Introducing the Naim CD5si, a no-nonsense CD player that stands out for its exceptional value-for-money offering. As the latest in Naim’s distinguished line of CD5 players, the CD5si sets itself apart with its purist approach to CD playback.
Implementing the same disc-spinning mechanism as the more expensive CDX2, the CD5si utilizes Naim’s unique loading mechanism, ensuring optimal disc positioning for error-free reading. Housing digital-to-analog conversion technology from Naim’s favored supplier, Burr Brown, this player also features a high-precision clock for digital section control, separate internal power supplies for digital and analog output circuitry, and improved analog filtering.
With its sleek, slimline form encased in Naim’s signature ultra-rigid, non-magnetic casing, the CD5si exudes sophistication while assuring durability. Offering seamless compatibility with the Nait 5i integrated amplifier, this CD player simplifies the operation with the supplied NARCOM-5 system handset. Despite its seeming simplicity, the CD5si embodies Naim’s commitment to technical brilliance and musical enjoyment.
Sound Quality
The Naim CD5si is hailed for its exceptional sound quality, making it one of the best CD players under the £1000 price bracket. This device is celebrated for its dynamic and enthusiastic delivery, confident handling of rhythms, and musical precision.
Its ability to bend over backward to deliver an exuberant and enjoyable performance is duly recognized. Detail and confidence in dynamics are among the CD5si’s strongest assets, along with a solid, full-bodied performance and an authoritative grasp of rhythms.
Its strong tonality offers a rich balance that promises a transformative experience for any music collection. While it may not delve into the finer threads of detail or match the clarity of some rivals, its animation, energy, and musical cohesion make the CD5si a highly capable performer.
To further enhance your audio experience, consider pairing the CD5si with its perfect match, the Naim Nait 5si integrated amplifier. Read our in-depth Naim Nait 5si Review to discover how it complements the CD5si’s capabilities and elevates your music listening.
Set-Up
The Naim CD5si CD Player sets a new standard for musical performance at an entry level. Its design pays homage to the enduring relevance of the CD format, particularly for music enthusiasts with extensive CD collections.
Significant improvements from the previous model, the CD5i, include an upgraded digital-to-analog converter chip – the Burr Brown PCM1793, a more stable DAC clock, higher voltage power supply rails, a revised analog filter design, and a new CD transport and laser optics.
The CD5si retains key features from the CD5i such as the unique swing-out CD drawer, laser tracking and digital error correction software, discrete analog output electronics, and a die-cast, non-magnetic enclosure construction.
This high-performing CD player has a stiff, extruded aluminum casework for excellent resistance to external vibration and a high-performance drawer and transport mechanism for low-resonance, low-inertia disc operation.
It supports CD and CD-R formats, with fixed line outputs and various physical specifications including weight and dimensions, power consumption, and supply voltage.
Build Quality
The Naim CD5si, bestowed with the title of Product of the Year 2013, is a remarkable embodiment of Naim’s commitment to merging superior sound with exceptional value for money. Housed in the company’s standard black finish and simplistic design, the CD5si is the enhanced version of the CD5i.
Recognizable Naim trademarks abound with the addition of the ‘s’ denoting advanced digital-to-analog circuitry, improved analog filtering, a more stable clock, and a prolonged transport mechanism to its revered manual swing-drawer arrangement.
While its feature set may be minimal, the absence of digital outputs and an upgrade path is consistent with Naim’s ethos. The CD5si is an exceptional example of Naim’s relentless pursuit of enhancing an already successful product.
What Are The Pros and Cons
Pros
- The Naim CD5si uses the same disc-spinning mechanism as the more expensive CDX2, ensuring optimal disc positioning for error-free reading.
- It houses digital-to-analog conversion technology from Naim’s favored supplier, Burr Brown, and a high-precision clock for digital section control.
- The CD5si offers seamless compatibility with the Nait 5i integrated amplifier and simplifies operation with a supplied NARCOM-5 system handset.
- The device delivers exceptional sound quality, with dynamic and enthusiastic delivery, confident handling of rhythms, and musical precision.
- The CD5si is celebrated for its detail, confidence in dynamics, and a solid, full-bodied performance.
- Significant improvements from the previous model include an upgraded digital-to-analog converter chip, a more stable DAC clock, higher voltage power supply rails, a revised analog filter design, and new CD transport and laser optics.
Cons
- The CD5si may not delve into the finer threads of detail or match the clarity of some rivals.
- The device supports CD and CD-R formats only, limiting the use of other popular audio formats.
- The feature set of CD5si is minimal and lacks digital outputs and an upgrade path.
Feature Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Casework | Stiff, extruded aluminium casework provides excellent resistance to external vibration |
| Drawer and Transport Mechanism | High performance drawer and transport mechanism, similar to the premium CDX2 model, providing low resonance, low-inertia disc operation |
| Power Supplies | Discrete digital and analogue power supplies for superior isolation of sound critical electronics |
| Digital to Analogue Converter Chip | Upgraded to a Burr Brown PCM1793 which is very closely related to the one used in the NDX high-end streaming player |
| DAC Clock | More stable, improving sound quality |
| Power Supply Rails | Higher voltage, enhancing performance |
| Analogue Filter Design | Revised for better sound quality |
| CD Transport and Laser Optics | Brand new, enhancing performance and reliability |
| Naim Audio Trademarks | Retains unique Naim Audio swing-out CD drawer, laser tracking and digital error correction software, discrete analogue output electronics, and a die-cast, non-magnetic enclosure construction |
Naim CD 5Si Specification
| Product Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio Outputs De-emphasis | ±0.1dB referred to main response |
| Line Outputs Fixed (level) | 2.1V RMS at 1kHz |
| THD + N | <0.007%, 10Hz - 20kHz at full level |
| Load Impedance | 10kΩ (min.) |
| Output Impedance | 10Ω (max.) |
| Analogue | DIN, RCA |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz – 20kHz, -0.6dB at 20Hz |
| CD Formats | Red Book |
| Disc Compatibility | CD, CD-R |
| Weight | 5.9kg |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 70 x 432 x 301 mm |
| Power Consumption | 9VA (stop mode), 12VA (play mode), 16VA (peak) |
| Supply Voltage | 100V, 115V, 230V; 50 or 60Hz |
| Front Panel | Four button matrix |
| Remote Control | Infra Red (RC5) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Naim CD5si CD Player emerges as a product that exemplifies the ideal blend of technical brilliance, remarkable build quality, and exceptional value for money. This is a device that reaffirms Naim’s commitment to crafting products that not only meet but exceed European quality benchmarks.
The CD5si stands out for its dynamic and enthusiastic sound delivery, a testament to the rigorous testing and research-based approach adopted by Naim. While certain features may be minimal, the CD5si stays true to Naim’s ethos, prioritizing a purist approach to CD playback over an abundance of features.
This player is proof that sometimes, simplicity can lead to perfection. Its success is not only evident in the numerous positive customer reviews and testimonials but also in the recognition it has received, including being awarded the Product of the Year in 2013. With the Naim CD5si CD Player, you are investing in a product that has stood the test of time and continues to deliver an unrivaled audio experience. For more details, please click here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does the Naim CD5si compare with other CD players in the same price range?
Q: Does the Naim CD5si support formats other than CD and CD-R?
Q: Are there upgrade paths available for the Naim CD5si?
Q: What are the improvements in the Naim CD5si over the previous model, the CD5i?
Q: How is the build quality of the Naim CD5si?
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