Having today got a new Nait 50, and now awaiting our new JBL 4309 speakers, I’m starting to seriously wonder if we would be better off swapping out our Moon 260D transport/Chord Qutest DAC for a Naim CD5si. Obviously the CD5si is an entry level player but will have the Naim sound. The Moon/Qutest is a higher level source but has a very different presentation. There are still a few brand new CD5si’s floating around.
We want to maintain the Naim PRaT as much as possible so the CD5si makes sense in that regard. But is it a good enough source for the N50/JBL’s or is it likely to be out of it’s depth? And is it such a big step down from the Moon/Qutest that do it would be silly. Any experience / comments from members would be greatly appreciated.
@Richard.Dane I seem to recall you once writing something about some JBL speakers that you heard with a basic Naim CD player/Nait 5 and how fantastic it sounded. Do you have any advice to offer here please in view of your experience/knowledge? Does the CD5si make sense to you in this context or is it a daft idea?
@Skeptikal I seem to recall you saying that you have a CD5si and I believe you also have an LP12. Obviously the LP12 is a top class source and extremely musical so how would you say your CD5si compares with such a lot to live up to? I would instictively imagine that it’s a noticeable step down in terms of musical engagement but perhaps I’m completely wrong. Thanks.
I seem to recall you had abandoned your thoughts of changing…
If you will pardon by saying, it just seems to me from your previous musings on change, and your apparent continusl desire to try all manner of tweaks, that you have yet to find a system that is truly satisfying. Might it not be better to take a step back and actually start from scratch, drastic though it may seem. You could spend some of your now increased leisure time visiting several dealers each having a wide stock range, and have a really good listen to multiple completely different systems, playing examples of all the different types of music you like, to try to find something that has the magic you need? Then have a home trial to verify and if that works part exchange for the entirety of kit that you have, consigning it all to memory?
I don’t mean that critically, it’s just that I feel sad when I read of people struggling to get everything right.
I think the most pragmatic approach would be to listen to the 260D/Qutest into the N50/JBLs and hear what they sound like after quite some time to get used to the new sound signature.
You will then be in a better, more knowledgible position to decide if changing out to a CD5si might be worth it and a home demo of the CD5si would give you the answer.
Changing out too much equipment, all at the same time, is not really the best way forward.
As a fellow owner of a 260D, I would advise you to keep this excellent CD transport and if you want to chase a more Naim sound, then buy a NDAC to replace the Qutest, then you would have an excellent CD front end and could then add a streaming transport later, whilst also retaining the Naim sound signature.
TBH I feel like I’ve got side tracked in a way. In a nutshell - I used and loved Linn/Naim equipment for many years, since 1985, and would never have considered anything else. Then various things happened and I had to sell it. I spent a while in the hi-fi wilderness and then when we had the funds again I became keen to get a large pair of horn loaded speakers. Hence the Klipsch Forte III’s. Getting Naim amplification then wasn’t an option and I had to look elsewhere - hence Moon/Chord. I’ve been thrilled with our syatem but for a long time now I haven’t been able to rid myself of a strong desire to return to Naim. When something like this happens it seems to me that it’s really a subliminal message telling me something. If I was truly satisfied with what we have then I wouldn’t be having these thoughts.
So after a false start some time ago I’ve finally bit the bullet and followed my instincts. Thanks for your thoughts - appreciated.
Thanks Richard. If pushed though, and from what you know, do you think it makes sense to get the CD5si? What is your gut feeling if you don’t mind me asking you? I realise it’s entry level of course but it’s the only way of getting a brand new Naim CD player. I accept in many ways it won’t be up to the same standard as the Moon/Qutest but what it will have is the Naim presentation. What I’m a bit worried about is it being out of its depth with the Nait 50 asnd JBL 4309’s. I don’t suppose you’re familiar with those particular JBL’s but I don’t think, from what I’ve read, that they are especially demanding of having a top level source or anything, in the way that say Kans were. We know the CD5si works particularly well with the Nait 5si, but how about with the Nait 50?
You cannot borrow one for home trial if you plan to buy new? Otherwise looking into the used market and study used prices on Hifishark and then buy one is rather risk free since you can sell it at about same cost later on if so.
@70sPete
Hi
Yes indeed it is quite a different presentation but having said that it’s much better than some I have had previously or tried.
I love the mechanical simplicity and very robust construction with also the great compatibility with my Supernait 3
It’s no slouch and is a no brainer a classic Naim CDP with warranty at that price.
Yes indeed the LP12 is a different gig
The difference is no disaster but just what it is I’ve no regrets.
I’m very interested to read how your new experiment is going.
Incidentally I have a mate that like me dumped Linn boxes because of no support and no wish to go down the Exakt and all that rabbit hole.
I went to Naim and he went to Moon he was sucked into the lifetime guarantee stuff.
Well his moon to me sounds like his old linn but duller with the same volume trait I hated for many years with the very lazy logarithmic volume control it had to be wound right up to get much.
My Naim is the very opposite very lively and punchy and lots of headroom on the volume I’ll never need.
I think your N50 will be a wake up for you.
Thanks for sharing @Skeptikal. I’ve got the Nait 50, now ordered a CD5si (had to move quick to secure a new one) and JBL 4309 speakers arriving tomorrow. Need to get cables and speaker stands and make a mains block before I can listen though. I’ll definitely report back when it’s all fired up and post some pictures. Yes I’m very excited to be returning to Naim after a long absence. It feels right.
Yes the Moon is a complelety different presentation for sure but was necessary for the Klipsch’s. But with anything else it’s not my cup of tea at all.
I have one that feeds into my Supernait 3 and I can’t fault the experience. I think it’s about 10 years since I bought it and it’s been totally trouble free. Great build quality nave nicely tactile with the swing arm tray. Not as good as my turntable set up, but it’s not far off. I like the “designed right” approach too, so no need to worry about external DACs or power supplies.
Home made power lead made a small but worthwhile improvement as did placing on a fraim.
