I read some recent contributions to this forum, where the need for better support of NAIM gear, especially by replacing the rubber feet with cones (spikes?) or pulsar points etc. was suggested.
Do I notice a change in thinking about this subject or is this just individuals preferences?
Or are indeed “cheap” tweaks lurking out there??
So far I was under the impression, that changes to NAIM products (power cords, feet, etc) were ineffective (e.g.: my own experiments with “high-end power cords” gave no improvements at all) at best or even deteriorating. Note: I don’t question the obvious benefit of a proper shelving system /support rack. I use the German made Finite elements Pagoda (small version); it’s flexible, sounds & looks good and is space saving as well – high “WFA”!
In the case of my CD2: In addition to the above – what other "tweaks" would there be available? Only an Up-grade ?
As I understand, a CDX is not really an improvement, it’s just different from the CD2 – and I do insist on a front-loader CD (the “rotating drawer & puck placing procedure” gives the whole matter a “near analogue feeling”…,!) so no CDSII etc.
Appreciate sharing your thoughts and recommendations
Urs
[This message was edited by uem on TUESDAY 30 October 2001 at 11:33.]
[This message was edited by uem on TUESDAY 30 October 2001 at 11:33.]
Posted on: 30 October 2001 by dwdm
quote:
In the case of my CD2: In addition to the above – what other "tweaks" would there be available? Only an Up-grade ?
As I understand, a CDX is not really an improvement, it’s just different from the CD2
IMHO, the CDX is a MASSIVE improvement of the CD2, which sounds not really better than the CDI. This opinion comes from my personal experience (CDI to CDX upgrade and one month with a CD2 at home). The best thing to do is to listen to a CDX in good conditions (burnt-in and placed on a serious support/stand;).
Bruno
Posted on: 30 October 2001 by bob atherton
I own a CDX & did once own a CDI ( one of the first transport type as well ) & IMHO the CDX is a great deal better than the CDI.
All Naim CDP's need a decent stand though.
Bob.
Posted on: 30 October 2001 by Thomas K
Incidentally, I own a CDX that’s sitting on a Pagode rack by finite elemente. I cannot detect any of the negative characteristics sometimes attributed to a badly supported CDX, I thus believe that the Pagode is an excellent support for said player (not as good as the Fraim, though, and before you ask I’ve never seen a piece of Mana in my life).
So audition a CDX at home and see if it needs tweaking – I doubt it will.
Thomas
Posted on: 31 October 2001 by dwdm
I also think that a CDX sounds much better than a CDI. I admit that my sentence was ambiguous : I just wanted to say "the CDX is a MASSIVE improvement of the CD2, and the CD2 doesn't sound really better than the CDI"...Sorry...
Concerning the stand, things were greatly improved when the CDX was moved from my Soundstyle X105 (quadripod) to a custom (home made) source stand, made up with heavy slate plates (2 inches thick and 100 lbs each). After many tests, Slate is a better material than granite or marble...really amazing. My TT also benefits from this system.
Bruno.
Posted on: 31 October 2001 by bob atherton
HI Bruno,
The way that I worked out the CDX better than CDI thing was that 8 years ago I changed from my CDI to the Roksan 3 box player. The improvement was night & day. I started to enjoy CD's for the first time.
I have recently changed from the Roksan to a CDX. The CDX, IMHO is different from the Roksan, not necessarily better or worse. I plan to get an XPS, hence the 'sideways' move.
Best regards,
Bob.
Posted on: 31 October 2001 by Frank Abela
Uem
Changing interconnects, feet, power cables etc. can have a significant effect on Naim equipment. Naim spend a long time getting the materials and cables that they think work best in their system - that's why the CDX has metal feet where the preamps have rubber feet.
Therefore, most changes are detrimental to the sound of the system. There are occasional exceptions, such as the MusicWorks mains block and IEC cables, but these are exceptions rather than anything else, and the vast majority don't bring benefits.
The CDX is much better than the CD2 in my view, having a degree of looseness, freedom and openness that wasn't even hinted at by the older player.
Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.
Posted on: 01 November 2001 by DLF
Uem,
If you like the sound of your system then enjoy it, don't tweak. Cones under the 82 solved a problem in mine.
If Frank came round to listen he may point out the real problem is the glass and angle-iron stand I was using, or I am deaf or anything really. Since I don't have access to Frank there is only me. Oh yeah, and the cones only cost a couple of quid from Richer Sounds.
David
