CDX2 from CD5/FC2 Confusion - PLEASE ASSIST
Posted by: Alco on 04 July 2002
In a post the other day I said "I never really liked the agressive approach of the original CDX, but liked the sound of the CD5/FC2 and am living happily with that setup. I am considering the move to a CDX2. Does the CDX2 exhibit the same agressive style as the CDX or is it a little more laid back? Please advise."
The confusion for me now is the number of people finding serious flaws with the CDX2 which I would not have expected to hear. Now call me old fashioned but for the kind of investment the CDX2 is, I don't expect many failings. I listen to jazz, classical and pop with the chain being the CD5/FC2 via Chord Solid cables to a YBA integre DT through QED Genesis Silver Bi-wire cables to B&W N805's in a small den.
Are the CDX2 flaws people are mentioning a result of the component chain they are using? Is the CDX2 without an XPS not a viable upgrade? It seems to me that they are saying that like with the CDX, the CDX2 without an XPS is edgy, agressive and without sufficient low end definition & weight??
Thank you to all who have taken the time to reply.
Posted on: 15 March 2004 by J.N.
I suspect that this may be a system mismatch issue?
A bare CDX2 into a Naim amplifier sounds superb. A friend has been running one into a Nait5 and latterly a 202/NAPSC/150.
In the context of a Naim system, it produces a great sound.
A CD5/HC boogies very nicely, but a CDX2 produces a more sophisticated sound with greater insight into the music.
Posted on: 15 March 2004 by Peter Stockwell
quote:
Originally posted by Audio Doctor:
the chain being the CD5/FC2 via Chord Solid cables to a YBA integre DT through QED Genesis Silver Bi-wire cables to B&W N805's in a small den.
First of all, I'll say I have extremely small experience of a the Integré DT, I think I heard it between a Micrommega Stage 6 and some Martin Logan's about 10 years ago. But what I might be inclined to suspect is that you have a system that leans, if you'll excuse the pun, on the bright side. By reputation the Integré is extremely sensitive to it's support as is the original CDX, which may account for the aggressiveness that you heard. I have CDX and a HiCapped Nait and it's only aggresive if the recording is agressive.
Peter
User34 at Laposte dot net
Posted on: 15 March 2004 by ClaudeP
quote:
Originally posted by ghunter:
I wholeheartedly recommend it with no reservations.
Graham
So do I.
The improvement from 3.5/Flat to CDX2 was just stunning. IMHO, the CDX2 sounds almots analog: much warmer, better detail, more natural sound overall.
Posted on: 16 March 2004 by greeny
quote:
Does the CDX2 exhibit the same agressive style as the CDX or is it a little more laid back? Please advise."
It's more laid back. In fact one of the things that SOME people critisise it for is not having the edge and attack of the CDX, however if you prefer the CD5/fc to a CDX I suspect the CDX2 presentation will be to your liking.
Remember many of the critisisms will be in comparison to Higher end Gear, so when compairing CDX2 to CDX2/XPS or CDS3 you will highlight the failings of the CDX2 however slight.
Posted on: 16 March 2004 by Geoff P
I would like to add another vote for the "bare" CDX2. I started out with it on a 112/HC/150 and was delighted with the music I got.
It was the first part of an upgrade plan which has now reached to "bare" CDX2/282/SC/250.
Each step has opened the door to clarity, detail,dynamics and rich full sound quite a bit more.
On the way as the door opened I came to realise that there was great depth to the signal coming from the CDX2.
IMO it will give you a great sound partnered with a range of euipment and not dissapoint in any system.
However to fully appreciate what it can do you need to mate it to components which can deliver the full potential of this CDP.
I must add that I am now aiming for an XPS2 so I can complete the system, but I have lived with the bare CDX2 for about a year now and am delighted I bought it.
On the "brightness" thing I have never had that problem. I recommend you look at the amplifier as a possible culprit.
regards
GEOFF
Posted on: 16 March 2004 by Naimed-In-NY
In my limited experience with it, a bare CDX2 produced the best sound I ever heard in my life. I'm saving up for one at the moment.
MBM
Posted on: 16 March 2004 by timster
Flaws? I think you are reading some hyperbole and you absolutely do not need an XPS. As you say, it costs a chunk-of-change and the stock unit should sound good; It does.
I will say it requires a few weeks to "run-in", but other than that, I cannot fault it sound wise. My only niggle is with the operational use of it when some CDs slip or copy-protected ones don't play back properly. Annoying, but not the end-of-the-world.
Go listen and if possible, borrow it.
tim
Posted on: 16 March 2004 by kuma
You have to remember no CDPs are perfect especially at sub 5k$ sector. Few compromises are made somewhere to meet a specific price point.
The niggles I had with a bare CDX2 was something I coulod not live with. It is a fine player for many. ( and it is! ) It doesn't do everything but one thing it does is make music.
Also, it seems to me that when you use non-Naim amp, the result might be mixed.
You should definitely home demo. I wouldn't buy one blind if you are concerned about bright leading edges especially with your N805.
Your YBA integrated should not induce it but you never know as it did with my *round earth* solid state amps and speakers. I thought this would have been a nice combo. Boy, was I wrong!
It *should* be a nice improvement from CD5/FC2 but, I haven't ABed 'em.
[This message was edited by kuma on Wed 17 March 2004 at 7:10.]
Posted on: 16 March 2004 by ClaudeP
quote:
Originally posted by Audio Doctor:
The confusion for me now is the number of people finding serious flaws with the CDX2 which I would not have expected to hear.
I do not hear any of these "serious flaws" myself: I just LOVE my CDX2. But you should trust your own ears more than my personal opinion - or anyone else's, for that matter.
So the best advice, as others have said, is to listen for yourself, preferrably at home. (Unless you are bold enough - or stupid enough -to buy a CDX2 without hearing it first, as I did!)
