cdx2

Yes indeed, for several years after powering it with an XPS2.  If you do a search on my user name looking back 4-5 years, there are a number of posts about it.

It makes a great 2nd source.

Yes.. I didn't like it.. I prefer my CDx2 native or with XPS2, but many do like the 555PS on it. The CDX2 is a cracking CDP.. But don't skimp on racking... It seems to love FRaim. For some reason this makes a sizeable  difference on the CDX2

Yes I tried it a few years ago at home alongside my XPS2

To cut a long story short I did not think it was worth the extra money as the differences were marginal.

When I had a CDX2 I tried an XPS & 555 (both before the days of DR) and I felt the XPS was a small improvement but not enough to justify the cost. The 555 improvement was breathtaking. Nitin Sawhney's Homelands was transformed from a relatively 2d experience to creating a sea of drummers appearing to go back (what felt like) miles into the distance (behind the speakers). Sadly the inhouse Finance Direcotor (whilst agreeing it sounded fantastic), would not sign off on the purchase order.

I agree that racking is important for the CDX 2, I had it on isoblu racking which was good, but adding some isolation cones under the machine really stepped up its game.

Having said the above, I had many very enjoyable years listening to my bare CDX2.

When I purchased mine in 2008 I tried both the XPS and 555. The XPS was clearly better than the standalone player but I struggled to hear what the 555 added. In hindsight I should perhaps have had a proper amount of time at home rather than just a few hours in the dealer's demo room - the outcome might have been different. That said I have in the last 12 months purchased an XPS DR and that made a noticeable difference straight out of the box. Perhaps my hearing or appreciation of what I am listening to has improved - though I doubt it. Perhaps the other improvement I had made by that time (SC DR on the 282) allowed the XPS DR to shine through - no idea. I just know I was pretty happy with the purchase.

The gap from XPSDR to 555ps on a CDX2 seems to be somewhat system and setup dependent, as ever.

Harty601 posted:

When I had a CDX2 I tried an XPS & 555 (both before the days of DR) and I felt the XPS was a small improvement but not enough to justify the cost.

Interesting - that's 180 degrees from my experience. To me XPS'ing a CDX2 is one of the most spectacular upgrades in the Naim range, second only to 252 - 552.

I agree about set up. When I used my CDX2 with non Naim then 202 HiCapDR I found it really needed the XPS2 to fill the sound out. At that time I also used sorbothane on a wooden rack to lift the bass. When I had the 282/HiCapDR I didn't really get on with the CDX2. When I finally got my 252/DR and put my CDX2 on a Fraim it all snapped into place .. and this was using the CDX2 native. In this set up there is a lovely warmth and drive that works well with pop and rock.. I love the way that Bob Dylan's vocals fill out on in tone and emotion on the CDX2 native on Fraim with a 252.. on other systems his vocals on some albums can sometimes sound a little thin and harsh.

Yes the CDX2 isn't the most resolving or insightful... It doesn't offer layers to the audio.. and you can't listen in Mandelbrot set style to detail and nuance in the recording, but that is not what the CDX2 is about... it does however many music genres exceptionally well, it finds  a rhythm and propels it and is fun... with heavy blues it's hard not to do air guitar.. It certainly is a go to  source for some albums for me.

BTW I am using a CDX2 mk 1, and I have now sold my 555PS and XPS2.

Simon

I'm loving my CDX2. But after hearing what an XPSDR does to an NDX I can't wait to hear one in my system. I guess the question for me would be new XPSDR or pre owned 555PS? 

Hi Finkfan, Interestingly having posed the same question, the feedback suggested, the 555ps was the way to go, but I think you need to listen and compare, if it's possible to find a dealer who has the boxes in question 

Let me know if you find a dealer that has both Wenger and I'll join you for a demo! 

Maybe the Bristol show might have a Dr non Dr comparison section? As I recall you'll be standing by the statement with a coffee in hand!!!

Yes, although I'm not sure I'd get anywhere near the statement while I'm holding a coffee. 

Good point, could be somewhat awkward if their was a spillage.....

Replied to your question in your  Pre-Amp topic :

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...23#52956390253152823