A class act
Naim CD5

VERDICT
The magic of Naim returns with the quirky but musically tasty CD5. Robust build matched by smoother aesthetics than before. Tonal richness and a penchant for musical credibility particular highlights. Costly, but competing at a higher level
PRICE R16 650
SUPPLIED BY Extraordinary AV (021) 704-2885
WEBSITE www.extraordinaryav.co.za

Of all Britain's specialist audio companies - and there are loads of them - the Naim marque has always commanded a particularly elevated status.

The somewhat eclectic brand has built up an almost fanatical following over the several decades of its existence, thanks to a particular, marque-specific sonic signature that appears to magically combine the warmth, tonal richness and smoothness of valve design with the punch and thrust so typical of good solid state kit.

The CD5 is Naim's most recent source component creation - and also its most affordable. However, to be honest, it's initially difficult to equate this slim, unassuming unit with the less than modest R16 000-plus asking price. Sure, the build quality is tangibly sturdy, and the switchgear operates with that oiled precision typically associated with high-end components.

But the all-black metalwork, accompanied by garish, bright-green illumination, won't impress audio novices seeking aesthetic confirmation of what is, after all, a considerable investment. Still, the ergonomics are plain and straightforward, with controls limited to the bare minimum in the interests of minimalist efficiency.

Of the CD5's many quirky features, the unusual glass-reinforced CD loading tray is perhaps the most obvious. Unlike a normal, motorised transport tray, this unit has a manual action: you pull on the little tab, and out swings the entire transport, complete with laser pick-up, motor and servo.

The CD fits positively enough on the spindle provided, but to ensure accurate tracking, there's also a magnetic disc that clamps the CD into place in the interests of stable transport and accurate digital data retrieval. By integrating the separately suspended transport motor and its servo in the tray, added stability and protection from external interference is achieved.

The idiosyncrasies continue on the rear panel, which sees line-level outputs not following the usual RCA standard, but opting for a locking DIN mechanism instead. A set of cables is provided, but it's a pity that the more usual RCA array is not employed, since it does alienate the CD5 from RCA-equipped products.

The good news is that Naim does produce specialised interlinks that will allow compatibility with both the DIN and RCA standards. Other specialist cable suppliers could probably make up some too. Just why Naim has followed this route (and always has) remains a mystery, however.

Also disappointing (at this price point) is the absence of XLR-terminated balanced outputs. Again, Naim will argue that its own, unique termination provides optimum performance without any need for upgrades.

Much of the CD5's real virtues are to be found under the skin, where painstaking engineering and a commitment to quality circuit components are clearly visible. The transport, for instance, uses the highly rated Philips VAM1205 Hall-motor mechanism.

Tasked with the digital-to-analogue conversion duties is an 18-bit, four-times oversampling D/A converter of unspecified origin, but clearly adapted and customised to meet Naim's own high-standard requirements. Other technical highlights include ultra-short signal paths, separate power supply windings for the analogue and digital circuitry, and no less than 14 low-noise power supplies on the analogue board.

The CD5 rests on special, energy absorbing feet, and can be upgraded by adding a separate Flat-Cap or Hi-Cap power supply to drive the analogue circuitry at a later date. A system-capable remote control handset is standard, while the on-board LED display allows variations of track number and track or disc time, and can even be switched off completely.

Those who feared that the CD5 would not meet the high standards set by Naim will be reassured by the fact that it still has all the sonic hallmarks of a true Naim product. From cold, you can bargain on two hours of warming up before the fun begins - but then, it's non-stop all the way.

Prime characteristics include a warm, rich but never obese tonal approach that brings with it a strong sense of believability. Staging is generous by even high-end standards, with the Naim's penchant for creating air around instruments or voices, and the very low noise floor, doing much to extract fine but vital detail.

That the CD5 also excels at delivering its musical wares with verve and pace, while resolving imaging with quite remarkable clarity explains not only the sizeable price tag, but also the strong reputation that Naim has enjoyed for so many years.

Thus, the Naim CD5 emerges as a class act with a commanding, thoroughly enjoyable approach to music. It may look a little too plain-Jane for my tastes, but the performance says it all - and that's what matters most.

Deon Schoeman

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