Which Naim CD player?

Loki posted:

CDX2 or CD5x seem to be topping the charts. Thanks for all the advice. 

Streaming: would have to be NDX minimum.

If I opt for the ripping (some 500 or so CDs I think) does it matter what disc reader I use? CD player essential? I currently only have external and internal Apple superdrive to Aiff at 16 bit 48khz.

No one ever mentions the HDX and its stablemates. Any good? How do they compare with CDX2 and CD5x?

Don't feel like the lone ranger, TT, and CDP technologies have peaked, whereas Streaming technology is changing rapidly.

As much as I enjoyed my LP 12, I had to move on. With me, it was more of a status symbol, vs playing  time, the Digital CD won out.

However, thinking of utilizing the Ndac, to enter the world of Streaming!

Presently, MM/Airport Extreme/Airport Express/

To Systems A, B, and C. Ripping Cds, purchasing tunes off iTunes. Over 1K tunes in Library, and over 20 personal playlist.

Hence, introduce the Ndac, and 555PS, and you got one heck of an upgrade route

1st - Raw Cdx2 Mk II

2nd - Cdx2/555PS- upgrade

3rd- Cdx2/Ndac/555PS - different sound, I hear it's..

4th- MM/Audirvana plus/Ndac/Hi Face/

Naims D1/282......

I hear, it's pretty darn good!

Food for thought, or should we say, Music for thought!

Allante93!

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

Mike... To me that  is completely missing the point .....  

..........  I think we've been round this way before Simon - & IB,  funny old world if we were all the same,  sorry but I just don't see the point of CD once you've made the move into "streaming" - & I loved my old CDX2 as well.    

Loki posted:

CDX2 or CD5x seem to be topping the charts. Thanks for all the advice. 

Streaming: would have to be NDX minimum.

If I opt for the ripping (some 500 or so CDs I think) does it matter what disc reader I use? CD player essential? I currently only have external and internal Apple superdrive to Aiff at 16 bit 48khz.

No one ever mentions the HDX and its stablemates. Any good? How do they compare with CDX2 and CD5x?

The HDX no longer seems to get many recommendations here these days, but I feel that for someone starting out on the streaming route, it represents a good choice.

It greatly simplifies the process of ripping the CD's, and, for replay purposes, especially with a 555PS, I found it it to be equal to my previously owned CDX 2 (mark1 version). 

It can, of course, also operate as a CD player, and was reckoned by many on here to fall somewhere between the CD5X and the CDX 2.

I later added the Naim DAC to the equation, at which point I was happy to sell on the CDS 3 which had replaced the CDX2.

I've retained the HDX in my setup, both for ripping duties, and as a server to my NDS..........................overkill perhaps, but since the whole setup works seamlessly, I really can't be bothered to seriously consider moving to a computer based ripper.

So, horses for courses, but I can recommend the HDX.

I should have added I've not heard a direct comparison between the HDX and an NDX, as far as replay is concerned, but, as above, others here felt they were at a similar level.

So, the HDX would offer a one stop solution for both ripping and replay.

Good luck with your quest, getting there is half the fun.

dave marshall posted:

Good luck with your quest, getting there is half the fun.

I don't agree with that sentiment - whilst seeking things has an interest value, and individual stages can be mildly fun, it is not a patch on having a system working well and giving exactly what you want from it. I just wish it was easy to identify best kit at best price and buy it with confidence it would do as expected....

Loki posted:

CDX2 or CD5x seem to be topping the charts. Thanks for all the advice. 

Streaming: would have to be NDX minimum.

If I opt for the ripping (some 500 or so CDs I think) does it matter what disc reader I use? CD player essential? I currently only have external and internal Apple superdrive to Aiff at 16 bit 48khz.

No one ever mentions the HDX and its stablemates. Any good? How do they compare with CDX2 and CD5x?

I have used the cd unit in a MAC Book Pro for most of the rips, also used an eternal MAc Super Drive with a MacBook Air. I used XLD  free software. All with good results. I ripped may be 300 cd's  (-20% of my collection) and got bored, If you have 500 consider ripping as other forumites recommend above .

Erich posted:

Loki posted:

CDX2 or CD5x seem to be topping the charts. Thanks for all the advice. 

Streaming: would have to be NDX minimum.

If I opt for the ripping (some 500 or so CDs I think) does it matter what disc reader I use? CD player essential? I currently only have external and internal Apple superdrive to Aiff at 16 bit 48khz.

No one ever mentions the HDX and its stablemates. Any good? How do they compare with CDX2 and CD5x?

