Ayre-cx-7eMP vs. Naim CD5SI Player


Hello folks, I’m getting a new Naim Supernait 3 and I have an Ayre-cx-7eMP player. Good shape and Ayre states will be able to be serviced in the future if necessary. I like the player and the performance. I’m looking for input on compatibility from you, the Audiogon family. In your opinion, will the Naim CD5SI with DIN connections, high quality manufacturering with a newer DAC equal or surpass the performance of the Ayre technology from 2009?

Naim dealers are encouraging me to keep the Naim synergy. Cabling is another issue but I have been informed by several dealers that the newer Naim circuitry has made it easier for cable matching. We can discuss cable matching and preferences further in the thread but for starters let’s discuss the differences in the two players.

The Ayre has been very good in my system. Prior to now it was mated to the Ayre K-5xeMP so that synergy was perfect. I have read much literature, seen many videos and spoken to Ayre about the performance of the Cx-7eMP. Ayre loves to talk to their customers. Big plus for Ayre - the separate power supplies for digital and analog sections. Fully balanced however I understand the Supernait 3 converts it’s signals to balanced as well. So I’m looking for your guidance, please.

Speakers are Totem Forest Signatures.

N

nutty
Post Script - Realizing that the only way to get a definitive result is to hear the two units in my space side by side. I’m simply looking for feedback first on the units pairing with the Supernait 3 before moving forward. Thanks!

N
i have gear from both firms…but not in same system…. i would be inclined to stick w Ayre. i would live w supernait, get that sonic baseline fully sorted then explore…..

btw, a decent bit perfect ripper and server into a good dac will destroy most CD players…..see NAIM Core….. just my buck fifty…
nutty

A tough choice to be sure. Individually, these 2 brands fare better upon sticking with natural Synergy. In other words, I would not mix/match this gear.  To my ears, each brand has a similar sonic signature. Not a bad characteristic at all. 

Happy Listening!
pmm - what happened?  Life happened,  things changed so now I'm working with the Naim Supernait 3. You say stay with the Ayre - Got it. 

tomic601 - great advice, the Core looks like a viable option. 

jafant - Thanks as usual. I too am leary about mixing the manufacturers. 

For now I'm going with the Ayre > Naim combination let's discuss cabling recommendations, please. What is the community usin

N