I'm confused

Hi,

Have you changed anything else in the system apart from the amp?

Is it the same on all sources?

You could try switching the whole system down for ten minutes, unplug all connections including the blank plug on the back of the amp and re-connect?

Worth a try, sometimes it (remedy) can be just down to cleaning all the contacts throughout the system by un-connecting & re-connecting all the contact points.

How long has it been switched on?

Only about 36 hours. But my XS always sound pretty good even after disconnection. 

In that case it should be fine. Can you check that you've not wired your speakers out of phase - the symptoms sound rather as though you may have done. 

I haven't. 

In which case, it sounds as though you prefer the original XS...

I've heard a few people say they preferred the XS1 to XS2. 

It's a funny old lark Mr Wilson. I changed my XS1 for a '2' - the latter sounding obviously better from the first note for me. But ........... that doesn't mean that it's better for you. Maybe your '1' simply gelled better with what you have, your ear 'oles, music and room acoustics.

Clearly you should compare it to another '2' at your dealership to check that it's doing what it says on the tin. We read tales hereabouts of sample variations.

Good luck.

John.

As John says above, a funny old game. I much prefer the original XS over the XS2 (70w) myself. As always, trust your ears and take no notice of what others say, it's your system, your money and your choice.

It was the same story with the Nait 3-3R. It also had a more immediate, in your face sound than the original Nait 5.  The Nait 5 also had more watts per channel with an increase by 20 watts instead of the 10 watts in your case.

It's not the first time Naim has introduced a so called improved product that didn't quite improve on the previous model in the opinion of some of the consumers. 

For me personally the best sounding Nait was the Nait2.  

From the couple of brief listens to newest xs2, I agree with your findings. For me the xs1 sounds more alive and interesting, especially so adding fc2x

I can feel your disappointment.

It crosses my mind that the XS2 may be voiced for the ND5 XS, not your CD5 XS. Even if true, it's no consolation.

Chris

I tried the advice from stephen tate, switching the whole system down for about ten minutes an un-connecting and re-connecting all the contact points. Well I difinitely think the system improved quite a bit. And after about 5 hours of intense listening the XS 2 now sounds better and better. Fatter sound, more volume and with tighter and more bass. The sound is not as laid back as before. Although still more laid back than the XS (espacially voices). But one thing the XS 2 seems to do better than the XS are female voices, that sometimes was to sharp on the XS. These sharp notes are now almost gone on the XS 2. 

I think a flatcap would do wonders with the XS 2. I previously tried flatcap with my XS but it sounded to forward and in your face for my taste so I got rid of it again. But the in my opinion more laid back nature of the XS 2 I think the flatcap would be a great fit. And also improving the Pr&T. 

Now - I know my advice will sound like a bit of voodoo magic, but worth a try...

Repeat the pluggin and unplugging, switching the power sockets on and off around 20 times in succession. Also disconnect all your power cords and interconnects, lay them flat on the flor and gently straighten them out, thus de-stressing them. When you connect the cables again, make sure there is no tension in them.

Adam Zielinski posted:

disconnect all your power cords and interconnects, lay them flat on the flor and gently straighten them out, thus de-stressing them.

Then get your partner to do the same to you. Works every time.

C

Absolutely!

What power cables are you using on the nd and xs2 ? Since you have a lot of Chord cables from looking at your profile - you would be good to run the 16amp Chord power jobby.

should put some synergy behind everything.