Rega Isis Cd upgrade

[Paul Booth]

Hi
I have : Lingo Sondek Aro Troika, Naim CDS, Naim 32.5 Hi Cap 250, Naim Sbl
I'm considering the Rega Isis CD and wondered if anyone else had compared this to Naim offerings ?

[DSJR]

I liked the valve Isis, but it and its solid-state sibling are very expensive for UK tastes and a good few 'Reference' dealers were flogging unsold demo units off not too long ago. Good luck if you can find a bargain.

P.S. A CDS-2 with supply is now affordable and still serviceable I believe. The Isis is neater looking, but better sounding? Not sure in all honesty :)

P.P.S. It's my opinion that the 32.5 in stock form will be a massive bottleneck on any CD player. Even the later 72 and 122 units don't 'do' air and space very well at all, presenting things in a dry, dynamic and rather limited kind of way. Can you budget in an 82 perhaps? I always found the 82 to be nearer a 52 and CD especially, sounded so much better through one of these, even with 'just' one HiCap powering it.

Just my experience. The SBL's benefit from the later bass units if yours don't have them, as some of the upper mid jangle and shriek is dramatically reduced I thought in 'mk2' form, making the speaker far more realistic on acoustic music, even if the 'domestic PA' sonic roots are still there in the background.

[MikeMusic]

I had a Naim CDX2. Bought the Isis SS version 2nd hand, with lifetime guarantee in place

It is substantially better than the CDX2 and continues to improve with all the other mods to the system
I have read and heard it rivals the Naim 555. Some say better, some about the same, others not as good.
I rang Rega before buying and their man said the SS and the valve were 'different' and for the best results get both !
:)
This is probably the last CD player I will buy for my main system

[walpurgis]

Hi Paul. Welcome to AOS.

So you have a Linn/Naim system and are considering a Rega Isis. Try starting a thread in our Digital Expressions section about that, you may get a better response there.

Tell us about your music tastes. Also, we welcome system photos in our Gallery, please feel free to add some.


Enjoy the forum,
Geoff.

[DSJR]

I still maintain that the 32.5 will either have to be substantially updated with third party boards, or upgraded to an 82 at least! These top end CD players are capable of giving the listener a fantastic emotional connection with the music played and it's my fear that old Naim preamps will stomp over most of this! I come from this period of Naim and when CD first appeared. Players like the old Sony CDP-101 didn't sound good into a Naim system, yet sound really fine now, if not as 'expansive' as current models.

Actually, don't Naim now make preamps with DACs built in? That might kill two birds with one stone - possibly...

[Barry]

Welcome to AoS Paul.

Can't offer any advice re. Naim vs. Rega CD players, but it seems you are already getting some feedback from members.

Would live to see some photos of your system posted in the Gallery. :)

Enjoy the Forum

[Eagle owl]

Hello and welcome Paul.

Geoff. :wave:

[Floyddroid]

Nice opening gambit. Great sounding system you have and an interesting querie. I await the outcome so don't forget to post.
Hello and welcome Paul.

Geoff. :wave: