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The Naim 'sound'

i have an accuphase cdp which on the whole i like a lot but sometimes i wish it was more dynamic in its presentation of the music. overall though i feel it gives me plenty of detail and a real sound. i have also thought about a naim cdp but for every person who seems to love the Naim 'sound', there seems to be someone else who hates it with a passion and thinks the 'sound' Naim creates is false. the main criticism seems to be that yes, it does give you a very dynamic explosion of sound and is very fast but that it misses a lot of the musical and that the naim 'sound' is actually quite artificial. i would be interested to hear if people agree or disagree with this argument. i have not done a direct comparison yet between an accuphase cdp and the naim cdx2(which is the player i would be thinking about)but whilst i might sometimes crave a bit more dynamism from my accuphase, i would not want to sacrifice the accuphase genuine sound for something that may be slightly artificial
merseyboy
larryi
4,038 posts
 
I own a CDS-3 (with 555PS power supply). To me, it is the least like other Naim gear in that it is actually not as rythmically insistent (which translates to mechanical sounding to me) than their other models. Still, I like the CDX2. Another plus is that the CDX2 becomes a MUCH better player when it is coupled to an XPS2 power supply. That means there is an upgrade path, albeit, an expensive upgrade.
teajay
1,695 posts
 
I don't think of myself as a "Naim Hater", but I did have the following experience with the Naim reference two box CDP that retails for $12000.00.

I was going through an extensive auditioning process of CDP's and DAC's, over seven different pieces, and wanted to hear the Naim because it had gotten such rave reveiws at that time. Well, the player I took home was fully broken-in, not damaged or broken, and was one of the worst sounding/unmusical/annoying pieces of gear I have ever auditioned in my home. I gave up trying to see if it would improve or grow on me after three days.

It's all personnal taste and system synergy really, so my opinion is that the Naim digital gear comes no were close to what the best digital front ends have to offer.
skipclemmons
17 posts
 
I have a CDS ii which is awesome, even after a few years. Naim CD players fit pretty well in other systems. The rest of my setup is tubes, and the Naim player sounds almost as good as my Verdier.
audiofan12
12 posts
 
I have had a number of CD players including several Naim player. I have had a Gamut, Arcam, Linn, Classe, Creek, Quad and a half dozen other players over the years. I think the Naim players in general are extremely good. The CD5, CD5x and CDS3 are laid back at the same time very dynamic and involving. The CD5 is probably the bargain of the group. I owned but did not care for the CDX2 which I found too agressive and somewhat "shouty" compared to the 5 series or the CDS3.
larryi
4,038 posts
 
Audiofan12,

I agree with your characterization of the various Naim players. The 'shouty' quality you mention for the CDX2 is what I have described as a rhythmically insistent and mechanical sound. I hear that too with the CDX2.

But, in a lot of systems, this is not so much a big issue and is more properly characterized as a tendency. Someone who finds other players a little too laid back and dull may like that little added zing.

I personally own, and like very much, the CDS3. I have also added the 555PS power supply. This makes a somewhat subtle improvement in the sound (better bass definition, better soundstage depth and better recovery of room cues).
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