[Jasonharkin]

Hi Guys

I am going to pick up a cdp within the next week or two, however I am torn over which one. I cannot audition any of these players as there is no decent hifi stores near my home, this is were you guys come in. I listen to all types of music, from Bob Dylan to Metallica to Depeche Mode, this CDP will be hooked up to an RSA Raptor. The contenders are, Naim CD5i, Cyrus CD6, Quad CDP99 and finally a used Meridian 507. I am only interested in UK based manufacturers by the way (This is due to the fact that I suffer from upgrade syndrome and British made electronic's hold their price on the second hand market, thats all).

Regards Jason

 

[guzzler]

I'd give a very biased vote to the Cyrus CD6, firstly on sound quality (someone posted a short review recently, no need to rehash) and also it offers a superb upgrade path all the way to CD8x standard without having to buy or sell anything else. It's absolutely bullet proof as well, and Cyrus are a wonderful company to deal with

 

[memepool]

These are all very good. The Naim can also be upgraded by adding an external power supply. But it has that puck disc clamp which I would find annoying. The Quad can be used as a DA converter and a pre-amp and therefore plugged straight into a power amp which is cool.
In terms of the music you listen to the Naim will probably be most impressive. It has amazing speed which is really good with heavy rock / thrash and industrial stuff. It will sound a bit less realistic than the others with acoustic stuff like Bob Dylan.
The Quad will sacrifice rhythmic speed in favour of tonality so will sound more convincing on the Dylan but a bit laid back on the Metallica. Depeche Mode will just sound fatter on the Quad and more rhythmical on the Naim.
Maybe the Cyrus would be a good compromise but I would say if you heard the 3 of them together you would probably go for the Naim. It just rocks..

 

[Jasonharkin]

Thanks for that, I am currently leaning towards this set-up,
Naim CD5---->Naim Hicap---->Naim Headline---->Grado PS1
I would be blistering fast I think for metal.

 

[hornbreath]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonharkin Thanks for that, I am currently leaning towards this set-up, Naim CD5---->Naim Hicap---->Naim Headline---->Grado PS1 I would be blistering fast I think for metal.

I'd be careful about confusing the Naim CD5 with the CD5i. The 5i is "stand alone" as far as the external PS is concerned.
jrt

 

[Jasonharkin]

Hi

No I know already, I lost interest in Naim CD5i due to it being hard to find second hand and the fact that you cannot add a flatcap or hicap power supply to it. But its still a great player. Naim CD5 are easy to comeby used and their is some bargains to be had.

Regards

 

[sclamb]

Jason

These guys were recommended to my by Howard at Simply Stax.

http://www.tomtomaudio.co.uk/index2.htm

In the end I went for the Ayrer CX-7e, but Tomtom Audio specialise is pre-owned Naim and Howard rates them highly. Howard is also now starting to sell Esoteric, Thiele, Ayre, Levinson and maybe some others. Not sure if Naim was in there.

Simon

 

[peter braun]

A complete Naim headphone setup would be cool, especially as not many headfiers own a similiar rig. The CD5 is also just a great cd player. I am also considering getting Quad 99 CDP myself. I have heard a unit before and it sounded terrific. It can also be used as a pre-amp for an all digital rig, and in that role it is supposed to be superb.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

Cyrus looks awesome.

Who cares if it sounds good? I'd buy it on looks alone. It will get you the chicks...

-Matt

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyfrenchman27 Cyrus looks awesome. Who cares if it sounds good? I'd buy it on looks alone. It will get you the chicks... -Matt

I've yet to meet any chicks who'll go out with me on the strength of my CD player...still looking, though.