Which of these cd players for my Exposure 3010S2 amp?

[peterpan]

I want to buy a cdp, but it is possible that i will go streaming in a year. Don't sure. That's why i'm looking at a good cdp which is not to expensive. Which is the best;

Apollo R

Marantz CD 6005

Naim cd5si (a little expensive)

I like a warmer "forgiving" sound with my music, Metal and rock. Speakers are KEF R500.

 

[Happy_Listner]

Since you want to go streaming in a year or so then look for a CD player that has digital inputs plus USB. Both of these CD players should give you a bit of that warm sound you are looking for.

Marantz SA8005

You can use the SA8005 as a stand-alone digital-to-analog converter, thanks to the inclusion of both coaxial and optical digital audio inputs. You can also connect your favorite portable audio device, via the convenient front panel USB port, and the SA8005 is compatible with the iPod, iPod touch and iPhone. The rear panel asynchronous high speed USB-B port lets you connect your home PC to the SA8005, so you can enjoy superb sound quality from your favorite PCM and DSD high resolution tracks stored on your computer.

Creek Evolution 50CD

The EVOLUTION 50CD[/b] is principally a high-end DAC, with built-in CD transport and is not purely a CD Player. It can handle a total of six digital sources, including CD, and it has two digital outputs, plus a Creek RC bus. In keeping with the matching integrated amplifier, both balanced and un-balanced analogue outputs are offered for maximum flexibility. Balanced outputs allow for long interconnects. The USB circuit is modular to allow for future upgrades, as the technology is constantly evolving.

 

[Al ears]

Perhaps you have missed the ideal match from your list........ the Exposure 1010 CD.

However if you do plan to go streaming I would suggest you save up a bit more and get an Oppo 105D (job done, including streaming) *biggrin*

Which, in my opinion would sound better than those listed.

 

[rainsoothe]

Metal and rock

Naim cd5si it is then.

But yes, you should audition the Creek cd50a and the Oppo 105d as well if possible. These can both function as DACs as well (and you can just add a laptop later for streaming purposes, and I think the Oppo can be used as a streamer itself). Marantz cd players are great as well, but imo better suited for jazz/classical and softer rock (think Pink Floyd) then what you listen to. But ofc you can (and should) audition and decide for yourself. For me though, few rock better then Naim.

One note though: you should give this a little thought - choosing if you're gonna go streaming or not. Soundwise, for me, if I were to chose CD player now and streamer later, I would go at least Naim cd5si and Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 v2, or Naim ND5XS later. But this is a bit redundant, or... an expensive route.

1. CD PLAYER ONLY:

If you decide you'll only be wanting a CD player, then Naim cd5si should be on your list - and it would be my personal choice.

2. CD PLAYER AND STREAMER:

The 3 alternatives are these:

a) you get a cd player now (let's say the Naim or the Creek) and add a streamer later (let's say the CA SM6 v2).

b) laptop + DAC. If you don't mind having a laptop permanently on your hi-fi rack (this is what I'm using btw), you can use the laptop for both CD playback and streaming, and use a good USB DAC with it: from cheap to expensive, my choices would be Arcam iRdac, Naim Dac V1 and Chord Hugo. Even if the laptop is a cheap one, it should not be a noisy piece of junk. Alternatively, you could use a networked blu-ray player with digital out and FLAC capability for streaming purposes into the said dac: Sony BDP-S5200 seems like a good choice. The Oppo 105d also covers all of this on its own (no need for extra dac), and people say it's DAC is quite capable, so it's a suggestion you should seriously consider.

c) cheap dvd/blu-ray player with digital out + streamer with digital input. You could use the Sony BDP-S1200 or S5200 for playback only, and use the coaxial out to connect to something like a Naim ND5XS. Or, if you decide to give up CD playback alltogether and rip your CDs to a NAS and go full digital, then this is the streamer I would chose.

So if I were in your shoes, my shortlist would look like this:

- Creek cd50a

- Naim cd5si

- Oppo 105d

- Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 v2

- Naim nd5xs

and the 3 DACs I listed if you decide to go that route, but it seems like too many boxes for me.

goodluck

 

[CarlDW]

How about a combined CD player and network streamer such as the Onkyo CN7050 (around £350) or Arcam CDS27 (around £800)? A one-box solution to deal with both formats.

