Naim 5i-2 vs Roksan Kandy K2 CDP

[plastic penguin]

I did give my explanation on here http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/ooooh-ive-got-a-rega-dac.

In a pure shoot-out between the two I preferred the Naim's tonal balance. As you rightly said it could possibly be the Arcam letting the side down.

 

[plastic penguin]

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

Paul

Yes, Matthew mentioned this. Seems like the obv route, although I'll probably hold out for the CD37.

 

[plastic penguin]

Got my old Rotel RCD 975 down from the attic. Sounds surprisingly good with the Leema, but not quite the all-round ability of the Naim, more on par with cd73T. Although very old really enjoying a blast from the past.

 

[CnoEvil]

Although very old really enjoying a blast from the past.

I thought you had youth on your side! :shifty:

 

[Ambrose]

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!

Am listening to Naim cd5xs, falling in love, comparing it to rega dac and naim dac v-1 fed from DVD5, all different but the cd5xs reminds me why i fell in love with the naim sound. Just so damn listenable and just made sense of music. Smooth, very full sounding but plenty bite and nice with my dodgy rock collection.

The rega seems to have more weight, the naim dac lighter but has prestine upper range with nice clarity. Naim dac also more foot tapping / involving than rega. I still love the rega, not sure which dac i prefer for overall listenability.

Anyway, my thoughts were always that my source was the strong part of my system (SBT - Rega DAC) and looked to speakers (petite SX) and amp Nait XS but trying out the cd5xs i think my source is weakest link and my nait 5i & motive 3 speakers can deliver quite some more.

Interesting learning process this HI Fi THING!!

Never say never steve

PS - spotted new motive sx speaker july!!!!!!

 

[p_m_brown]

[/quote]

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...

[/quote]

I'm not usually one for text speak but I actually did laugh out loud at this so LOL!

 

[matthewpiano]

I've borrowed a Rega DAC for 24 hours. Hopefully it will help you to hear my thoughts on a comparison with the Roksan PP...

The Rega DAC (fed by SBT/FLAC files or CD transport) is more overtly detailed and widescreen than the Roksan, and initially comes across as bass light in comparison. Where the Roksan paints in broad, atmospheric strokes with a substantial and warm bass, the Rega paints with small and delicate brush strokes communicating every detail and really opening up the mix. They are both excellent, but give completely different sounds. It certainly impressed me how much of the difference my budget Denon amp and Q Acoustics speakers show up. As to which I prefer, I'm not sure. I've got so much admiration for the talents of the Rega, yet I occasionally miss a little warmth. Maybe that slight lack of warmth is something you get used to - I'll see how I feel when I listen again tomorrow afternoon. Sometimes when listening to the Roksan I miss some of the openess and delicacy that the Rega brings. Maybe the ideal lies somewhere in-between the two.... Maybe that somewhere in-between is otherwise known as Arcam...

 

[matthewpiano]

Or maybe that somewhere in-between could potentially be something from Denon or Marantz...

 

[stevebrock]

You have the Rega DAC now then?

Well I have had my Rega DAC for nearly a year now, it has been used with a SBT then my Apollo R as transports..... all good!

Just got a NAS last week, files are ALAC, its connected up to my Rega DAC via USB (my printer cable) - Sweet Holy Jesus!!! No transport, just direct data stream (bit perfect) from the NAS and everything has opened up, bags more detail - I knew the DAC was good but its on a different level now, it truly is blowing me away at the minute - sorry for boring you all!

 

[matthewpiano]

You have the Rega DAC now then?

Well I have had my Rega DAC for nearly a year now, it has been used with a SBT then my Apollo R as transports..... all good!

Just got a NAS last week, files are ALAC, its connected up to my Rega DAC via USB (my printer cable) - Sweet Holy Jesus!!! No transport, just direct data stream (bit perfect) from the NAS and everything has opened up, bags more detail - I knew the DAC was good but its on a different level now, it truly is blowing me away at the minute - sorry for boring you all!

Only on a loan Steve to help me try to work out where to go next with my system.

Your experience with the NAS sounds interesting. If I eventually go down the DAC route I'll investigate a NAS.

 

[stevebrock]

You have the Rega DAC now then?

Well I have had my Rega DAC for nearly a year now, it has been used with a SBT then my Apollo R as transports..... all good!

Just got a NAS last week, files are ALAC, its connected up to my Rega DAC via USB (my printer cable) - Sweet Holy Jesus!!! No transport, just direct data stream (bit perfect) from the NAS and everything has opened up, bags more detail - I knew the DAC was good but its on a different level now, it truly is blowing me away at the minute - sorry for boring you all!

