mech and put it on the Naim mech. My CDX2.2 is working now without any problems.

I have always loved the Naim CD sound.

I’m looking at flogging mine and looking at other manufacturers. Not interested in this streaming malarkey. Looking like Leema, Rega, Musical fidelity, Cyrus.
Get what I can for it let someone else deal with it

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C’mon there is a very high chance the seller won’t even know what is and isn’t available. When you sell a used car, do you list what is and isn’t available from the manufacturer? Of course not.

The onus is on the buyer to investigate background. The seller is responsible for ensuring that the physical object “as sold” is not misrepresented. That’s all.

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Well said the seller is under no obligation to divulge potential problems or spares shortage when selling items. Dam sure I wouldn’t once sold it’s gone pal in my opinion no warranty with me I would point out any blemishes it may have in listing that’s all

Thanks Richard. The point he is making is that our legacy products can be repaired somehow if the mech goes. It just won’t necessarily be by Naim and may not have any warranty. But by some means keep these players going and don’t give up!

I have not read the entire thread (too depressing) but I think my experiences with Naim CD players may be of interest.

My initial Naim CD player was the CDS, at the time, probably the finest player available. Eventually the mech gave out and it was no longer replaceable; it became a very expensive door stop. Even its dedicated power supply (with still worked perfectly) was useless with any other Naim product. VERY FRUSTRATING!
I then moved on to a CDS3, then the current top of the line player. Eventually, it do suffered from a failed mech, (Deja Vu!) but at least it was still repairable. I had it serviced by Chris West and it came back in perfect working condition, and lasted for about 2(!) years before the mech went again! By this time frustration had taken on a whole new meaning! After a bit of back and forth, Chris agreed to replace the mech, only charging for the unit, not the labor. (It was no longer under warranty.)
Eventually, I upgraded my entire system (250, 252, CDS3) with a complete used 500DR system, including the CD555 w/ two power supplies. though I had a problem with the lid mech on the 555, the transport continues to work perfectly; however, considering my previous experiences with failed mechs and armed with the knowledge that replacement mechs are rapidly becoming extinct, I arranged with Naim to acquire a backup mech for the 555, just in case. Considering the cost of a CD555, the idea of it becoming useless one day was beyond exasperating. So now I have a brand new mech, sitting in a box, just in case…

I thought this might be something to consider, especially if you own a CD555.

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There are two threads with the same title? A bit confusing …
I think this one is the legit one :smiley:

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Be aware mechs can deteriorate even though not used. The grease can harden over time and some lasers have a plastic lens that can get cloudy.

I think the bottom line is there will always be someone out there who has specialist knowledge to repair these CD players. Will it be done by Naim? Probably not. But there are specialists out there who can repair electronics and mechs. It will be a specialist area but it can be done. We need to keep these players going as long as possible.

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Wow…you’re depressing!!

True. Even new and unused mechs can fail during storage.

So…is there a “best way” to store them?

I don’t know - I would guess just use common sense. IIRC the new mechs kept at Naim are only removed from their packing boxes when required for testing and setting up. As for the mech in a player then it’s probably best to check it and exercise it now and then. If storing long term then replace any transit bolts or protective packing, place back in the original packaging with some desiccant bags, and store in a cool dry place. But I think with laser mechs there are never any guarantees, one day they can be working just fine, and the next they could be dead.

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In a dark and dry place, like a bottle of good whisky.

Then say a little pray.

Well, I’ve got the whisky part down! LOL