XP5XS

mackb3 posted:

patk posted:

I have been using the XP5XS on my CDX2.2 for the past year now.  The XPSDR was out of reach when I purchased the CDX2.2.  I've been very pleased with the combination.  I may try the XPSDR down the road, but I am in no rush.  I may follow the path MDS chose and go to the 555. 

 

 

PATK,

Did you audition the XPSDR with your CDX2? If so...impressions between it and XP5XS?

Hi MACKB3,

I did try the XPS (non DR) and the 555 PS.  Each does improve on the other, but I cannot specifically say what the differences were now.  It wasn't a "I need to save for the XPS DR" kind of difference though.  But that is me. 

Having said that, it did not occur to me to see what a cable improvement would bring ... which was echoed by PATU and GraemeH. 

Having heard SL and Sarum recently, I certainly appreciate this opinion. 

When I demo some cables in 2016, I will have to try the CDX2 w/ and w/out the XP5XS. 

best regards,

patk

Christopher_M posted:

patk, If you are considering the MDS route on the 555ps, I'd also try your XP5XS on a CDS3. Chris

Hi Christopher,

I have considered the CDS3, having heard it many times.  However, I don't have the space for a top loading player.  But it is certainly something to revisit when my living space changes. 

best regards,

patk

Many of us hear things differently. It doesn't mean one person is right and another with a different view wrong. As always with these things to be sure you have to listen to the options being considered in your own system.  I know for some, for example members who live outside the UK, that can be difficult but anything else is something of a gamble. 

This is so true. I only had a chance to check the xps 2 because my fellow naim owner (also present on this very forum) lent me his own one. In my (rather huge) Polish city our only naim dealer has only some xs level boxes.

patk posted:

mackb3 posted:

patk posted:

I have been using the XP5XS on my CDX2.2 for the past year now.  The XPSDR was out of reach when I purchased the CDX2.2.  I've been very pleased with the combination.  I may try the XPSDR down the road, but I am in no rush.  I may follow the path MDS chose and go to the 555. 

 

 

PATK,

Did you audition the XPSDR with your CDX2? If so...impressions between it and XP5XS?

Hi MACKB3,

I did try the XPS (non DR) and the 555 PS.  Each does improve on the other, but I cannot specifically say what the differences were now.  It wasn't a "I need to save for the XPS DR" kind of difference though.  But that is me. 

Having said that, it did not occur to me to see what a cable improvement would bring ... which was echoed by PATU and GraemeH. 

"Catalinmetal posted:

i get a better improvement with optimizing cables... why spending more than 2k on a PSU that doesn't seem to do a big deal... as i recall the slight improvement was spotable with the ND5XS, but not as to justify the purchase, not even if it would be for a second hand one... "

 

Having heard SL and Sarum recently, I certainly appreciate this opinion. 

 

When I demo some cables in 2016, I will have to try the CDX2 w/ and w/out the XP5XS. 

 

best regards,

patk

PATK,

Interesting discussion regarding cables. I have a DIN/DIN Sarum from the NDAC to the preamp. Got a killer price on a dealer demo. It does make a difference but not earth shifting. I got much better improvement with Powerlines which are based on sound engineering regarding vibration control and eddy current issues. I would be interested in the cables that made a difference from those that have incorporated such.

I can understand that some hear the differences and some don't as there are so many other variables at play here which may or may not allow the differences to come through. 

a cable that makes a lot of difference on 200dr: PSAudio AC-12. Instant lower noise floor which reveals better harmonics and resolution. The highs are crispier too, and more present

mackb3 posted:

patk posted:

mackb3 posted:

patk posted:

I have been using the XP5XS on my CDX2.2 for the past year now.  The XPSDR was out of reach when I purchased the CDX2.2.  I've been very pleased with the combination.  I may try the XPSDR down the road, but I am in no rush.  I may follow the path MDS chose and go to the 555. 

 

 

PATK,

Did you audition the XPSDR with your CDX2? If so...impressions between it and XP5XS?

Hi MACKB3,

I did try the XPS (non DR) and the 555 PS.  Each does improve on the other, but I cannot specifically say what the differences were now.  It wasn't a "I need to save for the XPS DR" kind of difference though.  But that is me. 

Having said that, it did not occur to me to see what a cable improvement would bring ... which was echoed by PATU and GraemeH. 

"Catalinmetal posted:

i get a better improvement with optimizing cables... why spending more than 2k on a PSU that doesn't seem to do a big deal... as i recall the slight improvement was spotable with the ND5XS, but not as to justify the purchase, not even if it would be for a second hand one... "

 

Having heard SL and Sarum recently, I certainly appreciate this opinion. 

 

When I demo some cables in 2016, I will have to try the CDX2 w/ and w/out the XP5XS. 

 

best regards,

patk

PATK,

Interesting discussion regarding cables. I have a DIN/DIN Sarum from the NDAC to the preamp. Got a killer price on a dealer demo. It does make a difference but not earth shifting. I got much better improvement with Powerlines which are based on sound engineering regarding vibration control and eddy current issues. I would be interested in the cables that made a difference from those that have incorporated such.

PATK,

I see we are neighbors. I'm just over in Kernersville.