 

[rainsoothe]

How about a combined CD player and network streamer such as the Onkyo CN7050 (around £350) or Arcam CDS27 (around £800)? A one-box solution to deal with both formats.

while I don't think ad 350 quid Onkyo will do the OP's Exposure justice, the Arcam CDS27 looks reeeally enticing, especially if it has the rich Arcam sound. This slipped under my radar, now I'll be pretty curious about auditioning this. Good suggestion there

 

[peterpan]

The price of the Arcam is very interesting. But how does it sound? And how good does it stream? Can't find any review of it.

In the past i found Naim too bright and not good bass. But that was for their amps. Thats why i bought the Exposure amp. But i find the Exposure cdp's not so good and also too pricey compared with other brands.

 

[Vladimir]

Considering CD players all sound the same when level matched, I would just stick to a matching Exposure CDP. If you buy a Naim CDP it may overload the integrated amplifier preamp circuit, inducing distortion and harsh sound. They usually have louder output than standard.

For streaming get a gadget later, they are not expensive and you can replace it with a new one as times change (every 5 years something new) and your CDP will remain the same.

If you want warmer sound just push the speakers closer to walls a bit, cover glass surfaces, tiles and leather with thick textiles, shag carpet in front od speakers etc. Tilt the speaker angle towards you or outward where it feels less in-your-face. These simple room treatments and repositionings do wonders to sound.

Good idea also to check cables if everything is well connected. If speakers are out of phase, they may cancel eachother out giving more bright forwards sound presentation. Even when you think everything is perfect, its good to check things twice a year, refresh speaker and interconnect conenctions. Can't count the number of people who kept changing perfectly good gear for the wrong reasons for years.

 

[rainsoothe]

The price of the Arcam is very interesting. But how does it sound? And how good does it stream? Can't find any review of it.

In the past i found Naim too bright and not good bass. But that was for their amps. Thats why i bought the Exposure amp. But i find the Exposure cdp's not so good and also too pricey compared with other brands.

Well I think the Arcam is really new, it's only been out for like a couple of months i think, so I don't think you'll find many people who have heard it yet, nor any reviews. So best thing is to go out and audition, but it should be pretty good and seems to be exactly what you're looking for functionalitywise.

In regard to what Vladimir said, it's the first time I hear about a Naim CDP frying a non-naim preamp 'cause of it's "high output", and I'm struggling to find reports of this over the web. Back to sound though, if you find Naim too bright, then hearing a Marantz won't hurt - it's not my cup of tea, but it might be yours.

Whatever the case, only you can tell - so audition is the only way.

 

[Vladimir]

Well know fact that Naim CDPs have higher than average output and amps higher sensitivity. It wont fry a preamp, it just overloads it and sounds nasty. Best to check specs to be on the safe side.

Newer Naims are more mixed marriage friendly than older ones. The 5si looks to be 2.1Vrms, which is normal and won't cause any problems.

 

[iceman16]

Well know fact that Naim CDPs have higher than average output and amps higher sensitivity. It wont fry a preamp, it just overloads it and sounds nasty. Best to check specs to be on the safe side.

Newer Naims are more mixed marriage friendly than older ones. The 5si looks to be 2.1Vrms, which is normal and won't cause any problems.

Hi Vlad.. If Im not mistaken Plasticpenguin is using a Naim cdp with a Leema amp. Does it mean his system sounds "nasty"?

 

[Vladimir]

Well know fact that Naim CDPs have higher than average output and amps higher sensitivity. It wont fry a preamp, it just overloads it and sounds nasty. Best to check specs to be on the safe side.

Newer Naims are more mixed marriage friendly than older ones. The 5si looks to be 2.1Vrms, which is normal and won't cause any problems.

Hi Vlad.. If Im not mistaken Plasticpenguin is using a Naim cdp with a Leema amp. Does it mean his system sounds "nasty"?

Is that a can of petrol in your right hand?