CDS transport upgrade to cdsii

OK, this is a straightforward testimonial to Naim. (or should that be testament?). So, if you can't stand this sort of thing, now is the time to quit the thread. (you could try a few brainteasers instead, or join the 'lets knock the Mana boys' thread!)

At the end of January the overhead power supply cable to our house broke. The power surge, the flash and the bang blew my daughter's midi-system to pieces and the power company repaired it pretty quickly. I told them not to even touch the real hifi system. I delivered it to Salisbury myself, one of the advantages of living only 40 miles away!

Naim checked the kit and repaired a few bits. I also decided this was the time to change the cdsi transport for a cdsii transport. The LP12 system went off to Grahams for a check and reset.

I got the Naim kit back two weeks ago and the LP12 came back Thursday. I haven't listened to the LP12 yet but I have listened to the cdsii/grey burndy/cdps….its absolutely stunning!!

Lets recognise that in addition to the cdsii, I also have a new overhead power cable, the system's plugs and sockets have been 'cleaned', the 52 has had the internal cable tie removed and I've no doubt the power amps have been tightened up physically etc. All of these no doubt contribute to the overall improvement, but I am satisfied that the biggest chunk of improvement by far, is the cdsii.

So what are the sonic differences that I can hear between the cdsi and cdsii transports?

More detail. Instruments and voices that I never knew were there, have appeared.

More resolution. Instruments and voices that are now obvious, had existed before in a murky 'fog' of unresolved detail.

More sweetness. Especially noticeable in the treble, but actually across all frequency spectra. Eg loud, powerful, female vocals remain clear and resinous without becoming harsh.

More timbre. Instruments and voices have far more texture, which adds to their realism. The nature of the recording venue is more convincingly portrayed. Eg Voices float hauntingly and shimmer in large hall settings

Extra depth. The bass is very well controlled and plumbs new depths without loss of volume or clarity. Bass guitars, drums, organs and deep voices are so easy to follow and stay in tune and in control, they don't sound 'lean', they sound powerful and rich, they are not 'overblown' or vague. We are heading clearly and positively into big Krell territory in this respect. (believe me, that IS a compliment!!)

More music. Yes. Don't know how to describe this aspect, but my old 'favourites' sound stunningly good and I now want to listen to those tracks I used to skip…somehow they make more sense and many of them now sound stunningly good as well!

Next steps? Well first I have a whole new cd collection to listen to again. I will give the NAP500 a good audition. I can't imagine it will give all the above benefits the same magnitude of improvement yet again, but I can dream! and the pocket money savings will have to improve to justify auditioning the 552. The difficult bit is the cd source. Should I get the black burndy/xps or hold until the direction of cd/dvd etc gets resolved and Naim launch their cdsiii?

OK, as I said, this is a testimonial (or testament?) to Naim. Well done and a big " thank you."

Cheers

Don