CDX2 with a DAC

yeti42 posted:

Yes but bear in mind it wasn't the DR version of the 555ps though it was a DR XPS in the mix. This was all with 282/SC/250/Kudos C2. A different pre might give a different result but the combo is standing up well fed into a new 552.

Good to hear yeti, that is where am headed. At the moment:

Cdx2/ Hi Cap DR / 282 / 250 Tri Amped Briks /  

But, going Active next piece is SC DR, which will be used with the Snaxo.

Hence, I can do a comparison between Hi Cap DR and SC DR.

And the 555PS will fall right into place!

Cdx 2 / 555PS

Thanks!

I've been following this thread with interest, as I'm trying to decide whether to get a (second-hand) CDX2 to replace my CD5XS/FC, or get a DAC (Naim, or the other one) for the CD5XS. I've found a well-cared for 2007 CDX2 - I think I read somewhere that the earlier models had a different mechanism. Is that correct?

My recommendation is to go for the nDAC. This way you can hook up a streamer to it as well

I used to own a CD5XS. Adding the nDAC was a revelation. I then upgraded my din-din interconnect from TQ Black to TQ Ultra Black. Tested the UltraBlack vs HiLine and found that I preferred the transparency of the UltraBlack.

Then the upgradiatis struck again with a vengence... Out with the CD5XS and in with the new CDX2.2.... Wow!!! Another revelation....

Adam, I listen to classical music mostly, would you say the CDX2 is the right machine?

I've never liked the CDX2. The CDS3 is miles better as a natural music maker. 

Frenchnaim posted:

I've been following this thread with interest, as I'm trying to decide whether to get a (second-hand) CDX2 to replace my CD5XS/FC, or get a DAC (Naim, or the other one) for the CD5XS. I've found a well-cared for 2007 CDX2 - I think I read somewhere that the earlier models had a different mechanism. Is that correct?

Well, you got some good info. from Richard Dane, Simon, and others who Think the Cdx2 if a very fine player. Well I was in your position the first of the year, and picked up a Great deal on a 2008 Cdx2 (SN: 2622xx).  I will share some quotes from Forum members that might help you make your decision. I choose the 2008 model because I decided to enjoy the Cdx2 for it's superb dac, and if upgraditus sets in,  I will add a PS later to improve the performance. Note: I'm note a streamer yet! 

""The change over was done at some point in 2009. I think it was July or so when the .2 was introduced but not 100% sure. You can find a summary of serial numbers and production years on the Naim web site here:

 FWIW, my own CDX2.2's serial number starts with 282xxx but I recently saw one for sale starting with 277xxx.""

""August 20, 2006 4:24 PM

Hi everyone,

Maybe it's old news, but i received the confirmation of an update done to the CDX2 by an official source. I'll translate freely the original french text here; 

quote:

Because of the production termination of the Philips VAM 1250 transport mechanism, the CDX2 have been modified to include a new transport mechanism. From now on, it will be equiped with the same transport mechanism as the CD5x. By the same occasion, Naim made a couple of modifications on the main circuit board of the player.

The distributors are actually receiving the new CDX2 "breed", it is sold at the same price as the previous version. A new unit is easy to identify as it use the same puck as the CD5i and the CD5x, the model 5 puck, so no more squashed or used up O-rings rubbers.

I have no word for the sonical differences between the previous version and the new one for now, i'll keep you updated. But one thing's for sure, put your confidence into Naim as it probably sound better than the previous version, past experiences are full of proofs (Just think of what happened with CDI, CDS1 and CD2...) ""

""October 13, 2008 4:35 PM

Joe,

Yes, the new transport (VAM 1202) used in the CDX2 is the same as that used in the CD5x and 'entry level' CD5i. The original CDX2 used the VAM1250 as used in the CDS3. 

The later CDX2s sound better to me than the original. The original was already a fine player but the later model seems to have a slightly better balance, not quite as aggressive in places, and yet not quite as laid back in others. Overall, it's better but still a CDX2 in other words.

So you're really looking at a CDX2 if the CD5XS doesn't float your boat. 2nd hand, they can just about be had for your budget. I disagree that it's bright and relentless - I always found it quite splendid myself, and far more engaging than the CD5XS. Personally my preference is for the latest version of the CDX2, so anything post 2008 would be my choice.

 Regards,

Frank. Abela""

2007  241341 - 252990

2008  252991 - 269940

2009  269941 - 285378

Hope that was Helpful, Out!!! 

