Next upgrade path

Posted by: Gordon M on 17 May 2016

Hi all, many thanks for the advice about the CD5XS which I ordered today after demoing at home all weekend.  My next quandary is do I add a HiCap (or Hicap DR) to my NAP/180/NAC102/NAPSC or do I go for the flatcap to partner the CD5XS.  I'm just wondering which would give me the best hit between the ears first.  Many thanks.

 

Posted on: 17 May 2016 by mlauner

Flatcap will enhance your CD5XS. Source first.

Posted on: 17 May 2016 by MDS
mlauner posted:

Flatcap will enhance your CD5XS. Source first.

And very good value for money. My dealer loaned my a Flatcap to use on my 282 while my SuperCap was away being serviced and upgraded to DR so I had several weeks to appreciate what the Flatcap could do and I must say I found it surprisingly good. 

Posted on: 17 May 2016 by Huge
mlauner posted:

Flatcap will enhance your CD5XS. Source first.

Alternatively add the HiCap to the 102 - enhance the weakest link first!

And you can always try the HiCap on the CD5XS to see of you prefer it that way round.

Posted on: 17 May 2016 by hungryhalibut

The first thing I'd do is cancel the order and pick up a used CDX2, or much better a CDS2/XPS. The add a serviced Olive Hicap to the 102. Buying any CD player new is a mug's game. 

Posted on: 17 May 2016 by al9315

+1 - I tend to agree !

Posted on: 17 May 2016 by achique99

What about a nDAC to CD5XS?

On the other hand, I tried HCDR on the CD5XS while FCXS on both 152XS upgrade & The result was too much bass. HDCR on the preamp gives better bass control and balance soundstage. 

Cheers