[dougli]

If anyone has compared these 2 units, I'd sure appreciate your comments. I'm considering replacing the Sony with the NAD for my headphone setup.

Thanks

 

[Tuberoller]

Doug,

I'm pretty sure Jude has both and maybe even Macdef.I have not heard both side-by-side so a good comparison is not possible.I do remember the sonics of both player being very different.

 

[dougli]

Thanks for the tip. I just sent Jude a PM...

 

[MacDEF]

Quote:

[]Originally posted by Tuberoller [/i] I'm pretty sure Jude has both and maybe even Macdef.I have not heard both side-by-side so a good comparison is not possible.I do remember the sonics of both player being very different.

I've never owned the C541i, but I did own the acclaimed 502, which supposedly has very similar sonic character. I also own an NS500V.

While I never owned them at the same time, they were so distinctly different that I feel pretty comfortable commenting on them. The NS500V, like many good Sony players, provides an extremely clear and detailed presentation. Some people find it a bit too clear/detailed (terms such as "sterile" and "analytical" are used); I personally don't think it's that extreme. NAD players tend to provide a much warmer and more "musical" sound. The detail is there, but it's not as clear/accentuated as on many Sony models.

Keep in mind that you're talking about two very good CDPs, so these comparisons are *relative* to one another. Basically, if you like lots of detail, or have a warm system that you want to counteract, go with the Sony. If you have a bright system, or like a warmer sound, go with the NAD. If you're not sure, audition

 

[FCJ]

Quote:

Originally posted by MacDEF I've never owned the C541i, but I did own the acclaimed 502, which supposedly has very similar sonic character. I also own an NS500V. While I never owned them at the same time, they were so distinctly different that I feel pretty comfortable commenting on them. The NS500V, like many good Sony players, provides an extremely clear and detailed presentation. Some people find it a bit too clear/detailed (terms such as "sterile" and "analytical" are used); I personally don't think it's that extreme. NAD players tend to provide a much warmer and more "musical" sound. The detail is there, but it's not as clear/accentuated as on many Sony models. Keep in mind that you're talking about two very good CDPs, so these comparisons are *relative* to one another. Basically, if you like lots of detail, or have a warm system that you want to counteract, go with the Sony. If you have a bright system, or like a warmer sound, go with the NAD. If you're not sure, audition

Doug,

I own the NS500V and an NAD CD player as part of their L40 system, and MacDEF is right on the money. I guess if you want to counteract the brightness of the Beyer 931 than the NAD may be a good solution. However, I've found the sound from my NAD CD player too laid back for my tastes. I really like the Sony NS500V presentation (I use it with the Stax Basic system and love the results).

 

[dougli]

Thanks for all of your helpful replies. For now, I think I'll stick with my Sony, and my Corda will be "Blued".