Naim 5i-2 vs Roksan Kandy K2 CDP

[plastic penguin]

You're giving the Leema a bad Naim.

Now if I was being Sneaky........ :shifty:

Yes, yes... if I was to take it to school I'll make sure it has a Naim Tag on it. :?

I know you love the Sneaky but just not practical at the mo.

 

[plastic penguin]

Yes why not try a silver arcam which is higher up the range - arcam CD players are in my opinion amongst the best. I heard the naim CD against the arcam cd37 and you can see what I ended up buying - you can pick up the cd37 for good value ex demo or 2nd hand prices - mine was £900

I paid 800 ex demo for mine. It wouldn't bother me having separate makes and designs but my partner said I had to buy a matching cdp or the deal was off. I bought the cd37 blind seeing as it was a cracking price and tbh never looked back, it's fantastic IMO. When I demoed my a38/rx8 combo we used the roksan k2 cdp and I must say I was very impressed with it.

The Kandy certainly has a good reputation. How does it compare with the CD37? Or what are the differences?

 

[plastic penguin]

Going back to your original point, I actually think it's quite cool to have odd, mismatching stuff. I often prefer systems with contrasting shapes, design features and finishes -- they're just more interesting. It's too easy to assume that different styles don't 'go together'. Put it this way, your system is the opposite of a neat-looking little combo that sits in the corner, doesn't offend anyone and never gets used.

Pretty much always mixed 'n' matched, so odd looking stuff doesn't really throw me. This Naim, along with Leema, just pushes the aesthetic boundary a little too far IMO. Where's the bucket?

 

[Ben K.]

Yes why not try a silver arcam which is higher up the range - arcam CD players are in my opinion amongst the best. I heard the naim CD against the arcam cd37 and you can see what I ended up buying - you can pick up the cd37 for good value ex demo or 2nd hand prices - mine was £900

I paid 800 ex demo for mine. It wouldn't bother me having separate makes and designs but my partner said I had to buy a matching cdp or the deal was off. I bought the cd37 blind seeing as it was a cracking price and tbh never looked back, it's fantastic IMO. When I demoed my a38/rx8 combo we used the roksan k2 cdp and I must say I was very impressed with it.

The Kandy certainly has a good reputation. How does it compare with the CD37? Or what are the differences?

For me the k2s greatest strength was its ability to retrieve lots of detail and manage to present it without throwing it at you. Other than that it just seemed to let the music do the talking which I liked. The arcam finds the detail also but presents it in a more subtle way, it's there if you listen for it but you don't immediately notice it if that makes sense. The arcam also adds a slight smoothness to the sound but at the same time sounds weightier than the kandy. The bass resolution is fantastic and you can really here individual bass notes from different instruments. IMO the k2 was very good but the cd37 is an improvement over it and really complements the MA characteristics.

 

[Sospri]

Going back to your original point, I actually think it's quite cool to have odd, mismatching stuff. I often prefer systems with contrasting shapes, design features and finishes -- they're just more interesting. It's too easy to assume that different styles don't 'go together'. Put it this way, your system is the opposite of a neat-looking little combo that sits in the corner, doesn't offend anyone and never gets used.

Pretty much always mixed 'n' matched, so odd looking stuff doesn't really throw me. This Naim, along with Leema, just pushes the aesthetic boundary a little too far IMO. Where's the bucket?

Serious case of style over substance.............

 

[matthewpiano]

Yes why not try a silver arcam which is higher up the range - arcam CD players are in my opinion amongst the best. I heard the naim CD against the arcam cd37 and you can see what I ended up buying - you can pick up the cd37 for good value ex demo or 2nd hand prices - mine was £900

I paid 800 ex demo for mine. It wouldn't bother me having separate makes and designs but my partner said I had to buy a matching cdp or the deal was off. I bought the cd37 blind seeing as it was a cracking price and tbh never looked back, it's fantastic IMO. When I demoed my a38/rx8 combo we used the roksan k2 cdp and I must say I was very impressed with it.

The Kandy certainly has a good reputation. How does it compare with the CD37? Or what are the differences?

For me the k2s greatest strength was its ability to retrieve lots of detail and manage to present it without throwing it at you. Other than that it just seemed to let the music do the talking which I liked. The arcam finds the detail also but presents it in a more subtle way, it's there if you listen for it but you don't immediately notice it if that makes sense. The arcam also adds a slight smoothness to the sound but at the same time sounds weightier than the kandy. The bass resolution is fantastic and you can really here individual bass notes from different instruments. IMO the k2 was very good but the cd37 is an improvement over it and really complements the MA characteristics.

Agree 100%, particularly the bits I've put into bold. You've perfectly described why I like the Roksan, and I also agree with you about the ways in which the CD37 is better. Lovely CD player the CD37.

 

[BigH]

How about the Marantz Pearl Lite?

 

[matthewpiano]

How about the Marantz Pearl Lite?

Very good shout. Well worth a try PP. Beautifully built and very good looking.

 

[plastic penguin]

How about the Marantz Pearl Lite?

Keep an eye out and try and listen to one. Ta.

 

[BigH]

The Kandy K2 is good. Also Audiolab is similar price thats pretty good also. Have not heard the Naim.

 

[plastic penguin]

The Audiolab hasn't been on my radar. I could be wrong but I don't think it'll have the tonal balance of the Arcam, Roksan or Marantz.

 

[damonster]

The Audiolab hasn't been on my radar. I could be wrong but I don't think it'll have the tonal balance of the Arcam, Roksan or Marantz.

The Audiolab with Leema is a very neutral sounding set up . If your are used to a system with a touch of warmth this may not be for you .

 

[cse]

How about the Marantz Pearl Lite?

