Naim CD5 XS player vs 5si player

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2019/08/11/sparkler-audio-spiral-ether-review/

 re the prior Sparkler CD player and prior Ether. 

I wish we could see a professional review or user review of the Sparkler Audio S515 Ballade  CD player.

I'm interested in the Sparkler model S515 "ballade" Integrated CD Player just released in April 2021 --- uses a 16-bit non-oversampling DAC, Philips TDA1543   - wonder how this compares with the Naim players which use PCM1704 chips?

Naim CD5 XS player vs 5si player

any one with experience with classical on these 2 players? Thinking of downsizing to the CD5 XS from my CDS3/XPS2... 3402

No worries downsizing, both use the last best R2R ladder dacs chips the PCM1704's "maybe" won't be quite as good but same signature R2R sound should still be there.

Cheers George

First, I would not downsize from the CDS3 as I'm sure you would be disappointed with virtually anything on the market compared to what you have.  That said, I auditioned the original CD5s and ended up with the 5x, which are substantially similar to what you are listing.  I would not consider the 5si, as it was really nothing special.  The 5x was far superior in conveying a realistic musical tonality and together with a flatcap, makes for a fine CD player.  But it was not even close to my CDX2/XPS2, which was probably the best digital I ever owned. Again, I would not downsize, but if you do, go for the 5Xs with a flatcap.  You can also use a hicap, which gave it a more bottom-heavy sound, but at least you have options.