NDX versus CDX2

Is that the new CDX2 or the original with the VAM1250? 

When I heard a new CDX2, I didn't like it as much as my old one - hence the question.

New CDX2 with Naim DAC/555PS was superb though. 

Wondering if NDX with Naim DAC/555PS would sound as good/better? 

Wonder when NDX will work with iCloud? 

Thanks

All the best, Guy

@SIMON

In a pure Naim way of listening music, what I'd like to know, is the PRAT, the musical experience, of the NDX/555PS vs CDX2/555PS.

I've had long listening sessions with other DACs but, if the sound stage was even a little better then the CDX2, they have a huge lack of musical experience.. my foot didn't start to tap

For point of comparison, the output stage of the CDX2 and the NDX is similar–but the DSP section of the NDX is significantly better and, when streaming from the UnitiServe, the performance is wildly better than the CDX2 of any vintage IMHO.

CDX2 dig into NDX vs CDX2 on its own–again, NDX hands down IMHO (and others–we use this demo quite frequently).

I sent my CDX2 to Manu for the digital update and I must admit it has never sounded so good through the NDac with an XPS2 supply attached......only a matter of time before I try this with a 555ps.

Tim

Thnx David

did you made this comparison with the 555PS even on both?

Then it's only a matter of time before you are very probably astounded. But there's no need to take my word for that. Your ears will know.

You've got me thinking about conversion again, but then again I like my CDX2 -i only it was possible to switch it back and forth .... yes BkkB I love the CDX2/555PS, but I think I like the Naim DAC/555PS even more - but some days of the week I change my mind, which is a dilemma - however, would CDX2/Naim DAC/555PS be the crowning glory or should I opt for an alternative very low jitter transport - why am I still obsessed with spinning CDs anyway when I can stream the same content ..... questions, questions entering my confused mind - think I'll go put on a cassette. 

All the best, Guy 

Hi Guy

One of the reasons I bought a UnitiServe was to use as a transport. My nDAC sounded much better than my CD5x and I couldn't use the CD5x as a transport for the nDAC.

What I found however (IMHO), is streaming from the US sounded as good or better than using it as as a transport and it is incredibly more convenient. The only time I touch a CD now is to rip it into the US.

Since I have never heard a CDX2 or a CDX3 I would be very interested in how other US  owners think of it as a transport thru the nDAC and especially compared to the higher end Naim DACs 

Thanks  Jeff

Hi Guy -

Before putting money into your CDX2, would it make sense to audition the NDX as a potential replacement?

Hook

Thanks I guess I need to audition the options later in the year - I realise both the NDX and nServe are very good - my  ripped music currently lives on my Apple Music Server (AMS) - about 30,000 AIFF files, but it isn't going to last forever as it is quite an old server with Motorola chips. My current methods of getting music in to my Naim DAC 555PS is USB Stick, MBP V-Link and Sonus. The Sonus is the nicest to use as it just picks up files from my AMS which cohabits in my office with a UQ. My first priority is to replace the AMS with a VortexBox - I've tried the VB software on an old Intel laptop and it's great - seems bullet proof. So I'm not short of way to feed the DAC and I don't really need a CD transport, but every now and then I get this desire to use CDX2 - so I plug in the 555PS and I think that's great. 

I wouldn't buy another Apple Server as they are bit noisy and the cost of one with SSD is high, very high - far more than nServe or NDX. However, if I bought the NDX or nServe to use with a VortexBox then I'd really just be using them as Ethernet to S/PDIF converters (and taking advantage of their rendering capabilities). Plus I'd need to use them wirelessly or get a second VortexBox, as my wired network does not extend to my main room. 

Another option that I'm exploring is a way to upgrade the Sonus, but it is not a topic for here. However, on paper at least, it looks the most cost effective. 

So my CDX2 thoughts were just that I've grown very attached to it and I guess I'm trying to invent a role for it in this brave new world of audio streaming. 

All the best, Guy

bukakabo

If I am honest my foot tapping depends on the music for me, my measure is the 'silly grin' ie the silly expresson you have when you are startled or amazed how the system is playing a prticular track you know very well. The NDX/555PS and CDS3/XPS2 have done this frequently. In the past I have achieved the 'silly grin' with CDX2 and XPS2 but only with rock and when mounted on sorbothane on a thick oak frame.

When you compare the CDX2 - with any PS with the CDS3/XPS CDS3/555PS or NDX/555PS the CDP does fall behind in resolution, stereo image, clarity of texture, tiightness of bass, timing and tonal accuracy (with violins, brass and voices)/ However that is VERY critical as I think the CDX2/XPS2 is a superb player - its just once your have heard better it is hard to go back to it.

Simon

Bkkb Hope this helps

We have had our NDX/555ps for two weeks now running alongside our CD555/555ps, although the CD555 is a better player we prefer listing to the NDX/555ps? but as with all things its is subjective

SOUNDS INTERESTING

Hi gentlemen,
sorry but put this way, the comparison makes not much sense to me. A CDX2 is a complete CD player, a NDX is a media player, that needs a source whatsoever to replay music, be it a NAS, a UnitiServe, an HDX.
Is it possible to know what kind of source material - hardware and software - has been used for these tests?
Thanks and regards,
Massimo

> Friend came around tonight he runs LP12 into Naim and his thoughts where that NDX had that vinyl sound without pops and crackles.

Sorry to hear of this problem, but if you have a Mac then you can get an editing program from BIAS software and used carefully, you can re-insert the missing pops and crackles in the correct places. 

Hope this helps

All the best, Guy 

although I don't usually this deserves a

SJB

I'm still waiting for some serious detail about the main topic...

M.