post #16 of 16
9/11/08 at 10:33am
Thread Starter 
I guess the moral of this story, is try before you buy. I bid for a MF A5CD on ebay and missed out on it, I was really keen after reading all the reviews. I then decided to audition some CDPs, packed the Slee Solo & HD600s and went testing, I tried out some Arcam CDPs ok but rather bland, Linn Magik, very smooth, too smooth and creamy, I liked it but it didn't feel right, Cyrus 8se, again good but not blown away. I finaly got chance to try the A5CD and excitedly put the CD in and.......absolutely hated it, it was easily (for the music I listen to) the worst of the lot, at first I was dissapointed that I still hadn't found the player for me, then the relief kicked in when I realised I hadnt just blown my money on a cdp I didn't like.

I then tried the Naim CD5x and instantly fell in love , what a machine, great timing, impact, musical flow, yet not in your face, it had a wonderful analogue quality about it, but at £1600 was over my budget. I left the shop and then the following day on ebay one appeared with matching Flatcap 2X and I got them both for £1180. Happy days.

I will never consider buying blind again.

Thanks for all your advice. Mark
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