Hi everyone, this is my first post!
Please can I get some valuable advice on whether I should upgrade my CD3.5 to a CDX? I have the opportunity to get a 2002 CDX for £600 (if I'm quick), but I am worried about serviceability.
I used to own a CDS/CDPS and this 'died' so am cautious about buying old CD players.
I enjoy my CD3.5 but it is not in the same league. Can someone suggest if the upgrade, given the age of the CDX, is a worthwhile one? Can Naim fix these if they go wrong? I will NOT be adding an XPS in the near future so the CDX will be used as is. I can also upgrade my CD3.5 by adding a HC, would this be a more sensible upgrade?
Also, any comparisons of the sound following the above upgrades to that of the CDS/CDPS are appreciated.
My system comprises NAC72/HC/NAP140.
A lot of questions, I know - thank you for any advice.
Posted on: 01 March 2016 by davidf
I don't think that CDX can be repaired if transport /laser breaks (if you are talking about Olive)
I used to own olive CDX and currently run CDS2- the latter much better
I would think that you would want to upgrade the 3.5 with one of the current cd players that can still be repaired, though who knows how long that will be.
I have not entered the streaming world- when my CDS 2 eventually dies, I will cross that bridge.
I don't think I would get the CDX based on lack of replacement transports.
david
Posted on: 01 March 2016 by MichaelK
I guess for sentimentality reasons, keeping the kit Olive, I never really considered any of the newer stuff. This is also a bit more expensive.
To be honest, I will (reluctantly) upgrade my Olive kit at some stage down the line but for now I love the sound, the kit works fine and I am looking at maximising my CD replay without a big outlay.
For my info though are you saying that a CD5i/XS would be better sounding than a CDX or CD3.5+HC or just newer and more reliable?
If a CDX is not recommended (due to reliability) then adding a HC to my CD3.5 may be best as I can always keep the HC for future upgrades or sell on.
Posted on: 01 March 2016 by MichaelK
Thanks David, that makes sense.
My next question is therefore whether a CD5i would sound better than a CD3.5+HC in my system?
I am not into streaming either at the moment and have no intention to!
Posted on: 01 March 2016 by sheffieldgraham
Michaelk,
Given that you would prefer to retain Olive kit and have no intention to stream the CD3.5+HC would be the obvious choice. I once had a CD3.5+ FlatCap and found it very much to my taste, having auditioned a CD5 beforehand.
I found the CD5 didn't have the grunt that the CD3.5 had. When looking to upgrade I didn't prefer the CDS3 for similar reasons and went for the CDX2 instead. (I know not all agree!).
Even though the CD3.5 laser is no longer supported by Naim (https://forums.naimaudio.com/topic/naim-cd3-5-support)
adding a HiCap isn't going to add any redundancy.
Posted on: 01 March 2016 by MichaelK
Thank you, HiCap it is then!
I agree with the 'grunt' and is one of the many reasons I love my current kit.
I was a Naim fan many years ago having a Nait2 with Rega Planar3, then progressed to a 72/HC/140 with CDS/CDPS. When the CDS packed up, my amps were in need of a service so I decided to upgrade and moved to some Quad valve amps - BIG mistake! Dont' get me wrong, the sound was lovely - open, detailed, warm, lush even - but I just wasn't excited. As time went on the less I listened to music until I went back to a 72/HC/140 with CD3.5 and I have been a happy bunny (again) ever since!