Only on a loan Steve to help me try to work out where to go next with my system.

Your experience with the NAS sounds interesting. If I eventually go down the DAC route I'll investigate a NAS.

flipping nightmare aint it!

So many variables! As you know I love the Rega sound, but If was starting fresh would problably look at the all-in-ones from Naim or Linn

I have had the consversation with a few people now and they all agree about NAS > DAC ie doing away with tthe transport

 

[plastic penguin]

I've borrowed a Rega DAC for 24 hours. Hopefully it will help you to hear my thoughts on a comparison with the Roksan PP...

The Rega DAC (fed by SBT/FLAC files or CD transport) is more overtly detailed and widescreen than the Roksan, and initially comes across as bass light in comparison. Where the Roksan paints in broad, atmospheric strokes with a substantial and warm bass, the Rega paints with small and delicate brush strokes communicating every detail and really opening up the mix. They are both excellent, but give completely different sounds. It certainly impressed me how much of the difference my budget Denon amp and Q Acoustics speakers show up. As to which I prefer, I'm not sure. I've got so much admiration for the talents of the Rega, yet I occasionally miss a little warmth. Maybe that slight lack of warmth is something you get used to - I'll see how I feel when I listen again tomorrow afternoon. Sometimes when listening to the Roksan I miss some of the openess and delicacy that the Rega brings. Maybe the ideal lies somewhere in-between the two.... Maybe that somewhere in-between is otherwise known as Arcam...

Thanks, Matthew. I fear it has no relation with my set-up, as I don't stream music any Dac would only be used in conjunction with CDP.

I've heard the Rega Dac but find it difficult to make a convincing case for it.

 

[DIB]

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

Paul

When I was demoing speakers at Xmas I took my Creek along and for the source used my dealers Exposure 2010 S2 CDP. Very impressive indeed.

If I didn't already have an Arcam CD17, then I would seriously consider one of the Exposures if one came up at a good price.

However the CD17 is a tremendous player and can be picked up pretty cheap 2nd hand these days.

.

 

[matthewpiano]

I've borrowed a Rega DAC for 24 hours. Hopefully it will help you to hear my thoughts on a comparison with the Roksan PP...

The Rega DAC (fed by SBT/FLAC files or CD transport) is more overtly detailed and widescreen than the Roksan, and initially comes across as bass light in comparison. Where the Roksan paints in broad, atmospheric strokes with a substantial and warm bass, the Rega paints with small and delicate brush strokes communicating every detail and really opening up the mix. They are both excellent, but give completely different sounds. It certainly impressed me how much of the difference my budget Denon amp and Q Acoustics speakers show up. As to which I prefer, I'm not sure. I've got so much admiration for the talents of the Rega, yet I occasionally miss a little warmth. Maybe that slight lack of warmth is something you get used to - I'll see how I feel when I listen again tomorrow afternoon. Sometimes when listening to the Roksan I miss some of the openess and delicacy that the Rega brings. Maybe the ideal lies somewhere in-between the two.... Maybe that somewhere in-between is otherwise known as Arcam...

Thanks, Matthew. I fear it has no relation with my set-up, as I don't stream music any Dac would only be used in conjunction with CDP.

I've heard the Rega Dac but find it difficult to make a convincing case for it.

Hi PP. My point wasn't that you should consider the Rega as I know you have tried it. Rather it was to help to communicate to you the tonal qualities of the Roksan using something you had heard (the Rega) as a reference point.

 

[plastic penguin]

I've borrowed a Rega DAC for 24 hours. Hopefully it will help you to hear my thoughts on a comparison with the Roksan PP...

The Rega DAC (fed by SBT/FLAC files or CD transport) is more overtly detailed and widescreen than the Roksan, and initially comes across as bass light in comparison. Where the Roksan paints in broad, atmospheric strokes with a substantial and warm bass, the Rega paints with small and delicate brush strokes communicating every detail and really opening up the mix. They are both excellent, but give completely different sounds. It certainly impressed me how much of the difference my budget Denon amp and Q Acoustics speakers show up. As to which I prefer, I'm not sure. I've got so much admiration for the talents of the Rega, yet I occasionally miss a little warmth. Maybe that slight lack of warmth is something you get used to - I'll see how I feel when I listen again tomorrow afternoon. Sometimes when listening to the Roksan I miss some of the openess and delicacy that the Rega brings. Maybe the ideal lies somewhere in-between the two.... Maybe that somewhere in-between is otherwise known as Arcam...

Thanks, Matthew. I fear it has no relation with my set-up, as I don't stream music any Dac would only be used in conjunction with CDP.

I've heard the Rega Dac but find it difficult to make a convincing case for it.

