Xps

XPS/NDAC seems like a lot of capital tied up in trying to get the best from a CD5. I don't think I'd chance it without an audition, although that might be difficult if you're buying used. I might be tempted to look at a NAC upgrade, 202 maybe? 

When I added the XPS to my nDAC, I was thinking "Wow, it would almost be criminal to use this DAC without an XPS!"  Then, as it warmed up over the following week it jus got better and better.

In the very unlikely event you don't like it, you would take little or no loss to sell it.

Charlie

Nice system Hank. I just picked up a CD5XS and think it leagues better than a CD5i or 5si. I've also had Arrivas (my previous speaker) and a Uniti 1. 

IMO, if I were you, I would upgrade the preamp first. I think the CD5XS is capable of more than the 122x is likely letting through.

Aric

Good advice!

Thanks Charlie. BTW, really nice career! I was accepted at Urbana-Champaign, but being out of state went with a full ride at UK. Majored in Mech E w/ emphasis in Aerospace. Graduated in 2002, economy was in the toilet and decided to go into the Energy business. Been in nuclear ever since, and alas, haven't used a wit of my aeronautical courses. I do own Boeing stock though

Getting back on track, Hank doesn't discuss his peripherals. Charlie, as a vibrational SME, I reckon you would advise a Fraim? (Incidentally I do) Also, I highly recommend Powerlines before upgrading your equipment so you can hear exactly what they're capable of. 

You don't actually say that that the ndac is part of the system, but I assume this is what you have, and that you are feeding the digital output of the Cd5xs into it. Is that right?

Before adding an XPS, I'd think very hard about where you want to take the system, because it's very nicely balanced as it is. If it were mine, and I wanted to play CDs, I'd get the XPS as you suggest. But I'd sell the DAC and the cd5xs and get a nice used CDS3. That will give you a top notch front end. I'd then sell the amps and flatcap and get a Supernait 2, then follow with some better speakers. That way, you'll have a fantastic system with just three matching boxes.  

Hi Aric.  Yes a Fraim is a great idea, but maybe later.  

hank, i will throw a curve ball:  Sell the 112X, flatcap and the nDAC, then with proceeds and the money saved for a used XPS, buy a N272.  Enjoy it with the 150x.  Maybe someday upgrade the amp, buy Fraim, add the XPS.

Charlie

hank, I perhaps wrongly assume you would have an interest in streaming in the future.  But HH is maybe more on target if all you need is to play CDs.  

HH, how much life might hank expect from a CDS3?

Hank, I agree auditioning is the way to go If you can. I recently rediscovered my CDX2.. And if you love CD, that player simply rocks and oozes emotion for many genres. I preferred it in this regard over my CDS3. True the CDX2 needs higher end Naim amplification if to be really enjoyed bare, but add an XPS to a CDX2 and it then works well across a wider range of Naim and non Naim amplification ( IMO)

for what's it worth my regular sources are CD (CDX2), streaming/digital (NDX/Hugo) and FM radio (NAT05) into a 252DR / 250.2

Simon

I have no interest in streaming at the moment but have aa 50" smart tv and use the dac to p!ay hi def videos such as the recent led zepp performances from you tube, some nights thats all we do, so id like to keep the dac, i did read a cd5xs with dac and xps was better than a stand alone cdx2 ?

It's personal and subjective, same as everything else. The Naim DAC, to my ears, is remarkable in that you can take from basic (meaning excellent at its price point) performance level, right up to a 500 level performer depending on how you power it. It'll take an XPS no problem and sing better than ever. Although you should try before you buy if you possibly can.