NAC 82 Powered

You really need to dem, and don't eliminate CDSII until you've compared it through Preamps in your price range, as well as a reference (52/SCap). If you're not moving up a CDX, you can avoid the CDX step by going straight to CDSII.

Once you've decided on your source, fit your budget around the rest of what you have to buy. You appear to have made a number of back-end changes which have imbalanced your system, you've realised that a source improvement is necessary, but are avoiding clear evaluation. What have you demmed and heard so far?

I would predict a CDSII into an 82 naked on 140 would provide a whole lot of music... re-jig the system from there.

Good luck.

Rico - musichead

This time a friend is helping with the dealer, but i want something to keep me happy for a while...

naheed...

Now, the CDS2 is a revelation. If you do a lot of CD spinning, the comparison should be:

cdx/xps 102/s'cap
cdx/xps 82/2 X hicap
cds2/xps 102/hicap, etc.

Listen to Rico. Listen to me. Listen to the CDS2.

Phil

quote:

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but i want something to keep me happy for a while...

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The road less travelled. Have you then eliminated the CDSII and selected CDX/XPS on the strength of a flawed dem, or is there something you're not telling us here? And why use passive SBL's in a dem, when in fact you run active? Your focus is to end you uprgrade loop... select carefully with your ears.

I suggest you use a reference system, and work from that as a baseline. You're starting to head towards CDSII/52 territory, so it might make sense to start there, making substitutions to arrive at your best result for your budget. However, an excellent dealer is first required. And don't forget to buy from them once they've spent the time on you!

Have you listened to the 'unofficial phase 1' Naim system: CDX/102/140/ + good circa £500 speakers, carefully set up on good stands at a fine dealers (such as Audio Counsel)? You might well be surprised.

Rico - musichead

The cdx/xps/82 selection is due to what i thought was a better balanced system...

The demo was'nt active as the dealer could'nt be arsed - but it will be this time.

Rico, I like the cds2/52 backward approach, but i'm scared i will start 'twitching' too early for it... (i want this upgrade to last a while)...

I have a few options so i'll wait for my demo...

naheed...

quote:

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I have'nt eliminated the cds2, i just feel and some have mentioned that the cds2 really comes into it own with the 52...

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Errr... actually, everything comes into its own with the 52.

I've heard CDSII in many systems, through 102(naked and 1 hicap), and 82 (+1 hicap), and 52. There's no mistaking you're listening to the magic of a CDSII through any of these preamps.

quote:

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Rico, I like the cds2/52 backward approach, but i'm scared i will start 'twitching' too early for it... (i want this upgrade to last a while)...

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Make the right choice and you should not be twitching for the next upgrade; instead you'll just be able to enjoy the music.

Rico - musichead

[This message was edited by Rico on FRIDAY 27 October 2000 at 16:23.]

Give me a shout(or mail) I have spare 82, Hicap and Supercap you can borrow.
With your Hicap you can try *all* the combinations of 82, at home, in your rig...

styl

mikeh

I think your choice will depend on where you intend to end up. If you think that CDSII and 52 are likely in the medium term, I would go for the CDSII, and upgrade to Supercap and 52 when funds allow. Otherwise, like me, you will be losing alot of money, by trading in your 82 for a 52 at a later date.

David.........waiting for the 52

My system is an 82super,135's, SBL's. I would go for the balance of the CDX/XPS, 82, Super (if possible). I think the CDSII and 52 go together.

John

Mike, if the dem does'nt go to well i may take you up on your VERY kind offer.

However, Dave/John you've said what i have been thinking all along, i don't what the losses involved in upgrading to the cds/52, and the cds2 really kicks arse once in a 52/active setup...

naheed...

It was some time ago but I did have a chance to compare the CDS2 and CDX/XPS through a Nait 3. Put simply, the superiority of the CDS2 was instantly and easily heard vs the CDX/XPS, thus verifying (for me) how critical the source is. This superiority has held up no matter what amplification is used--even using a Linn Kolektor/LK85 you could hear how much better the CDS2 is. In your position I would go to the CDS2 and then change preamps when possible.

Cheers,

Bob

PS--I would take an 82 with 2 (or even 1) Hicaps over a 102/Supercap.˙

[This message was edited by Bob Edwards on SATURDAY 28 October 2000 at 17:42.]