CDX2 v CDS2

steve, about 2 years ago I went from a cdx to a cds2. The improvements are certainly significant. More organic sound, better frequency extremes. The treble on the cdx sounded much more harsh in comparison. Bass more extended too. I wouldn`t say the difference was immediately jaw-dropping. There was an immediate subtle difference that grew to be a more major difference after living with the player for a few days. This may have aslo been due the gradual warm up though the unit was used for 2 years before I purchased it. So the question is does a new cdx2 approach the sound of a cds2- I have not heard the cdx2 so cannot comment. For me, I have all olive naim boxes and the cdx2 did not yet exist when I bought the cds2. Your decision is tougher, if you could dem the new cdx2 and compare it to your cdx that would be helpful, obviously. If you cant dem the cdx2, then rest assured you will be quite happy with the cds2. I would hope you are getting a late model cds2, that is with at least serial number 160,000 or higher. Good luck with your decision. david

David,
Thanks for response, am listening as I type and can see what you mean, It is a case of good and very good with only the money issue to spoil it!! Serial no. just below 160,000(156***) any significance?

Steve

A 156*** serial number means it was built in 1999. The CDS2 was made from 1998 to 2002, so that'd put it as earlyish & oldish, but I'm guessing from your post still far from past it

J

PS, In case you think I'm some kind of major league anorak, Naim keep a list of S/N build years here, & the product histories are here

Thank you both Jason and David I will bear the age in mind. It does soung good though.

steve, I don`t believe there were any major changes to the cds2. How much are you asked to pay for the cds2? Are you able to listen to the cdx2? What is the rest of your equipment?david.

Tricky!

My ears tell me that:-

A CDS2 is better than a CDX2

A CDX2/XPS2 is better than a CDS2

I like to buy new if possible, so in your position I would probably have the new CDX2 if; (big if) I could afford an XPS2 in the foreseeable future.

Naim equipment has an excellent reputation for reliability, longevity and serviceability; but do bear in mind that CD players inevitably suffer mechanical wear (no matter how good!)

Good luck with your decision. Let us know.

Steve,

I faced the same decision recently - the CDX2 WITH XPS 2 are very close to a CDS 2.
It comes to a matter of personal preference (Of course - always..!!) and probably to such mundane things such as proper supports, etc.

I stayed with the CDS 2, even though I actually don't like the top-loader for reasons of shelve-placing.
Check the thread here - Other members have different opinions and results from their demos / comparisons

Regards

Urs

http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=67019385&f=48019385&m=5371905166&r=5321955166#5321955166

David,
The CDS2 XPS is 3750 ex demo and with my cdx p\x below 3 I would expect. So a cdx2 with my cdx in p\x would be below that I would think. It all points towards a cdx2 with xps2 in future I think.
I must say I love the top loader part of the cds2 though, just like a TT. Equipment: LP12, 112/150/FC2, Credos.