CDS 1 - Yes or No

Posted by: colscot on 22 April 2004

I recently had my old Quad ESL 57's completely rebuilt here in the US and although they sound wonderful it has highlighted one thing. I need to upgrade my digital front end. As anyone who has heard a pair of these speakers will confirm they are ruthlessly revealing of what comes before them in the chain. My primary source is vinyl and I use my LP12 for that purpose and I am happy with that. However on the occasions that I do play CD's I have been using my Pioneer DV-45A, which is a universal DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-A/player. To be honest I bought it primarily for watching DVD's so I wasn't expecting too much of it in the audio department. My rebuilt Quads now show it up for what it is - a $400.00 DVD player. I don't want to spend too much on a CD player but I do like good sound quality so I wondered what you folks thought of the idea of purchasing an old CDS-1 ? I've trawled through the classifieds here but can't find any for sale right now. I imagine that even the youngest player has to be around 6 or 7 years old by now so I'm assuming the price would reflect that. What might be the things to look out for in a player of that age or older ? I seem to remember the O ring was an issue at one time. Or am I better off going for something newer ?

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by hicapman

Hi Colscot,
I would check with Naim regarding servicing as I believe some of the older transport mechanisms are no longer available.Something newer maybe a better idea for peace of mind.

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by prowla

I always remember auditioning a CDS1, and coming to the conclusion that I'd much rather listen to my LP12/Ittok/K18.
Now I listen exclusively to my CDX.
(Hmmm - wonder if my ears have been digitally educated, and perhaps the CDS1 would sound better if I heard one again?)

Paul

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Robbie

Colsot,

If I were in your position I'd buy the best source you can afford. That excludes the CDS1, how good it might have been.I would look for a CDX2 or similair(secondhand CDS2).

Rob.
(Who is building a new roof on his house (=eq. of a few CDS3's.....)

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Robbie

Hi Andy,

Nice you're enyoing the CDX. If ever I could buy one in Holland for a reasonable price.

Rob.
(the 72's still doing a fine job !)

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Geofiz

If you are going after a CDS1 (I have one), the things to look for are:

(a) if the transport is still available for the one you are looking at (there are very limited spares from Naim UK). If there is one available, factor in the cost of purchasing it as a spare into any S/H price.

(b) verify the serial number and age of the unit.

(c) make sure it comes with the CDPS or XPS/XPS2 and with the correct burndy cable.

(d)if you can, check the nextel ring.

(e) make sure that it comes with the correct puck

(f) check with Naim North America, Dimex in Canada and Naim UK about any servicing that may have been completed on the unit (depending on where the unit is coming from).

and (g)make sure it works.

I would expect that a formerly USD9000 (in 1990) unit should be available for USD1000 to 1500 depending on condition. This higher than what a CD3, CD3.5 or CD5 may sell for S/H but probably lower than a CDX or CDX2.

Good Luck

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Arthur Bye

Geofiz:

I mostly agree with you on the CDS1. I also have one. I would expect the CDS1 to be priced higher than a used CDX/XPS as it is better than the CDX/XPS, even stone cold and out of the box. I haven't seen one for sale recently, but I would expect a price of $2,500 or so.

You want one with a new style Black Burndy not the older gray.

The condition of the Nextel ring is of utmost importance and this will dictate future longevity. You also want one with two different pucks, the single ring and the double ring puck. The double ring puck is needed for those occasional CD's that are a little thinner than standard.

My understanding is the replacement transports are still available from Naim, but you should check to make sure.

This player and the CDX are also helped with Mana. That may be a matter of personal taste though.

I suppose a 10 year old unit could also use a service from NANA. You may want to check out the cost in advance.

Arthur Bye

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by colscot

Thanks for the replies. The nextel ring was what I was thinking of when I said the O ring. I remember from reading this forum before that it was important. I'll take your advice and check out age and condition etc along with serial number. I have to say I would have thought they would have been plentiful, given the fact that the CDS 2 has been around for some time and now the CDS 3 but it seems people must be hanging on to them and not upgrading.

Posted on: 22 April 2004 by Brucie

I bought a 10 yr old CDS1 last year and quite frankly its superb, even with the old grey burndy that I bought it with. I upgraded from a CD3.

I have just aquired the new black burndy (the new black S-CDPS cable (modified version of the one {S-XPS) used on the CDS3) and it has made it even better still.

The nextel ring on mine is in top nick and that is something you must check properly. I gave mine a full service for some 300 UK pounds so in all the machine cost me 1750 pounds.

Also phone Naim about the transports they have for the CDS1.

Good luck
Bruce

Posted on: 23 April 2004 by Cosmoliu

Colscot,

Perhaps not what you were looking for, but there is a CDS2 that has been listed on Audiogon for about 2 weeks with an asking price of $5,500. I thought briefly about inquiring about it, but took a deep breath and decided to take the leap for a CDS3. With the coming price increase in mind, and knowing that I would eventually wind up there, it actually made the most sense in my situation. Of course, your situation will be different, but I found talking to NANA's USA sales manager, Chris, very helpful in sorting out all the different scenarios. Good luck.

Posted on: 23 April 2004 by yannzola

Is Naim still offering to upgrade older CDS1 players to CDS2 guts? I remember hearing something about this a few years back. At the time, it seemed a decent (and cost effective) upgrade route to take.

y.

Posted on: 23 April 2004 by colscot

Yes, I saw the ad on Audiogon, but with a house move coming up soon I can't justify spending that much right now. I just can't find one for sale right now so maybe I'll just have to wait until one appears or I decide to go for a CDS 2 later when funds permit.

Colin