Naim CDS3/XPS2 vs Meridian 800 vs Linn Unidisk 1.1

I've heard the latest versions of the DAC-4 hooked up to an Audionote transport, and the DAC-5 signature hooked up to either an Audionote transport or the very strange 47 labs transport. I've never heard any Naim player being used as just a transport -- I am not sure if Naim gear even have digital outputs.

The 555PS provides a subtle improvement in the texture/detail of musical instruments, particularly lower range instruments like a string bass or bassoon. Also, the sense of space around an instrument is also better defined. The improvement is there, but not that substantial. Still, if you bet the XPS2 and decide to upgrade the power supply later, the XPS2 commands a decent price on the second hand market.

If fast, transparent and authoritative is what you prize most, I would say the Naim, then the Meridian and then the Linn. The cheaper CDX2 might also be to your liking. It is VERY dynamic and fast sounding without resorting to a tipped up treble to give the impression of speed. But, what that unit gives away to the CDS3 is that its soundstage is much flatter, it sounds a bit mechanical and less "organic" or natural, and it is a touch dry sounding for my taste.

At CES, I heard an MSB player that sounded very nimble and transparent, with a lot of "air" around the top notes. It reminded me of good SACD players in that respect. I don't recall the model, but I believe it was their flagship. That unit might be to your liking too.

I do listen to both classical and non-classical music. This does make it difficult to pick out stereo equipment. For pop/rock music, a number of people and now you also do seem to favor Naim for the liveliness, fast and forward presentation.

For classical music we are needing both very wide soundstage for the many instruments and the clarity to cover the entire frequency spectrum. So far we talked about Linn having that upper frequency and the effortless sound relative to Meridian. You talked about the CDS3 for its natural timbre and its surprise performance on soundstage. What would your ranking be for the 3 pieces in regarding to (1) natural and effortless sound for the entire frequency spectrum, and separately for (2) wide but non-colored soundstage. Oh I am sure for such high-performance pieces like these 3, the dealers did use their best or about the best peripheral equipment. Thus it's not a direct comparison but it has to do. When I manage somehow to audit these pieces, I am going to face the same handicap of mismatched peripheral equipment.

Would you agree that for those who listen to all kinds of music like myself, Meridian is a good promise for its not too tart not too sweet design on all the criteria discussed. Thanks.

"Would you agree that for those who listen to all kinds of music like myself, Meridian is a good promise for its not too tart not too sweet design on all the criteria discussed."
Yup.

Kal