CD2 VS CDX

Posted by: ted on 07 November 2002

Should I by a Cd2 or Cdx used. I have a Nac 102 ,Pse Hi, And Nap 250. I have a Cd3 that i will sell, and want to know what you think.I'm not to interested in the xps for Cdx as I can't afford it . Let me know Ted
Posted on: 08 November 2002 by Mick P
Ted

You must buy a CDX, it does sound better to most peoples ears and it will be easier to maintain over the longer term.

After the CDX, when funds permit, get yourself a XPS, this will totally transform the CDX and you will be glad that you did not bother with the CD2.

Next stage is to go for a CDS2 and only then start spending serious money on a stand. Stands do affect the sound but not to the same degree as a decent black box upgrade.


Regards

Mick
Posted on: 08 November 2002 by kevinl
I compared a CDX (new, £2200) to a CD2 (early model, CDM9Pro transport, £925) about 2 years ago.

In my system, 82/2*Hi/250/Credos (now Allae), the CD2 provided more "Naim sound". The CDX was more hi-fi, and less satisfying.

I bought the CD2, and I'm still enjoying every minute with it. Never had a problem.

Listen to both, trust your ears, decide. As Julian V. was fond of saying, "if it sounds better, it *is* better".

kevin
Posted on: 08 November 2002 by Ed R
I have just got hold of a 4 yr old CD2 to replace my Linn Mimik. Needless to say, the difference is significant.

Having decided on this level of expense, I seriously thought about the extra £6-700 that a bare CDX would set me back and whether it was essential for my happiness to spend the extra. Having never heard a CDX, I cannot comment on the sonic differences that may exist although I have seen the subjective views expressed here and on other fora.

My conclusion was that the temptation of further upgradability presented by the CDX would be too much to bear, and that the safer bet (for sanity, credit cards, etc.) was to upgrade to a player that sounded good, would hopefully last for years and led me down a blind alley in black box terms smile

Regards,
Ed (naive, but happy)
Posted on: 08 November 2002 by Mick P
David

I have a colleague who lurks on this and the Mana forum but does not contribute to either.

He has a mid range Naim system and has a phase 6 Mana system. He admits it looks awful but he likes the sound.

I have heard this system over the last 6 years when it was a Nait2 on Mana phase 2 and the biggest jump was always when a box was added.

I suspect that the "enthusiasts" are trying to convince themselves as well as us that soundstages are the way to go.

Mr Pig did us all a favour by extolling the virtues of his £99.00 CDP on phase 4 (I think it was phase 4)when his over enthusiasm was seen to have eliminated his judgement.

Regards

Mick