CDX2 and Supercap2 Upgrade

Posted by: AlanK on 08 November 2003

Hello Everyone,

I have just upgraded my CD5/Flatcap2 to CDX2/Supercap2. Both my 282/250 have already been broken-in. But I'm quite disappointed that the CDX2/Supercap2 seems to sound flat and less bass comparing to CD5/Flatcap2, no obvious improvement. I know that the new units need time to break-in. However, when I upgraded Nait 5 to 202/NAPSC/250, then from 202/NAPSC/250 to 282/250, I could hear big improvement right at the beginning in both cases, even before the units were broken-in. But why is it that I don't get the expected immediate improvement for my CDX2/Supercap2 this time? Thanks for shedding the light on this!

Alan
Posted on: 08 November 2003 by Nuno Baptista
The path upgrade for a cdx2 isn´t it a XPS?

MY system : Naim Nait 5 amplifier,Naim cd 5 ,Epos M 15 speakers,Naca5,FC2
Posted on: 08 November 2003 by Lightkeeper
Jesus Christ !
Posted on: 08 November 2003 by Spock
Can we clear up Nuno's point - I also thought the CDX2 needed an XPS?
Is the supercap on the preamp?
Posted on: 08 November 2003 by Geoff P
Spock

Yes. The 250 does not provide any external power it uses it all itself so the 282 needs a power supply. The cheapest option for this is a HiCap or even 2 Hicaps if you want. The best is a Supercap.
The CDX2 comes with it's own power and sounds pretty great even like that IMHO. However you can add an XPS2 to it which is reported to give a substantial gain.

I have CDX2/282/2xHicap/250 and am debating whether to go for an XPS2, a Supercap or put it all on Fraim. Each has it's merits when you get to this stage.

regards
GEOFFP
Posted on: 08 November 2003 by Martin Payne
Alan,

I wonder if you've installed the Supercap (or XPS2, whatever it is) directly under the CDX2?

I find this setup gives Naim CDPs a stilted and bright quality, which well fit in with your description.

cheers, Martin

E-mail:- MartinPayne (at) Dial.Pipex.com. Put "Naim" in the title.
Posted on: 09 November 2003 by AlanK
Hello Everyone,

Thanks for all your replies! Actually, I do not have XPS2 yet. The Supercap2 is for the 282. I was placing each unit on a separate shelf. Initially I had CDX2 on the top shelf, followed by 282, Supercap2, 250, and NAPSC. I had rearranged the placement by switching the Supercap2 and 250, and moved the NAPSC away from the rack. Also, I have been keeping the system running the whole afternoon. Now the system is sounding a bit better. But I still do not find a big improvement. My dealer told me yesterday that I need 5 days for the new Supercap2 to warm up. So now I can only wait with eager anticipation!

Cheers,

Alan
Posted on: 09 November 2003 by Chris Bell
Alan,

Your new gear will take four to six weeks to fully break-in. Often the 2nd and 3rd week can be really bad, then one day you will notice a major improvment. I know it is fusterating, but give it time and the rewards will be great.

My CDS3 is barely a month old and is still getting better. It's best to leave the system alone now and let it settle in.


Chris Bell
Posted on: 09 November 2003 by joe90
Yes that's good avice.

Also A CDx2 will be quite a different listen than a CD5. I feel that some may think its say, 50% better, but it really isn't a linear thing. To me it's not '2x CD5', it's something else.
Once it has settled in you'll hear a totally 'black' sound, extremely controlled and authoritative, that makes a CD5 sound quite noisy by comparison. And the bass 'weight' you describe in the CD5 is really quite boofy and noteless sounding after a while.

Joe90