If I'm not mistaken, the 5i is a standalone player at about the 1650. price point. The 5x can be upgraded by taking one of Naim's external power supplies. The 5x has better sound as a standalone vs. the 5i, with the power supply, it blows it away.
If you are interested in the 5i, you may want to look at an older model name, the 3.5 with the flat cap, it gives every bit the sonic performance, if not more so than the 5i at a fraction of the cost, used.
If you are interested in the 5i, you may want to look at an older model name, the 3.5 with the flat cap, it gives every bit the sonic performance, if not more so than the 5i at a fraction of the cost, used.