CDS3 Vs Linn CD12
Posted by: blueoyster on 16 April 2003
Been to Infidelity in Hampton wick today for dem on CDS3. Kit used was 252/SC/250 B&W 805 Sigs. Initial reaction was that it was very analogue sounding coupled with typical Naim trade marks of rhythym, timing & a stunning tight bass, it was also highly detailed. Then onto the CD12, I heard this player a few years ago & was very impressed. I found it presented unbelievable detail never before heard on this planet. It is a different beast delivering a lighter sound with more space between the instruments but slighlty lacking in the bottom end, but it also benefits from having an analogue feel to it. It has (IMO) a less forward presentation and is quite relaxed overall. I have always thought that the CD12 is a bit pricey and ahould be approx three or four grand less in price. I loved the CDS3 but would not right off the CD12, the price of the CD12 is the problem. I believe that the CDS3 is better value for money & would not hesitate in acquiring one in the future. My bank manager is going to have a heart attack!
Colin
PS Thanks Dominic for the coffee (it cured the hang over!)
Posted on: 16 April 2003 by markcas
Questions is : if money were no object which would you buy?
Mark
Posted on: 17 April 2003 by Tuan
quote:
Originally posted by blueoyster:
Been to Infidelity in Hampton wick today for dem on CDS3. Kit used was 252/SC/250 B&W 805 Sigs.
PS Thanks Dominic for the coffee (it cured the hang over!)
This also proves that B7W805 Sigs are very good speakers that allow you to hear the minute differences between 2 CDPs.
Posted on: 17 April 2003 by Andrew Randle
If the differences are minute, then the B&Ws can't be that good.
The initial review is all about tonal-balance (a valid *aspect* of performance). There I see no mention about which player is better at more tuneful, and better at grooving and synchronisation. From my past experience of B&W loudspeakers I'm likely to conclude that this is a result of the B&Ws being slow and degenerating the expressiveness of the source and amplifiers.
Andrew
Andrew Randle
Linn Binn Sinner
Posted on: 17 April 2003 by blueoyster
[QUOTE]Originally posted by markcas:
Questions is : if money were no object which would you buy?
I would go for the CDS3 as it is more musically involving & had more weight. As Ross pointed out the CD12 is lacking in substance & weight but it was still OK (should be at that price!). I find the B&W 805 sigs very good indeed (ask Dobbin), the older B&W's tended to be on the slow side but the signature's are fast & accurate. I would'nt say that they degenerate the expressivness of the source & amps, far from it. Anyway a new CDP will be purchased sometime this year.
Regards
Colin
Posted on: 17 April 2003 by Greg Beatty
I recall an earlier thread on the CD12 that noted that the CD12 had different kinds of output (balanced and unbalanced perhaps?). And if the less-often used outputs were used, the results were dramatically better. Perhaps best in an all-Linn system?
- GregB
Insert Witty Signature Line Here
