Upgradeitis has just relapsed.
Have felt secure on my recent purchases-but would very much welcome opinions on my next step.I've never heard the CDX
Current system:
Lp12/cirkus/aro/geddon/oc9
CDi
72(gutted)/hi/naxo2-4/hi
160/250 active(needed to make the SBL's work-in my room)
SBL's
just a splash of mana
Everything Naim new or newly serviced and wrapped in black snaics.
'k'Prefix/snaps2--awaiting arrival of my recon Troika
I like the CDi especially after its recent service
Its beginning to be 'the weakest link' fading against my blossoming LP12.
In the ~£1500 bracket s/h is the 82 but also the CDX.
Q's
Is CDI-->naked CDX huge?I know deboarded 72-->82(1 hicap) is.--benefits Vinyl as well of course.The CDx would be cheaper as resale of 72 a lot less than CDI
Logic would probably dictate waiting for a CDS1--for not that much more(?£2500).A CDX/XPS s/h makes not as much sense versus a CDS1 apart from ?better reliabilty.
Any rambling thoughts or audition rememberfications?
Thanks in anticipation Richard
PS I have heard that several Charlatans strategically placed accross the country can convert CDi's to accept Hicaps quite simply--just
adding a socket and soldered some extra wires--removing the pollution of the inbox tiny power supply.
Anyone heard these items.I don't like doing anything that can take away the musical naim sound--but hicapping a 3.5 works surely a 'capped cdi should sound VERY good? Was the CDI not a CDS1 with an inferior power supply?
I know Naim rightly hate mods but this is a lesser evil isn't it?
Posted on: 26 January 2001 by NB
Richard
I have just replaced my Roksan Caspian with a CDX and I have to admit that I was amazed at the difference in sound. If you have never heard one then I suggest that you arrange for a demonstation.
I have to say that I have heard the CDX many times and I think it is the best cd player at the price, only beaten by adding a power supply.
NB
Posted on: 26 January 2001 by Darren Cotter
Richard,
Go for the 82. My system used to be CDI/72/Hi-Cap(Very Old)/250 & SBL's. I got an 82, then replaced the old Hi-Cap and finally got a second one. I noticed the improvements each step of the way through the CDI.
Also, who can predict the outcome of SACD Vs DVDA. So it may be worth letting the market sort it's self out before upgrading your cd player.
Regards,
Darren Cotter
Posted on: 26 January 2001 by Richard Paget
I probably will go fot the 82.
I might also investigate the adding a cap to the Cdi--as long as it does nothing but solder on to the power tracks--and I can use a Naim *cap.I suspect more componentry maybe involved which is a NoNo--I want to enhance not modify.
Its probably more to do with the excellence of my lp12 setup(with ARO)than shortcomings in my CDI--I can see an audition cdi v CDX coming on!
The new mediums of course may blow cd away but without a particularly successful model around yet and tiny amounts of software it maybe a few yrs away yet.
Despite sony buying up and shutting down the vinyl production lines it took a few yrs for the cd software range to become extensive.
Cheers Richard
Posted on: 27 January 2001 by Bob Edwards
Richard--
Ironic that as one of the source first brigade I would suggest a 82. The reason is that the 82 offers a larger jump from the 72 than the CDX does from the CDI. (Having owned all four at some point.) Also ironic that Mike Hanson in another thread says the "82 is good but the CDX is better." That said I would next replace the CDI with a CDX/CDS2--that will give you a greater improvement than upgrading to a 52 or the PSU to the 82.
Peter--unfortunate you retired your vinyl--all you needed was a Prefix into the 72--quite a bit better than the phono boards in a 82 or 52. I was very (pleasantly) surprised at the improvement when I pulled the 323/5 K boards from my 72.
Cheers,
Bob
Ride the Light !
Posted on: 27 January 2001 by mr saucisson
Hi Richard
I have never heard a CDI with the power supply mods you describe, although I have heard a CD2 modified. The difference is actually considerable - leading me to think that the onboard one must be truly crappy.
I heard it with a flatcap and hicap. Improvements were immediately noticeable, as you would expect, basically an all round improvement in musicality, PRaT and clarity. However, I would say that it is not worth splashing the extra on a Hicap - while it was a tiny bit better so equipped, the difference did not justify the price. I have considered getting it done myself, and probably will when I get round to it. For the price of a 2nd hand flatcap the difference was great, and great value. This is, of course, assuming that the difference would be as large on a CDI as a CD2, but I do not see why it would not be.
Ben
