202/200, 112/150/flatcap or CDX2/Nait5i

CDX2/Nait 5i ???? There is a big gap between cd and ampli.
202\200 is good but, after you'll have to upgrade your source:neverending......
If I was you : 112 with 150 and flatcap or for your CD5 or Nac112...
Bye,
David

Hi KlaasR

My dealer was saying only the other day that other Naim dealers had commented that CDX2/Nait5i/Allaes is a killer system.

It might seem a bit unbalanced, but the CDX2 is a real step up from the CD5, and the new 5i has got to be the best vfm amplifier on the market - it's a blinder!

You brave man KlaasR! The CDX2/Nait5i combination certainly has my full support, but then I'm an old style front-end-first fan on a budget!

Get it quick, enjoy the music and start saving for some Mana and an XPS2, or better still an LP12/ARO/Armageddon with a Prefix/Hi-Cap.

If the 5i really is better than the Nait 3, it's a stonker!

One tiny problem though; you'd have to get rid of the Sonus Fabers, because they are sooo round earth! . Some small Linns or Eposses or Neats would sort you out in this area as well.

Have fun!

willem

Hi Klaas,

I'm with J.N. and Willem, get a CDX2, mate it with a Nait5i, sit back and enjoy your records.

Then, if and when the upgrade bug will hit you again, you already will have a appropriate source.

Source first rules!

Jean-Marc

Just to add some balance to this discussion, depending on how much power you need the 202/200 is a strong combo, and while not the CDX2, the CD5 is a well respected machine. Adding a highcap down the road would also up the ante. Source technology is likely changing faster than aplifier technology, so way down the road you could move the highcap to the preamp and chance out the CD5 for whatever is happening CD/HDCD/DVD/CDR/CDRW/DVDRW/SACD/DVDA/aroma-disks or whatever.

-M

I second the 202/200 combo, the CD5 is a great player and I'd let the options of DVD etc. sort themselves out over the next year or so.

glenn

Life is analogue

Hi KlassR

I've got a pair of Signums too, fronted with a CDX2, & I'm currenly using a SF Musica in-between.

I heard the CD5 en route to choosing the CDX2, but in the end, for me, having heard CDX2/XPS2/Musica/Signum as a target, I had to go for the CDX2, with XPS2 to follow when cash allows.

So where does this leave you with the Amp choice? Well, I got the Musica "Pre Naim", & while I'm pretty happy with it, (It was a HUGE step up from my previous Arcam Alpha) I'd have to say I still feel Signums aren't really giving their best. Of course everything in the signal path is important, but from what I've read, backed up with what I've heard, I'd say the Signums really need a strong amp to give their best.

For me, post XPS2, I'm looking towards at least a 202/200, & the on to (maybe, if I ever get enough cash together) a 252/300, before I reckon I'll hit the limit of the Signums.

With the CD5 you have an excellent source, & the Signums are fabulous - give them the best amplification you can afford & you won't be disappointed, & lets face it, you wouldn't be here if you didn't suffer from upgradeitis, so you'll get that CDX2 eventually anyway, & when you do the rest of the system will be ready for it...

Usual rules apply here though - it's your money & your ears - don't accept any less than a weekend home demo before you decide.

good luck,

J

Klaassie!!!

Laat ze maar praten hier, de CD5 is prachtig. Ik zou zeker een losse voor/eind combinatie nemen om de Signums aan te sturen. Ik heb bij CAC ook een keer vergeleken en de Signums klonken met een 102/180 stukken beter dan met een Nait 5. Ik heb nu zelf een 82/180 en dat is helemaal te gek. Maar je wilt zeker nieuw? Goh, dat je nu in Eindhoven woont. Bevalt het?

Groeten, Bas

Sorry for the Dutch guys, just this once...

I agree with Mike in PA, go for the best pre-amp you can. CD technology is changing, but you can keep your amplification. I feel a good pre-amp is the most critical item in a system and deserves the most money.
I would not spend 2650 GB pounds on a CD player, there are many excellent lower priced machines out there. You should of course go out and listen and decide.

I have owned both the CD5 & CDX2 and currently have a NAC202/NAP200. I have also done the comparison of a CD5 and CDX into a NAC112/NAP140 or a CD5 into a NAC102/NAP140.

The CD5 into the NAC102 (read 202) wins by a mile.

The CDX2 is substantially better than a CD5 but IMHO the NAC112 is not a particularly wonderful preamp and a bit of a bottleneck - as I fear the Nait5(i) would be, whereas the CD5 really shines through something good like a 102/202.

Am I making sense?

Make sure you do the comparison at your dealer and let us know how you get on. Source first is not always the way to go in my experience.

John.

Kid,
You have a P.T.....

Marc

Hello guys,

thanks for all the recommendations. Yesterday I went to my hifishop and I listened to the different combinations. The 112/150 was a bit of a disappointment, because there was little difference between my old (JOB/Goldmund) amplifier and this Naim combination although the Naim is much more expensive. After this, the CD5 was connected to the 202/200. I almost fell from my chair; what an enormous step forward. The Naim was in total control and the soundstage was much bigger. Then I also listened to the CDX2. A new sound was born, wow. So in the end, I went for the 202/200, a real stunner. Eventually the CDX2 will also be mine!

Regards

Hello Harj,

I only tried the HC with the 202. The sound of the CD5 is so different v the CDX2. My opinion on this is that a HC/CD5 will never reach the same total level of the CDX2. It is just to good on its own, the CDX2. But the best thing to do is to go for a listen for yourself. Good luck with it.

Greetz, KlaasR

KlaasR,

...thought that would be the result if you did the demo - the difference is not subtle is it

A really worthwhile addtion is a NAPSC2 to the 202. For the money exceptional value/performance.

Enjoy.

John

quote:

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Originally posted by canny lad:
so i dont feel the need yet for the cdx2

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Be careful, canny lad. This is exactly how one gets caught by the "But I thought you said..." syndrome. (Especially on Valentine's Day weekend!)