Naim CD5si CD Player

CD5si. Engineered for music.

The CD5si name may only differ from its CD5i predecessor by one character, but under the skin there's numerous fundamental improvements and advances - each one aimed at extracting more music and enjoyment from every CD. To begin with, the CD5si digital to analogue converter chip has been upgraded to a Burr Brown PCM1793 - a device very closely related to the one used in the NDX high-end streaming player. The CD5si also benefits from a more stable DAC clock, higher voltage power supply rails, a revised analogue filter design and a brand new CD transport and laser optics. It goes without saying of course that all these changes were driven by our relentless search for engineering reliability, sound quality and audio performance, and the benefit of each change was confirmed after many hours of listening.

However, just as change can bring improvement, there's often nothing wrong with sticking to your guns, so the CD5si retains all of its predecessor’s best features and Naim trademarks. The unique Naim swing-out CD drawer, in-house and industry standard CD transport, laser tracking and digital error correction software, discreet analogue output electronics, and a die-cast, non magnetic enclosure construction that helps ensures the electronics within can extract the most possible music from every CD.

The CD5si CD player, especially when partnered by the complementary NAIT 5i integrated amplifier, sets a thrilling new standard for the musical performance of entry-level hi-fi.

Designed by the same team that produced the world's finest CD player, the fabulous Naim CD555, the CD5i benefits both from shared technology and the shared passion to extract every last grain of music from the disc that it is playing.

This outstanding machine, which replaces the previous CD5i in our line-up, brings worthwhile performance benefits for users but retains the functionality and straightforward usability of the classic player.

The CD5si is designed to be the best in its class, incorporating genuine technological advances to provide a thoroughly enjoyable musical experience.

The CD5si's enhanced performance has been derived from a new DAC and power supply arrangement, optimisation of the output filter and star grounding pattern, along with upgraded components in key areas of the circuitry. These, combined with the unchanged elements such as the low-jitter clock, discrete digital and analogue power supplies, and the unique swing-out disc transport mechanism, deliver a spell-binding performance that is truly in a league of its own.

As with Naim's flagship CD555 player, integrity and stability of the RF signals read by the laser have been prime design considerations. A suspended transport and low mass magnetic clamping system ensures that the disc spins accurately and silently, unhindered by mechanical resonance. Paths between critical components are as short as possible to preserve delicate signals and each stage of the circuitry is powered by separate regulated supplies. Correct earthing is used throughout and there are no digital or headphone outputs.

The CD5si features a unique power supply incorporating separate digital and analogue transformer windings and additional screening to reduce the intrusion of RF interference from the mains supply.

Microphonic degradation of sound quality is greatly reduced by such measures as the use of low-energy-transfer feet supporting the stiff, low-vibration enclosure.

The CD5si offers convenient front loading using a custom-made, glass reinforced drawer mechanism, the mass of which has been carefully calculated to optimise rigidity and isolation.

Specifications

AUDIO OUTPUTS
Analogue Outputs: DIN, RCA
Line Outputs Fixed (level): 2.1V rms at 1kHz
Output Impedance: 10Ω maximum
Minimum Load Impedance: 10kΩ
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz, +0.1/-0.5dB
thd+n: <0.1%, 10Hz -18kHz at full level
Phase Response: Linear phase, absolute phase correct
De-emphasis: ±0.1dB referred to main response
CONNECTIVITY
Infra Red RC5
FORMATS
CD Formats: Red Book
Disc Compatibility: CD, CD-R
POWER
Mains Supply: 100V, 115V, 230V; 50 or 60Hz
PHYSICAL
Dimensions: 70 x 432 x 301mm (H x W x D)
FINISH
Front Black powder coated
Case Black powder coated