Rega Apollo vs Naim CD5i vs Arcam CD73T

The list on the CD5i is $1699. If you got offered the 5X for this price that was a huge discount.

I also heard the 5X in a very good system, Usher speakers, Naim pre-amp, Belle's amp, mega dollar silver cables, etc.

I owned a Rega Planet 2000 and while the Apollo is said to be much better, I've read it maintains the Rega signature sound, so I might at least have an idea of how it sounds.

The thing I liked about the Naim was everything just sounded so real. The weight of the horns, the exact presentation of the female vocals, the deep full bass.

Everyone that's heard the 5i and 5X said they sound very different. However, the funny thing is at least half prefer the 5i sound. They say it really cooks.

I asked many people on many forums and in the end took their advise. I didn't get a single bad comment about the Naim. Nearly every person who has heard 5i and the Apollo said they would buy the Naim if they had the money. And, as bad as I hate to admit it, I like how the green lights match the green of my Arcam AVP-700 and this also influenced my decision.

Anyhow, it will be here next week so I'll know them how it works in my system.

BTW, when asking this question practically no one recommended the Arcam over the other two??

At the price points on these its basicly 2 $1000 players against the Arcam which is about 400 used.

Actually, it's a $1700 and $1000 player against a $700 player.

Have the CD5i in my system and am extremely happy with my decision. Also had a chance to hear the Apollo and it's also a very good CDP and I can see why many like it so much. But, I like mine better.

I was just being general,actual money figures make it even clearer that you get what you pay for.