Will the madness ever end

I have used the CDS1/CDSPS, the rebuilt CDS2 with CDSPS and finally the CDS2/XPS. It is true that there are certain colourations in the CDS1 that emphasize the leading edge of the notes; on certain types of music this gives the PRT a propulsive character- on other types (i.e. densely layered) it becomes rather fatiguing and less cohesive. The CDS2 is tonally far more neutral with a superb and effortless sense of control whereas the S1 sounds breathless and challenged IMO by comparison. I can assure you that in a capable active system there is nothing overly polite about the CDS2.

The CDSPS vs the XPS is maybe a tougher choice. The XPS definitely is quieter and does some round earth things better, but does not greatly outdistance the CDSPS. Indeed the rebuilt CDS2/CDSPS offers tremendous value for money. Do make sure you have the black burndy for it though; there is a greater difference between the gray and black burndies then there seems to be between the CDSPS and the XPS.

Ron
Dum spiro audio
Dum audio vivo

I upgraded my CDS2 head unit last year and chopped the CDSPS for an XPS a few months back.

IMO the head upgrade is a no brainer. Sonically the CDSPS/XPS is also a big improvement.

Rather than getting the CDSPS serviced (??£200-300??) and paying £280 for a black burndy I'd recommend picking up a secondhand XPS for £1500ish and Ebaying the CDSPS. One went a couple of months ago (albeit serviced and black burndied) for £1200. On this basis the XPS would be the cheaper option (even a new one would only cost £300)

Thanks Ron

You appear to have completed each intermediate step to the cds2/xps. I think your cds1/cds2 experience answers my question (cds2, burndy, xps ?), I reckon I'll do the Black Burndy first (anyone got one spare), then the cds2, and then decide if the xps does more than the cdps...

The 'great' difference between grey/black burndy, is this still noticeable with the cds1/cdps...

naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...

I actually prefer the CDPS/black Burndy to XPS - more analogue, less hi-fi to my ears. Either way, the difference is surely less than one level of Mana.

Alex

Interesting - a few people have mentioned a preference to the cdps...

More Mana - don't go there mate, I've just dropped to Phase 9 (was a 10), don't worry its short term until I get some new bits, but the sonic hit it very noticeable and hard to live with...

naheed
active Phase 4 SBLs is the only way...

quote:

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The 'great' difference between grey/black burndy, is this still noticeable with the cds1/cdps...

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I replaced my grey Burdies with black ones on the 52, the CDS1 and the Snaxo 3/6. By FAR the biggest difference was on the CDS1/CDSPS, which elevated it quite a bit closer to the CDS2 level of performance and removed a rather shrill peaky midrange coloration. But even a well tweaked out CDS1 is left standing by the CDS2/CDSPS. When you do get the Black Burndy, gently flex it back and forth for a few minutes which will greatly expedite its break-in process. Only then will the full value of the upgrade be manifest. No joke.

Ron
Dum spiro audio
Dum audio vivo

Arthur Bye is the man to ask as he has both the CDS1 and CDS2 up and running in his system. Try e-mailing him directly.

I have compared both and have the opinion the CDS1 is good enough of a digital source provided it's on Mana and has the black burndy. The CDS2 is slightly more refined sounding but slightly softer and less involving IMO. Some people think the slight emphasis of attack is a failing in the CDS1. Compare it to vinyl and to my ears the attack is more spot on. My guess is the design objective of the CDS1 was different from the CDS2. What was more important the attack or the smoothness, each machine has a different emphasis.

Keep in mind they both are still CD players. The introdution of the 500 CDP suggests that even the CDS2 didn't hit the mark.

John

Hi,

CDS2 is far far far FAR better than CDS1. I did the upgrade from CDS1/CDPS/grey to CDS2/XPS/black. It's such a huge step!

Simply: with CDS2 I can enjoy to listen to music on CDs, with CDS1 it's fatiguing and makes my ears ache. Seriously. No joke. I am sorry.

- Jun

Jun,

Please clarify. If you did both changes at once (black for grey, CDS2 for CDS1), your comment in the CDS2 vs CDS1 debate is far from conclusive.

Thanks.

Phil