I own the the Marantz Pearl Lite and the only thing I don't like about it are its looks. It doesn't look any different to the cheapest Marantz players and feels very plasticy. Sound is very impressive though, as is price. The casing is cheap, but the player is heavy, but not enough steel used. However to me, used to British HiFi, I find it a bit cheap looking as well as being oversized. I regret not buying the Arcam CD37, but couldn't afford it.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

I'd rate the CD5i as one of the best CD players I've heard, along with Meridian and Copland. Personally, I'd learn to love the aesthetics, you have a classic. Also heard quite a few Arcam models including one of their latest, but they lack the detail and nuances (assuming that's what I mean) of the Naim.

Only reason I didn't get one was decided to go the streaming route, and certainly the Mac/Mydac route is not far off those three players mentioned. Still not up there quite, but.

 

[chebby]

Get a Naim Nait 5i and sell the Leema.

Never mind what it sounds like with the RS6s. Once you've ditched them too it'll be fine

In fact, sell the lot (RS6s first) and get a good, used NaimUniti or new UnitiLite. Once all the 'clutter' has gone you won't need to worry about what it matches.

Next?

 

[CnoEvil]

Get a Naim Nait 5i and sell the Leema.

Never mind what it sounds like with the RS6s. Once you've ditched them too it'll be fine

In fact, sell the lot (RS6s first) and get a good, used NaimUniti or new UnitiLite. Once all the 'clutter' has gone you won't need to worry about what it matches.

Next?

I agree..........but it would be a Linn DSM with Kef R Series.......but that would not be convoluted enough. :twisted:

 

[matthewpiano]

Get a Naim Nait 5i and sell the Leema.

Never mind what it sounds like with the RS6s. Once you've ditched them too it'll be fine

In fact, sell the lot (RS6s first) and get a good, used NaimUniti or new UnitiLite. Once all the 'clutter' has gone you won't need to worry about what it matches.

Next?

I do wonder if Chebby has a point. It might be quite refreshing to reduce the box count....

 

[John Duncan]

...just don't buy it blindfolded this time.

 

[plastic penguin]

@Chebby, Cno & Matthew.

How many times have I said NO! The Leema is superglued.

Heard the Nait 5i and I hate it. Got it? hate it. The Leema trounces the Nait 5i. The Naim gave me a nasty headache and I couldn't live with any Naim amplification. This bird isn't for turning. Do not give a **** about box count - if that was the case I'd bought the Arcam Solo Neo years ago.

As always some seem to drift from the initial question. Hate the looks as it stands, not the sound. If the need arises I'll revert back to Arcam CDP.

*EDIT* Why spend £800 or thereabouts on a... £800 amplifier when I have a £1280 amp that cost £750? and it has been 'tweaked up' by Leema themselves. In fact I'd rather chew my toenails than have a Naim amplifier.

 

[CnoEvil]

@Chebby, Cno & Matthew.

How many times have I said NO! The Leema is superglued.

Heard the Nait 5i and I hate it. Got it? hate it. The Leema trounces the Nait 5i. The Naim gave me a nasty headache and I couldn't live with any Naim amplification. This bird isn't for turning. Do not give a **** about box count - if that was the case I'd bought the Arcam Solo Neo years ago.

As always some seem to drift from the initial question. Hate the looks as it stands, not the sound. If the need arises I'll revert back to Arcam CDP.

*EDIT* Why spend £800 or thereabouts on a... £800 amplifier when I have a £1280 amp that cost £750? and it has been 'tweaked up' by Leema themselves. In fact I'd rather chew my toenails than have a Naim amplifier.

We Know.

 

[ID.]

Personally, I'd learn to love the aesthetics

This. Alternatively, have you considered some AVI... :twisted:

Random thought and not really a suggestions - Has anyone ever heard of anyone who does case modding for HiFi? Something with some flames, racing stripes and spoilers might work wonders for the Naim...

 

[John Duncan]

Hate the looks

Why'd you buy it then?

 

[plastic penguin]

Hate the looks

Why'd you buy it then?

I actually took the Rega Dac home to listen with my set-up - using the Arcam as transport- wasn't totally convinced by the sound and he offered me Naim CDP for a silly price as trade-in, and against the Rega it was a decent improvement. Didn't have the Leema with me in the shop, as wasn't intending on taking it any further. Took a calculated risk on the sound - worked nicely - hoped I'd adjust to the looks. Haven't unfortunately.

Keep my eyes closed the sound is divine. Visually it is pants.

I'm not a vain person. You could describe the Arcam/Leema as a Plain Jane but very acceptable to look at. The Naim/Leema, on the other hand, is more like the Elephant man.

 

[paulsue38]

What about an Arcam CD 17 in silver (obviously!) The Exposure CD players in silver look good too.

Paul

 

[stevebrock]

Hate the looks

Why'd you buy it then?

I actually took the Rega Dac home to listen with my set-up - using the Arcam as transport- wasn't totally convinced by the sound and he offered me Naim CDP for a silly price as trade-in, and against the Rega it was a decent improvement. Didn't have the Leema with me in the shop, as wasn't intending on taking it any further. Took a calculated risk on the sound - worked nicely - hoped I'd adjust to the looks. Haven't unfortunately.

Keep my eyes closed the sound is divine. Visually it is pants.

I'm not a vain person. You could describe the Arcam/Leema as a Plain Jane but very acceptable to look at. The Naim/Leema, on the other hand, is more like the Elephant man.

Interesting!

I beleieve the transport (arcam) was the weak link!

Hook the Rega DAC up to a NAS then you can see what the Rega DAC can do! and yes the Rega DAC/NAS outperforms my Apollo R/SBT as transports!

I really honestly think I will not buy another CD player again!