Naim Cd Players

Not in the same league as the players you mentioned above.
For starters, highly recommending Meridian and Marantz.

Have owned a number of high end players over the years and the Naim players especially the current models are very good when compared to other plyers like Meridian. I owned the Marantz 8260 recently and it was not even close to the Naim CD5.

I love Naim amps/hicap and CD players. However, honestly, I am against buying old Naim CD players (CD2/CD3/CD3.5/CDX etc.) for various reasons (e-mail me if you want to know). If you like Naim CD player, buy current/recent production of Naim CD player either new or used.

Also, please audition Arcam 73T and Jolida JD100 (non-modified but with highly regarded 5751 vacuum tubes from 1950s or 1960s), they are not as fast or dynamical as Naim CD5/CDX2 but does deliver music really well.

Keep in mind that NAIM players do not have digital outs, so you won't have the option of using an outboard DAC.

S23--

Have you HEARD a CDS2 or CDS3 against Wadia. Levinson, Meridian, etc.? I have, and the Naim players devastate the Wadias, Levinsons, etc. I once heard a Naim CD2 vs. a Levinson 39 in an Ayre/Avalon system. The Naim was much more dynamic and muscular, with much better bass control and extension--it was much more "tuneful." The Levinson, for its part, was slightly smoother, was more detailed, and did the imaging/soundstaging thing a bit better.

And when I heard the CDS2 against the Wadia 861, it was not close--the Naim player just walked it, as it did against the dCS stack.

As far as older players go, get the serial number and see if it has ever been serviced--you can email Naim or Naim Audio North America. The best service department I've never used!

Best,

Bob