HiFi Stereo: Trio Grande - High-End CD Players

Test Setup Components

The following components were used for testing:

• Preamplifier: Mark Levinson No. 32, Accuphase C 2800
• Power Amplifier: Mark Levinson No. 33 H, Convergent JL 3
• Loudspeakers: Wilson Audio Alexandria X2, Focal Grande Utopia Be
• CD Players for Comparison: Accuphase DP-85, Helios 3

Trio Grande: High-End CD Players

High-quality CD players are currently in vogue. Three representatives of the HIGH and HIGHEST END aim to bring more momentum to the digital two-channel world.

Mark Levinson No. 390 S

The Mark Levinson No. 390 S is described as exceptionally precise and objective, a "musical measuring instrument." It features a die-cast chassis enclosing the laser optics, providing isolation from external vibrations. The player boasts a highly precise clock generator, a 24-bit/192-kHz sigma-delta converter with signal inversion for analog amplification, four-layer circuit boards, and finely regulated output stages. These features result in excellent measurements for jitter, distortion, intermodulation, and noise. The sound is characterized as rich, with exceptional detail in tonal, spatial, and dynamic nuances. It can even discern subtle details like the pressure of a bow on a string or the interaction between the wood of the instrument's body and the strings.

Meridian G-07

Meridian, a leading company in digital technology, emphasizes its technical competence with the G-07. It processes data from the three-beam laser internally with 24-bit word length and up to 192 kHz sampling frequency. While the CD format remains 16-bit/44.1 kHz, the increased number of intermediate values is intended to ensure more accurate conversion of digital signals to analog music voltages. The player features high-quality output amplifiers on a multi-layer main board and offers both Cinch and balanced XLR outputs (the G-08 model, costing 1200 Euros more, also includes XLR). The G-07 can also be connected to Meridian's digital speakers or external decoders via optical TOS-Link or electrical coaxial output, supporting multi-channel playback for DTS-encoded discs. PC control is available via an RS-232 interface. The player is complemented by a large, console-style remote control that is also learning-capable.

Naim CD 5i

The Naim CD 5i is positioned as an entry-level product into the world of HiFi. It costs 700 Euros less than the CD 5 model. The CD 5i lacks a connection for an external power supply and uses standard Cinch sockets instead of the typical DIN connectors. Its features are limited to the essentials, including a switchable display and a remote control that also works with the amplifier. However, the build quality of the swing-out disc drawer is impeccable, both internally and externally. It is described as a playback device for music purists, with Naim's marketing emphasizing its technology.

Comparative Analysis

The Naim CD 5i is praised for its fast, dynamic sound and excellent price-performance ratio, earning it a "Reference Class" rating. The Meridian G-07 is noted for its distinctive character, offering a colorful and relaxed sound, also achieving "Reference Class." The Mark Levinson No. 390 S is considered one of the best CD players globally, also functioning as a superb converter/preamp, and is rated "Reference Class" with a "good" price-performance ratio. The review highlights that while the Naim and Meridian offer significant value, the Mark Levinson transcends typical price-performance considerations, existing in a different league of sound and price.

The article concludes that while the Naim CD 5i is an "Ein Preis-Leistungs-Hit" (a price-performance hit) with a dynamic sound, the Meridian G-07 offers an excellent player with a special touch and a colorful, relaxed sound. The Mark Levinson No. 390 S is identified as one of the best CD players in the world, also serving as a superb converter/preamp. The test results show the Naim CD 5i scoring 100 points, the Meridian G-07 scoring 105 points, and the Mark Levinson No. 390 S scoring 125 points.

Pro & Contra

Christoph de Leuw (Head of Test & Technology): Expresses admiration for the uncompromising engineering of brands like Mark Levinson, stating that the pursuit of high fidelity justifies the cost. If given the means, he would invest heavily in ultimate CD playback.

Matthias Inhoffen (AUDIO Text Editor): Acknowledges the importance of excellent CD playback for music reviewers but finds the sound advancements of new CD specialists to be marginal compared to the potential of SACD and multi-channel formats. He suggests that a good universal player combined with capable surround electronics and speakers can offer more new musical enjoyment.

Tips for Optimizing CD Player Performance

The article offers advice for enhancing CD player performance:

• Avoid "voodoo tuning" methods like marking CDs with felt-tip pens or filing their edges.
• Invest in CDs rather than expensive accessories like isolation pucks or cones, as the players are already designed for top performance.
• Ensure players are placed exactly level on solid, stable, and well-decoupled racks (e.g., from Copula).
• Use neutral, high-quality interconnect cables (e.g., Kimber, Fadel, Audioquest).
• For powering multiple components, consider distribution units like the "Powerigel" (from Music Line) with original Naim power cables (starting from 700 Euros) or the proven power strip from Sun Audio (starting from 200 Euros).
• Pay attention to the correct plug polarity for all components.