Hi PP. My point wasn't that you should consider the Rega as I know you have tried it. Rather it was to help to communicate to you the tonal qualities of the Roksan using something you had heard (the Rega) as a reference point.

Thanks, Matthew - understand. I think, based on your own earlier post, the one of the Arcams should be my aiming point.

I really like Rega stuff but can't love it, apart from their turntables. Where Arcam, on the other hand, does have that something extra for me. Although to outgun the Naim's SQ think I need to setting the bar a little higher, such as CD37.

 

[paulsue38]

Arcam are starting to discount the silver versions of the CD 17 and CD 37 because they are moving to black versions only, so you may pick one up. I will probably get the CD 17 but would love the 37!!!!

Paul

 

[plastic penguin]

Arcam are starting to discount the silver versions of the CD 17 and CD 37 because they are moving to black versions only, so you may pick one up. I will probably get the CD 17 but would love the 37!!!!

Paul

Under the impression that stopped the silver ones last year.

 

[BigH]

How about getting a cheaper player and having it modified, I have come across 3 UK companies that do this sort of work such as Fidelity Audio, CPT Acoustics and JS Audio Repairs.

There was a review in a hifi mag, where a Cambridge Audio cd player was upgraded to Level 2 and it was better than a NaimCDX2.

 

[iceman16]

Hi PP

I would suggest to change your speakers first and start from there

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi PP

I would suggest to change your speakers first and start from there

Too true - that's the sensible road. Had the crazy notion, though, that if I could tame the metal tweeter it would make speaker matching less of an ordeal. Out of all the sources (CDPs) I've tried down the years, outside of Arcam, the Naim works the best.

 

[cse]

The Arcam CD37/A38 with Spendor classic speakers is a virtually unbeatable combination. It is my ultimate aim and has exactly the right tonal qualities that you seek. I suggest selling all of you kit and then purchasing the above with a small bank loan. Only then will you be able to relax and finally just listen to your music, knowing that you have achieved the most that you possibly could for your money. You will of course still be able to contribute to the What Hifi forum (aka Chebby) smugly knowing that you will no longer be tempted by the self-defeating hobby of endless 'upgraditus' that leads to eternal disastisfaction.

 

[plastic penguin]

The Arcam CD37/A38 with Spendor classic speakers is a virtually unbeatable combination. It is my ultimate aim and has exactly the right tonal qualities that you seek. I suggest selling all of you kit and then purchasing the above with a small bank loan. Only then will you be able to relax and finally just listen to your music, knowing that you have achieved the most that you possibly could for your money. You will of course still be able to contribute to the What Hifi forum (aka Chebby) smugly knowing that you will no longer be tempted by the self-defeating hobby of endless 'upgraditus' that leads to eternal disastisfaction.

You're barking up the wrong tree. "Endless upgraditus"? Had the Arcam A65 seven years, Arcam CD73 6.5 years, MAs 6 years

Leema staying put until it drops. Best amp I've heard below £2k.

If you've set your heart on the Arcam A38, listen to Leema Elements before parting with your dough.

 

[matthewpiano]

I don't think PP has upgraditus. Overall his system has been very stable and when he purchased the Naim CD player it replaced a CD73 that had been a long-term resident of his hi-fi rack. Even now, he is only considering another change because of the clash of aesthetics between the Naim and Leema units.

I agree that the CD37/A38 combo is incredible (thought I'd have Focals rather than Spendors), but I doubt that the A38 would be anything of an upgrade over PP's Leema. I also note the lack of love from some people for PP's RS6 speakers, but there is clearly a good reason why they have remained at Penguin Towers for so long and I think any new speaker search would require painstaking care. Sometimes throwing the baby out with the bath water isn't the best idea...

 

[stevebrock]

Leema staying put until it drops. Best amp I've heard below £2k.

The Rega Elicit R is coming very soon!

Rumoured to tick all the boxes and with a new phono stage!

 

[plastic penguin]

I don't think PP has upgraditus. Overall his system has been very stable and when he purchased the Naim CD player it replaced a CD73 that had been a long-term resident of his hi-fi rack. Even now, he is only considering another change because of the clash of aesthetics between the Naim and Leema units.

I agree that the CD37/A38 combo is incredible (thought I'd have Focals rather than Spendors), but I doubt that the A38 would be anything of an upgrade over PP's Leema. I also note the lack of love from some people for PP's RS6 speakers, but there is clearly a good reason why they have remained at Penguin Towers for so long and I think any new speaker search would require painstaking care. Sometimes throwing the baby out with the bath water isn't the best idea...

Thanks, Matthew. Spot on.