XPS2- Seeking smart answers to stupid questions
Posted by: uem on 30 June 2003
Hi all,
I’m currently comparing my CDS2 with a CDX2 and XPS, since I prefer the front-loading system to the top-loader – BUT I want the music from the CDS2 !! (CDS2 and record player both need a top shelf - another rack is out & wall mounting is very difficult)
Previous findings in this forum indicated a close call between these two models, provided an XPS-2 is used.
My current demo experience simply confirms these results: Comparing CDX2 and XPS (old type – at least according to the label on the back ?) the CDS2 sounds better – but not by such a wide margin; the CDX2 has a somewhat pronounced presence, which I actually like for some music. – The test goes on – but now I should get the XPS2 first….
Rest of the “gang”: NAC 82 /HiCap (yes I know: the weak link – but Source First Doctrine says this shouldn’t mater, at least not for a comparison !!) Ayre V3 power amp, Wilson Benesch ACT 2 speakers.
Alternatively: Stax Omega 2 with 007 T driver--Here the CDS2 really makes the difference!
Now my questions:
What external – if any - marks distinguish the old XPS from the new XPS2 ? Are there both types available in the new look – meaning a new look XPS those NOT make it an XPS2 ?
Further: How do I recognise the new Burndy – would an XPS2 automatically come with the new Burndy?
Thanks for any feedback
Urs
I’m currently comparing my CDS2 with a CDX2 and XPS, since I prefer the front-loading system to the top-loader – BUT I want the music from the CDS2 !! (CDS2 and record player both need a top shelf - another rack is out & wall mounting is very difficult)
Previous findings in this forum indicated a close call between these two models, provided an XPS-2 is used.
My current demo experience simply confirms these results: Comparing CDX2 and XPS (old type – at least according to the label on the back ?) the CDS2 sounds better – but not by such a wide margin; the CDX2 has a somewhat pronounced presence, which I actually like for some music. – The test goes on – but now I should get the XPS2 first….
Rest of the “gang”: NAC 82 /HiCap (yes I know: the weak link – but Source First Doctrine says this shouldn’t mater, at least not for a comparison !!) Ayre V3 power amp, Wilson Benesch ACT 2 speakers.
Alternatively: Stax Omega 2 with 007 T driver--Here the CDS2 really makes the difference!
Now my questions:
What external – if any - marks distinguish the old XPS from the new XPS2 ? Are there both types available in the new look – meaning a new look XPS those NOT make it an XPS2 ?
Further: How do I recognise the new Burndy – would an XPS2 automatically come with the new Burndy?
Thanks for any feedback
Urs
Alex,
That's what confuses me:
The demo unit I've got appears to be the new style (meaning it should be XPS-2 ?), but the label on the back marks it as an "old" XPS
Urs
That's what confuses me:
The demo unit I've got appears to be the new style (meaning it should be XPS-2 ?), but the label on the back marks it as an "old" XPS
Urs
Tuan,
I owned WB ACT 1s for a long time, actually I had one of the early series, incl. some possible drawbacks. I was offered this great opportunity to get the last Demo WB ACT 2s: My dealer needed space for the new ACTs.
Better bass and hence bigger sound stage and a much finer and detailed treble presentation than the ACT 1s – all in all a speaker I love….and they look good too !!.
Power rating of the Ayre V3 ?? - I have to check, not very high, class A.
Thanks for your suggestion re: XPS2 - if only I get positive identification of the one I'm demoing right now (see above !)
Actually I hope, it’s an old XPS – and the new model XPS2 would make the CDX2 about even to my CDS2.
Cheers
Urs
I owned WB ACT 1s for a long time, actually I had one of the early series, incl. some possible drawbacks. I was offered this great opportunity to get the last Demo WB ACT 2s: My dealer needed space for the new ACTs.
Better bass and hence bigger sound stage and a much finer and detailed treble presentation than the ACT 1s – all in all a speaker I love….and they look good too !!.
Power rating of the Ayre V3 ?? - I have to check, not very high, class A.
Thanks for your suggestion re: XPS2 - if only I get positive identification of the one I'm demoing right now (see above !)
Actually I hope, it’s an old XPS – and the new model XPS2 would make the CDX2 about even to my CDS2.
Cheers
Urs