Excellent, thanks for the information.

Frenchnaim posted:

Excellent, thanks for the information.

Glad the information was helpful, that's what I like about the Forum, one can take advantage of individuals who have traveled the same path in question.

I think Simon really sumed it up, as it pertains to multiple sources.

"I am a firm believer now that one source does not fit all....not too much debate on this between vinyl and digital, but I believe after many years of different sources the same is true between different digital DAC sources... Hence why the analogue pre amp is such a vital component. I choose the source that best matches my mood and music.

Simon""

I don't know from experience, but I tend to think that the Cdx2 needs at least an 282 to be at its best. Otherwise, an CD5XS may be all that is necessary.

Merry Christmas to all!

The CDX2 seems very sensitive to setup, as in cable dressing, choice of rack, backing out the connectors etc and really likes sitting in the clean stack, even when self powered, though I'm not sure the 282 was so happy about that when using a vinyl source. For classical music it was always a little unsatisfying until the 555ps AND replacing its Fraim Lite shelf with full Fraim, with the 282/HiLine/SC-DR/250 (all Powerlined [including PSC] on Fraim Lite) NBLs. I have a turntable above the CDX2 and though I might be able to open the lid of a CDS3 under a medium Fraim Lite shelf the Fraim wouldn't stay in adjustment for long (the cones shouldn't touch the sides of the cups), squeezing as much from a CDX2 a I can will do for now. The 552 was bought with vinyl replay in mind but the CDX2 has raised its game considerably.

A super lumina interconnect lost the boogie (I could hear plenty it improved but this was the clincher), it couldn't be kept clear of the carpet unless looped or propped up in the middle on an air sack (a single cell giant bubble "wrap?") which was no better. I also tried a loop in the SC to 250 lead as this sat on the carpet too but (with Hiline back in place and swinging freely) it made the system sound analytical, not a gain in  detail but a loss of timing.

Frenchnaim posted:

Adam, I listen to classical music mostly, would you say the CDX2 is the right machine?

It is - I also have loads of classical CDs. 

You can fine tune it with an interconnect and a power supply cable. There are good alternatives to NAIM own. 

I would actually disagree - a Supernait is already a natural partner for the CDX2. 

My old CD5XS always felt a bit unballanced with the Supernait and fell right into the groove when hooked up to my friend's Nait XS. 

A CDX2 fronting a Nait5i was a rather excellent combination - certainly I felt it way more engaging than a lesser CD player such as a CD5i fronting a Supernait or pre-power for similar budget.

Hungryhalibut posted:

I've never liked the CDX2. The CDS3 is miles better as a natural music maker. 

A bit harsh on the CDX2 imho - I like it with XPS2DR - but I concur with the CDS3 assessment completely 

Richard Dane posted:

A CDX2 fronting a Nait5i was a rather excellent combination - certainly I felt it way more engaging than a lesser CD player such as a CD5i fronting a Supernait or pre-power for similar budget.

Source first My SN2 is fed by CDX2 / nDAC.

LP12 is even more turbo-charged

As an armchair QB, I can't disagree with source first, after all I'm a former Linney. Linn stop producing their 20K CDP some time ago, however Naim's 20K CDP is still in production. Mind you, Naim  is known for producing some very capable entry level CD players. With that being said, the CD5XS is no slouch.

There are many on Forum that suggest the 282 is the entry level, where Naim's signiture sound performs at its best. Nothing new here, the Pre Amp is high on the listening chain. Mind you, the Nait, SN, and  even the new 272  is no slouch. However, none of the above is in the 252/282 conversation dare mention the 552. That being said, I took the Forum's. advice and purchased an 282 no regrets.

Now, not as an Armchair QB, I've compared the CD5XS with the Cdx2, and both are find decks, but the CD5XS appeared to be more laid back smooth blend, while the Cdx2 was more engaging, a bit more detailed to my ears.

Now to the point, I'm also an advocate of source first, but would I demo an CD555 with my 282, I think not. The law of diminishing returns would most certainly kick in.

Yes, source first within a balanced system.

So would an Cdx2 be an capable front end on an Nait, SN, or 272?  Of Course!

Would one get more from his/her Cdx2 with an more revealing Pre? I think So!

JMHO!!!!!

Richard Dane posted:

A CDX2 fronting a Nait5i was a rather excellent combination - certainly I felt it way more engaging than a lesser CD player such as a CD5i fronting a Supernait or pre-power for similar budget.

