CDS3/XPS2 vs CD555

Hi Patrick,

At the risk of causing confusion, may I suggest adding a third option: the CDS3/555PS.

I preferred the CDX2/555PS to the CDS3/XPS.  The latter presented music in a way that was beautifully smooth, flowing, seamless, detailed and harmonious.  It was also a bit too polite or dull to these cloth ears.  Replace the XPS with a 555PS and I found that the CDS3 retained all its considerable strengths but gained the drive, the more powerful bass, improved dynamics and "life" that was missing with the XPS.  In short, I find the CDS3/555PS to be clearly and very much better.

Equally, several other forum members prefer the relaxed, analogue flow of the CDS3/XPS to the CDS3/555PS, finding the 555PS makes the player a bit "over the top" and unnatural.  Each to their own.

I will let those who have switched from a CDS3 to a 555 comment on their own experiences.  I am more than content to stay with the CDS3/555PS for a very long time.

Hope this helps, FT

CDS2 with 555PS is also worthy of consideration.  I enjoyed one for many years and I believe it is still competitive particularly with a DR upgrade on either the 555 or XPS power supply. 

Hi FT,

Thanks for your useful information.  There will be a trade-off between short of "life" and "unnatural".  It's hard for me to choose between two.  I may try to ask my dealer whether they can loan a 555PS for me to experience the differences.  Then, my ears will let me know the result.

Cheers,

Patrick 

Hi Patrick,
Borrowing a demo 555PS would be a smart move, especially as you have the CDS3 head unit already.

I found that it took about 5 seconds to decide which power supply I preferred, though others may want to try it for 3 weeks (to allow for warm up etc.) before making a final decision.

Happy listening! FT

Another vote for CDS3/555.

The 555 PS was too much for me on my CDX2, but with the CDS3 it seems to be a great match.

Sadly, I do not listen to it . It sits, unplugged. Can't bring myself to sell it all off at current SH values. A very fine player that may find its way into another system someday. 

ATB,

Mark

Hi FT,

You stated that 5 seconds to make a decision, do you that there is a day and night difference between 2 PSUs?

Cheers,

Patrick

I might add i'm one of the people FT refers to who prefers the natural flow of the XPS2. It is very easy to be impressed by what the 555PS does, but only after a longish period of listening does the 'rightness' of the CDS3's natural partner become more obvious in my estimation. The 555PS belongs on the CD555, and that player is a step up in most directions, but a step down in one or two.

hard to describe in words, but the Cd555 was an appreciable step up from CDS3 both with the same 555ps.

the CDP went back to Naim twice so I had the CDS3 back twice so had plenty of time to compare.

the big difference was the projection, sound stage I suppose. nearly like listening to different masterings of the same album.

SJB

I have to add a vote for my 555. Ten years on and it's still the best digital front end I have heard. I found it was a real step up from the CDS 3 in terms of dynamic range and sound staging . I do however use mine with a single PSU, I found the second on reduced noise floor and increased dynamic range but at the cost of timing and musicality.

Patrick Lam posted:

Hi FT,

You stated that 5 seconds to make a decision, do you that there is a day and night difference between 2 PSUs?

Cheers,

Patrick

Hi Patrick,

Yes, the differences are immediately apparent and far from subtle, at least when I tried.  However, I completely respect the experience of Gary and others who have a clear preference for the lovely, relaxed flow of the CDS3/XPS2.

Best to try for yourself using a run-in demo unit, as you will soon know which you prefer.

Note that I haven't tried the DR version of either power supply, so am unable to advise on these.

Best regards, FT

The differences between using a XPS2 or 555PS on a CDS3 player are relatively marginal compared to the huge benefit gains of upgrading the Hi-line to a Sarum Super Aray cable. Its shocking to realise how much information the lavender and Hi-line hold back.

Hi FT,

I will try best to ask my dealer to loan a used 555PS to experience the difference against my existing XPS2.  

