CDX and Mana, just how important is it ?

Posted by: Ancient Mariner on 26 June 2003

After some helpful reply's from some of you, I have decided to go for either a CDX or a CD5/ HiCap. But I have heard the CDX will only really shine if on a Mana or Fraim support. Basicaly I have a strict budget of £1300 no more. That will buy me a S/H CDX. But it will be sat on my Sonus-systems 5 shelf support, there is no way I can afford to buy either Mana or Fraim.

So my point is will a CDX still out perform a CD5/HiCap in my system knowing its not going to be used with Mana or Fraim. I have heard the CDX is better but I have also heard it can be a bit too over exiting and will my system be more balanced and suited to a CD5/HiCap ?.

I will be using the CDX or CD5/HiCap with the following : NAC92/FlatCap/NAP90.3 , Linn Helix speakers with the Kustone stands and NACA5.

I am going to audition both with a home demonstration, but if any of you can shine some light on it for now I would be very greatful. Smile

Ian Marsh
Posted on: 26 June 2003 by Ancient Mariner
Thanks Smile

Yet again its the CDX thats recomended. My mind is clear now, I hope to have one within the next 2 to 3 months. Smile

Ian Marsh
Posted on: 27 June 2003 by Simo
quote:
Originally posted by alexgerrard:
[QUOTE] So my point is will a CDX still out perform a CD5/HiCap in my system knowing its not going to be used with Mana or Fraim


I believe a CDX will be a better option, so long as you are sitting your kit on _something_ other than a beanbag/resting on the TV/the floor.

You may not be aware of this, but Mana and Fraim have extremely different presentations, and it can be argued that these two supports represent the best of each 'style'. Which one is for you is of course entirely personal - and the whole support issue does tend to polarise opinion.

Should you manage to liberate a few quid in a couple of months, you may be able to pick up a secondhand wall shelf (Mana make one, as do Quadraspire, and I am sure there are others) to provide a new home for your CDX.

You can always make an isolation shelf (or even an entire rack) quite cheaply - do a search of the forum for 'tnt flexy'.


cut-----------------------------------------

or go for this link:
http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/flexye.html

ciao

Simone
Posted on: 27 June 2003 by Rico
You could also argue that nothing will shine unless on a Fraim or Mana.

The better player is the netter player. Buy the best you can afford. When I bought a CDX it was unceremoniously dumped atop of my Soundorg 5-tier rack. It was a big jump forth from my CD3. I did not wonder why I didn't instead buy the CD3.5 and hicap.

The CDX represents a much better path for you, rather than buying into CD5 already maxxed out.

good luck

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio
Posted on: 27 June 2003 by Bob Edwards
Ian--

Rico nailed it--a better player is a better player. I think we're past the utter nonsense of "A Sony POS on X levels of stand Y is better than a CDS2 on stand Z."

Get the CDX and never look back. It is a fabulous player, and will destroy a CD5/Hicap. One fewer box to worry about, also.

Best,

Bob
Posted on: 27 June 2003 by Ancient Mariner
Thanks.

I can't wait to get hold of a CDX now. Like I said it will be about 2 or 3 months before I can purchase one. I think I will try to look for one from a dealer rather than buy one from e-bay or somthing simalar.

I am sure it will blow the doors off my Micromega stage 1, the difference should be mind blowing I guess. Smile

I will keep you all informed how I get on with my search for a CDX.

Ian Marsh
Posted on: 28 June 2003 by Thomas K
Had a stand similar to Hutter sonically (finite elemente Pagode) when I changed from CD3.5/Flatcap to CDX -- it was one of the most rewarding upgrades musically.

Thomas