The extensive research carried out before the original CDS could be built has been fully employed in producing the integrated CD5x CD player. We have made as few compromises as possible to ensure that this machine offers complete musical satisfaction, rivalling that of the finest analogue turntables.

As with the flagship player, integrity and stability of the RF signals read by the laser have been prime design considerations. A suspended transport and low mass magnetic clamping system ensures that the disc spins accurately and silently, unhindered by mechanical resonance.

Paths between critical components are as short as possible to preserve delicate signals and each stage of the circuitry is powered by separate regulated supplies. Correct earthing is used throughout and there are no digital or headphone outputs.

The CD5x features a unique power supply incorporating separate digital and analogue transformer windings and additional screening to reduce the intrusion of RF interference from the mains supply.

Microphonic degradation of sound quality is greatly reduced by the use of low-energy-transfer feet and unique decoupling pillars for circuit board mounting combined with a stiff, low-vibration enclosure.

There are fourteen low-noise, regulated power supplies on the CD5x main circuit board. In addition the new player has a radically different external power supply arrangement, which enables a Flat-Cap 2, Hi-Cap or even a Super-Cap to be connected to power the analogue circuit separately, providing an enormous improvement in sound quality. This method maintains signal integrity, with the DAC being located in the ideal position close to the data it has to convert, while also offering the user the opportunity to upgrade the player easily without compromising its superb engineering.

The CD5x offers convenient front loading using a custom-made, glass reinforced drawer mechanism, the mass of which has been carefully calculated to optimise rigidity and isolation.

Improvements over the original CD5 include: an improved CD transport mechanism (Philips VAM1202/12); a new, improved CD tray PCB; a new analogue output stage on a separate PCB; switchable DIN or Phono outputs; a new dedicated large toroidal transformer for stiffer power supply; a PMD200 Digital Filter and HDCD decoder – this has the key advantage of re-dithering the digital words after processing them; 24-bit dual mono Burr Brown DACS as used in the CDX2 and CDS3; an RC5 socket for easy external remote control without line of sight; an optional RS232 connector for external system control.

This machine is designed to be the best in its class, incorporating genuine technological advances to provide a thoroughly enjoyable musical experience.