First, i must state i haven't heard a CDX2 in my own system so i must take your word for it, but having moved to a supernait recently I can not say the CD5i2 is any less engaging now than it was when it was connected to its natural partner the Nait 5i2.

What I will be determining for the forseeable future, if the next step should be a XS of X level source.

SmauG posted:

Richard Dane posted:

A CDX2 fronting a Nait5i was a rather excellent combination - certainly I felt it way more engaging than a lesser CD player such as a CD5i fronting a Supernait or pre-power for similar budget.

First, i must state i haven't heard a CDX2 in my own system so i must take your word for it, but having moved to a supernait recently I can not say the CD5i2 is any less engaging now than it was when it was connected to its natural partner the Nait 5i2.

What I will be determining for the forseeable future, if the next step should be a XS of X level source.

By all means, don't take my word, remember I'm the Armchair QB. If possible, demo for yourself. There are lots of variables within one's system that may very well change the equation.

But Richard stated my case, an Cdx2 fronting a pre combo below the 252/282, say a Nait 5i, more than a capable source. But again, can one expect more from a Cdx2 with  a 252/282 ?

I think so! 

So we are all in agreement, but check out the CD5XS, its a fine deck. Also, it offers flexibility down the road as it can be used as an CD transport with its digital out  into the Ndac.

Some esteemed gents have given CD5XS/Ndac the nod over an bare Cdx2.2 !

Not to mention an CD5XS/Ndac/555PS

Serious combination, Great transport, Excellent dac, Naim's best PS.

Naim's MO, Upgradeability & Flexibility

 JMHO!!!!

It depends what we are giving the nod too. To my ears the CDX2 is not about neutrality or finess and detail, but it simply oozes PRaT and emotion with discs of a certain style/genre in its own unique way.... and in a way that was not what the NDAC was about when I also owned it along with my CDX2 for several years..

i think ultimately only the listener can decide whether the CDX2 is going to give you that extra special enjoyment from your discs...  and yes the better the NAC the more enjoyable that expierience appears to become... in my experience at least...

Posted by Simon:

"" I think ultimately only the listener can decide whether the CDX2 is going to give you that extra special enjoyment from your discs...  and yes the better the NAC the more enjoyable that expierience appears to become... in my experience at least...""

We're singing the same song, I agree 110%, my bare Cdx2 performing quite well with:

Hi Cap DR / 282 / 250.2 / 200 / 250.2 / Passive PMS Tri Amped Briks.

And as Simon mentioned earlier in the thread, one can't underestimate the importance of an analog Pre!

It's a new paradigm shift in hi fi, no longer one source, but choice depending on mode and music preferences.

Merry Christmas to all!!!!

Allante93 posted:

It's a new paradigm shift in hi fi, no longer one source, but choice depending on mode and music preferences.

Merry Christmas to all!!!!

Yep, that is where my mind is now.. the one size fits all source is too limiting and perhaps belongs to a previous era.. recordings are for enjoyment, not the science lab, each source can add its own perspective to that recording. Call it colouring, distortion, whatever.. I don't really care.. It's about what sounds best for a given music type and mood... 

Happy Christmas 

Funnily enough, in a secondary system I do find that I have two different CD players, as each excels in different ways; there's a Naim CD3 for rock, jazz and anything non-classical, and then there's a Meridian CD player for the classical stuff.  The reason is mainly because much as I adore the CD3 (and I do, I do), it's just a bit too coloured on some classical pieces.   However, if I had to cull one of them, it's the CD3 that would stay.

Well, it seems the subject's been pretty well covered... more than I bargained for.

Happy Christmas to everyone.

Richard Dane posted:

Funnily enough, in a secondary system I do find that I have two different CD players, as each excels in different ways; there's a Naim CD3 for rock, jazz and anything non-classical, and then there's a Meridian CD player for the classical stuff.  The reason is mainly because much as I adore the CD3 (and I do, I do), it's just a bit too coloured on some classical pieces.   However, if I had to cull one of them, it's the CD3 that would stay.

We are all sick, I almost forgot about my secondary system! 

Arcam P1 mono blocks Primare Pre 30 Vienna Acoustics Babygrands, I guess I am streaming with emotive dac 1, Audio quest King Cobra XLR's Not a bad System Speaker were award winning in 2008! 

But Guess which system I like the best, and I have played Cdx2 on both systems!

 Pray for us, We need help! 

Merry Christmas to all!!!