Naim CD5si

This player was one available for my test Nait

Measures (counts manufacturer)
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DAC 24/192 TI Burr Brown PCM 1793
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz, - 0.6 dB at 20 kHz
Load impedance min. : 10 kOhms
Output Impedance: 10 Ohms max.
Line Output Level: 2.1 Vrms at 1 kHz
THD: <0.007% of 10 Hz to 20 kHz
1x RCA stereo
1x stereo output DIN
Dimensions (WxHxD): 432 x 70 x 301 mm
Weight: 8.1 kg
Price: 1,330 Euros

Note that the manufacturer does not provide the dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio for this product. Two important figures for the evaluation of a device.

Appearance:
Those who know me know that Naim are not my cup of tea at the visual level. I find them ugly. The materials are austere and color scheme makes me want sulfater a cargo of small cats.

In terms of connectivity, it comes down to a DIN output bayonet connection system of the last century and specialty at Naim, and that the failure to sound better, you should prevent your device to combine with other sets marks. It's stupid, it's idiot is Naim. However, you find at least two RCA outputs, remains to be seen if they have been developed with a minimum of care, that I have not been able to assess during my test, because we were always connected in DIN.

Idiophile a small detail for our friends club "in the grisgris hifi" ... the reader has an off button ... at the rear of the machine, because, in theory, it is advisable to leave the cd player continuously lit, and ... you see it coming ... ITS BETTER TO HAVE A. This theory is, of course based on any valid study and no quantifiable measure supports its assertions. This is later then you need to imagine the designer of this spirited him stick his stickers Alba in a room full flanked brodules mk2 player .... it reassures / Cool (tick as appropriate).

Add that, from the inside, this player shows a poverty equipment unnamed. There is nothing in this player apart from a large transformer (format disproportionate to the plate to feed), some condos filtering, and small chip of dac chasing its opamps. It's ultra-poor, and for 1,330 euros, is already at the limit of the scam. An empty shell very expensive in the end. Only praiseworthy element, the cd tray, original, which opens on the side door and block reading, seems strong and durable. At least that.

In my test, the CD5si was a serious obstacle. Its converter is not bad, but it is the pick when compared to serious competitors. There was, for example, impossible to hear the difference between this and a CD5si NAD Bee was available. Ditto for a Harman Kardon entry level passing by. The comparative double-blind does not notice a difference which allows me to identify it. In itself, this is pretty good, because it means we did not give him a signature that distorts the result. But at the same time he fought eye to eye with the entry level. WTF!

However, you can clearly hear the problems to restore depth and off dynamics when compared with:

- Colleagues Naim better designed
- An Accuphase CD player


You may say that for 1,330 euros, you can not expect miracles, what I would say you're right. But suddenly, the very existence of the reader is an enigma to me. Its only advantage is that it is an entry price to combine one element looks exactly like your chain Naim. But overall, it's a little lame duck that I recommend to avoid. Because, for 1,330 euros, you can be sure to buy a brake on your tracks, which is a pity. For 1,330 euros, you already have good hand readers, or simply a good start saving for readers cd's serious upper basket (Exposure classic, Accuphase DP400, Sugden pommedeterre, Audia Flight CD 2 and others).