Pick a player!

Bill--

It all depends. A CDS1 plays music better than a CDX by itself but might be more difficult to service--the transports have been out of production for quite a while. The CDX is a newer machine and thus is arguably less likely to need service. The CDX also allows you to upgrade it with a XPS, which in turn can then be used with a CDS2 (or 3, as I understand it).

I've seen both on Audiogon at around $2500. If the CDS1 is in good shape--check the Nextel ring on the transport, and you have money set aside to service or upgrade it, it might be the right move.

Good luck!

Bob

I've owned both the CDX/XPS and the CDS1/CDPS. The CDX is a good digital sounding machine. The CDS1 like the CDS2 is analogue sounding, more natural and more expressive.

John

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob Edwards:
Bill--

It all depends. A CDS1 plays music better than a CDX by itself but might be more difficult to service--the transports have been out of production for quite a while. The CDX is a newer machine and thus is arguably less likely to need service. The CDX also allows you to upgrade it with a XPS, which in turn can then be used with a CDS2 (or 3, as I understand it).

I've seen both on Audiogon at around $2500. If the CDS1 is in good shape--check the Nextel ring on the transport, and you have money set aside to service or upgrade it, it might be the right move.

Good luck!

Bob

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Since the transports for the CDS Mk1 are out-of-production, is Naim able to replace it (the transport) with some other model? What would nornal servicing on a CD player and the associated costs be? The nextel ring is a good point to bring up... but unless you're buying used from a dealer or from someone local, how can anyone know what to expect? Even though the price range that you mention (for used) seems like a bargain vs. the new prices, $2500.00 is still quite a lot of $$$. I just thought that for not much more than a new CD5, either of these players (though used) would be far superior to that CD5.

Thanx,
TNJB

Naim now have a stockpile of CDS1 transports from people like me who have taken advantage of the CDS upgrade offer.

The CDS1 is upgradeable to a CDS2 for $4k/ UKP 1600. Or if the player fails, you cn pick up a used CDX and use the CDPS.

The CDX plays CDs; the CDS1 plays music. (But not as well as an LP12)

The CDX is a stabler physical platform; the CDS transport is iffy.

You pays your money, and you makes your choice.

I go for music just about all the time.

Phil

quote:

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Originally posted by Menilmontant1948:
CDS+CDPS which IMO sounds better than a CDX with XPS. For the cost of adding an XPS to a CDX you could upgrade the CDS head unit to a CDS2

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Some caution reqd with that advice, methinks.

The upgrade involves sliding a new CDSii head unit into the old case. Naim have now (almost) stopped production of the CDSii, so not sure if this will be possible in the future.

A friend of mine had his CDSi fail early December, and Naim said they could upgrade it to CDSii "because we've had to do another run of CDSii because the CDSiii is not ready yet".

cheers, Martin

Please buy a CDS. Naim will look after you somehow. However, I clearly need a syringe too since I prefer the CDS/CDPS to a CDX or CDX/XPS by miles.

Alex

I prefer the cds (mk 1) over a cdx/xps also. However I do think these two are more a case for "personal preference" than any other comparison I know. The cdx/xps outperforms my old cds/cdps regarding distortion and detail-- but it takes a back seat when it comes to swing.


regards,

dave

Dave,

Yeah - it's all personal prefernce at some level...

It may be that those of us who know and love vinyl or live, unamplified music prefer the CDS to any incarnation of the CDX. Maybe those who don't know or don't love vinyl and prefer live rock - or who don't listen to live music at all - prefer the CDX.

Regards.

Phil
Love my CDS, but somehow, the LP12/ARO/Karma gets much more use....

quote:

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Originally posted by EnigmaUK:
The better machine is the better machine regardless of the type of music played.
Yoda

Don't Blame me ! I was told to say that !!!!!!!!

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Dear Yoda,

I think I know you - I was Paul "I love everything American" best customer before I moved. Bet you can't remember me!

Anyway, I agree with you. On complex recordings the CDS1 does get a bit strained, the CDS2 is much more resolving and relaxed.

Happy NY

Dev

I don't think many people would argue the CDS1 is better than the CDS2, though there are some. The CDS2 was more money than I wanted to spend. I could afford a CDX or a CDS1 and THAT choice was easy.

To my ears, the CDX had far more CD nasties than the CDS1,

Phil

If you are claiming that a CDX is more analogue sounding than a CDS then we clearly listen to music very differently and have very different priorities when doing so.

Alex