JimmyBlues

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $2800.00 from Music For Pleasure

Summary:
In the early 90's I purchased a Naim CDI from a dealer whom I'd befriended; and one that I did a lot of business with. Consequently I used to get a substantial discount on Naim gear.

As for the CDI, it's built like a tank, and aside from the laser (which will eventually fail) it's very reliable. The CDI has aged quite well over the years, still offering a very musical performance. However, the Systemdek IIX table which I purchased two years ago, and that's equipped with a Sumiko Blue Point Special MC cartridge clearly outperforms the CDI in the way of transparancy. Simply put, at 25% of the price new, the Systemdek is more involving to listen to.

However, the CDI in its day was clearly one of the finest sounding CD players available, and even in the present day, will still outperform most of the competition at its respective price.

It is also an elegantly styled player, that exudes quality.

I sold mine years ago, however ordered a used one for $1000, which was given to my Dad as a gift by my Mom.

Seven years later, it is still going strong.

Highly recommended with one caveat. If the laser fails you can no longer get it replaced.

Strengths:
Excellent sounding, well built, pride of ownership

Weaknesses:
Initial expensive price when new, Naim no longer services the original CDI or CDS. So it becomes nearly impossible to get these older players repaired when something fails on them -- especially the laser assembly

Similar Products Used:
Linn Classik, Rotel 855

Price Paid:  $900.00

Summary:
Very goood player for the money! Its a bargain if you can find it, but thats the problem they are very seldom 4 sale! but if you see one get it. My player are since 1993 (had it now for 6-7 yrs) and there arent many players that are better NEW 2002! Have compared to (ofcourse) the CDSI&II, but still impressed over the CDI. It is a bargain really! Compared it to a brand new Linn Lkemi the other day, and we just laughed over how bad the Linn player was compared to the CDI!

Strengths:
Tight, control, plays music!! A rocknroll player

Weaknesses:
Could be a bit aggressive in the voice sometimes, compared to the CDSII or others lite the Linn Lkemi. Also it is a bit flat in the sound. The last weakness what I know there are problems reading the CDs sometimes, cause of grease etc, so beware of clean CDs. But I state its from a audiophile point of view. Im going for a CDSI if I could find one.

Similar Products Used:
Linn Lkemi

Price Paid:  $1500.00 from Billy Vee Sound Systems

Summary:
If you are reading lots of reviews trying to convince yourself to buy a CD player you have been looking at...well..forget it....buy a Naim!!
They got it right 12 years ago and still leave the opposition scratching their heads wondering why they can't do it too...
The CDI I bought was a bargain @ £750, and walked over all the other 'modern' players I listened to Including the latest Arcam, Audio Analogue, SAT, Marantz, Thule and Rega.
None of them had the solid, organic, rhythmic power of the Naim. It sounds like a really high-end turntable....no joke. The newer CDX is great too...bit more refined...bit less bass...lots more money though!!...and the CD5 is good value too...
The real bargains are second hand though...a Naim CD3 or CD3.5 are worth searching for....so get Loot regularly and keep your eyes peeled...
The sound is huge....massive base I have never heard before from the silver disc....detail you didn't know was there...pace....rhythm...doesn't compress...it does shine a very bright light on the recording...so if its a bad mix/mastering then you will know about it big time...If its a good recording however then your in for a treat...so erm....go buy one!!

Strengths:
Still kills the opposition dead...

Weaknesses:
erm...Naim CDX and CDS2...:O)

Similar Products Used:
Listen to them all...

Summary:
Since ’94 I have owned the magnificent Naim CDI along with a Naim 72/140 driving a pair of –“Dyan Audio Audience 10” loudspeakers on “Epos Stands” with a recent addition of a “Rel Storm” bass bin.
Although the production of the CDI has now been replaced by more recent models. It still offers a great bargain and can be had for silly money on the second hand market, and knowing Naim’s reliability and build quality it was built to last. I’ve had mine since ‘94 and it’s thrilling sound has never let me down. The Naim CDI really utilises the potential of CD, with an ability to really sing and excite and a rare foot tapping quality. . Beware though, it will force you to replay your whole CD collection and you will discover the poorer recordings for what they really are. But put on any decent recording (try “ Chris Issak-Baja Sessions” or “Elvis Costello-Spike”) and you will be reaching for any heart calming medication that your family physician prescribed your elders. This setup has the potential to seriously damage your work and family relationships……
You have been warned!…..

Strengths:
Since ’94 I have owned the magnificent Naim CDI along with a Naim 72/140 driving a pair of –“Dyan Audio Audience 10” loudspeakers on “Epos Stands” with a recent addition of a “Rel Storm” bass bin.
Although the production of the CDI has now been replaced by more recent models. It still offers a great bargain and can be had for silly money on the second hand market, and knowing Naim’s reliability and build quality it was built to last. I’ve had mine since ‘94 and it’s thrilling sound has never let me down. The Naim CDI really utilises the potential of CD, with an ability to really sing and excite and a rare foot tapping quality. . Beware though, it will force you to replay your whole CD collection and you will discover the poorer recordings for what they really are. But put on any decent recording (try “ Chris Issak-Baja Sessions” or “Elvis Costello-Spike”) and you will be reaching for any heart calming medication that your family physician prescribed your elders. This setup has the potential to seriously damage your work and family relationships……
Great sound and build quality

Weaknesses:
Maybe someone can point these out to me. Dammed if I know of any....

Similar Products Used:
Marantz CD10-

Summary:
I purchased this cd player two years ago.I previously owned a Marantz CD-63SE and a YBA Special and I agree with people thinking that these are two good players , but the Naim is in another league.This is an IMPRESIVE PLAYER!!.Perhaps the best I have ever heard in this category.If you want a very very good player , go for it.Recommended