I have a thought to upgrade my CDP to CD555 but I am afraid that I will lose the presentation of CDS3 that gives to me.  Personally, the presentation of CDS3 gives to me is unique which other CDP cannot give to me even the CD555.  I can't describe in words but I love to listening it daily and I have no major or minor complaints about it up to now. 

Another thought is to upgrade either one of the followings namely

a) XPS2 to 555PS

b) 122X/150X to 202/200

c) get a new naked NDX

I understand that all of the three options upgrade will benefits me in different way.  I am still wondering which upgrade option benefits me much.  

Cheers,

Patrick 

First apologizes to the OP, for straying off topic!

Even though I’m not in CDS3 or 555CD Territory, it seems there is always some information to be had.

I’m I correct in assuming that 555PS DR may be over the top for an CDX2 ?

I’ve heard mention that the 555PS, was an excellent pairing with the CDX2, so I guess I’m asking of the 3 which would be a better match, if anyone has had personal experience with either?

XPS DR
555 PS
555 PS DR

System: CDX2 > 282 > HCDR > 3 x 250.2's

Hi Patrick

I understand your upgrade options (a) or (b), though I would skip the 202 and get a 282, but the sonic benefits of (c) completely escape me.

Naim Nymph has added a new, intriguing option for you - posh cables.  

Up until now, I thought that the hi-line was posh!  However, posher cables hold little interest for me at the moment, as the focus is on phono stages.  However, it's an interesting prospect for you.

Hope this helps, FT

I love my CDS3/XPS2 but if I could I'd get a CD555 tomorrow.

gary yeowell posted:

I might add i'm one of the people FT refers to who prefers the natural flow of the XPS2. It is very easy to be impressed by what the 555PS does, but only after a longish period of listening does the 'rightness' of the CDS3's natural partner become more obvious in my estimation.

Gary and I don't often agree on our audio playback tastes, but I am totally with Gary on this one..

what does the cd 555 bring in .appose to my cd5xs and hi cap

ian collinson posted:

what does the cd 555 bring in .appose to my cd5xs and hi cap

Much greater resolution, detail, dynamic range, transparency, timing and musicality Ian 

Yes PB, but apart from that ??? 

Foot tapper posted:

Yes PB, but apart from that ??? 

A mortgage   

Reverting to Patrick's question, I'd suggest it's best to leave the CDS3 and XPS2 well along. What needs to be addressed is the 122x and 150x. While these are very nice, I'd be looking at a 282, Hicap and 200 to replace them. While I am an advocate of source first, this will do far more than changing the CD player, power supply, or both, because the amp is acting as a bottle neck. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

Reverting to Patrick's question, I'd suggest it's best to leave the CDS3 and XPS2 well along. What needs to be addressed is the 122x and 150x. While these are very nice, I'd be looking at a 282, Hicap and 200 to replace them. While I am an advocate of source first, this will do far more than changing the CD player, power supply, or both, because the amp is acting as a bottle neck. 

Or 282 and 250 dr leaving out the hicap (for the time being at least)? You're right though. Everyone's getting carried away and forgetting those amps are not going to allow the best from the source.

Drewy, have a little think about why your suggestion is not going to work...

Hungryhalibut posted:

Reverting to Patrick's question, I'd suggest it's best to leave the CDS3 and XPS2 well along. What needs to be addressed is the 122x and 150x. While these are very nice, I'd be looking at a 282, Hicap and 200 to replace them. While I am an advocate of source first, this will do far more than changing the CD player, power supply, or both, because the amp is acting as a bottle neck. 

Wow! Is this becoming a habit, well said, I agree with HH again! 

I think optimal word is balance,  I would be thinking along the same lines,  bare minimum 282/200, but what do I know! 

Out! 

Allante93!

Hungryhalibut posted:

Drewy, have a little think about why your suggestion is not going to work...

Oh yeah the hicap. Had the costs in mind. Obviously with a 250 that ends up quite a lot.

Are you gonna put everyone out of their misery and suggest the 272 blah blah blah or what?