I have used the cd unit in a MAC Book Pro for most of the rips, also used an eternal MAc Super Drive with a MacBook Air. I used XLD  free software. All with good results. I ripped may be 300 cd's  (-20% of my collection) and got bored, If you have 500 consider ripping as other forumites recommend above .

Sorry not eternal but external MAC Super Drive.   I ripped only 115 (less than 10% of my collection), just counted them.

dave marshall posted:

Loki posted:

CDX2 or CD5x seem to be topping the charts. Thanks for all the advice. 

Streaming: would have to be NDX minimum........

The HDX no longer seems to get many recommendations here these days, but I feel that for someone starting out on the streaming route, it represents a good choice.

It greatly simplifies the process of ripping the CD's, and, for replay purposes, especially with a 555PS, I found it it to be equal to my previously owned CDX 2 (mark1 version). 

It can, of course, also operate as a CD player, and was reckoned by many on here to fall somewhere between the CD5X and the CDX 2.

I later added the Naim DAC to the equation, at which point I was happy to sell on the CDS 3 which had replaced the CDX2.

I've retained the HDX in my setup, both for ripping duties, and as a server to my NDS..........................overkill perhaps, but since the whole setup works seamlessly, I really can't be bothered to seriously consider moving to a computer based ripper.

So, horses for courses, but I can recommend the HDX.

 

 

Sounds Solid Dave.

Checked your profile, Top of the line Naim Streamer, Noise reduction, without computer base server, and HDX fills the gap nicely, eliminating the need for an CDP.

But starting out on the Streaming route, with an HDX, GREAT, if you're Sporting NDS/2 x 555PS/552./300DR/ Full Loom/ Fraim.

HDX, msrp = 5.3 K GBP, OP's budget is less than 1/5 of an HDX!

Your System is just shy of the Dream System.

The OP's preferred source, the analog TT, your preferred source is Naim's Reference NDS.

The OP, is sporting Nac 32.5/HC/Nap 180

Hence, my suggestion, for easing into, the world of Streaming, building on a low budget Cdx2, followed by Pre loved 555PS, and then introduce an Ndac into his airports, MAC, etc....

But, a heck of system you got, as you say, horses for courses!

And you're top pedigree!

Allante93!

Mike-B posted:

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

Mike... To me that  is completely missing the point .....  

..........  I think we've been round this way before Simon - & IB,  funny old world if we were all the same,  sorry but I just don't see the point of CD once you've made the move into "streaming" - & I loved my old CDX2 as well.    

We have indeed 

i used to think about and for a while achieved unifying my sources, but when I upgraded my amps I discovered   what I was missing when out of curiosity I connected my  CDX2 back up again..  and ever since I have kept my sources diversified, although currently not using a TT.

But yes we are all different, but I do invite others to explore enjoying sources in their own right rather than simply rely on one  as a single homogenised renderer.

Simon

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

We have indeed 

i used to think about and for a while achieved unifying my sources, but when I upgraded my amps I discovered   what I was missing when out of curiosity I connected my  CDX2 back up again..  and ever since I have kept my sources diversified, although currently not using a TT.

But yes we are all different, but I do invite others to explore enjoying sources in their own right rather than simply rely on one  as a single homogenised renderer.

Simon

I too have 'unified my sources' even though it meant selling my trusty LP12. From a purely financial point of view, this means that one can sit on a higher rung on the (Naim) ladder, and I certainly feel that I've benefitted from that having moved from a Superuniti to NDX/282/200DR. I could, of course, have kept my LP12, upgraded the phono stage etc, and maybe picked up a CDX2 as well, but frankly, I'd rather aim for something like an NDS with a better amp and speakers. Not that I'm criticising your approach at all. For me though, 3 boxes is more than enough clutter in the living room, and that's the real reason I've stuck with a single source.

ChrisSU posted:

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

We have indeed 

i used to think about and for a while achieved unifying my sources, but when I upgraded my amps I discovered   what I was missing when out of curiosity I connected my  CDX2 back up again..  and ever since I have kept my sources diversified, although currently not using a TT.

But yes we are all different, but I do invite others to explore enjoying sources in their own right rather than simply rely on one  as a single homogenised renderer.

Simon

I too have 'unified my sources' even though it meant selling my trusty LP12. From a purely financial point of view, this means that one can sit on a higher rung on the (Naim) ladder, and I certainly feel that I've benefitted from that having moved from a Superuniti to NDX/282/200DR. I could, of course, have kept my LP12, upgraded the phono stage etc, and maybe picked up a CDX2 as well, but frankly, I'd rather aim for something like an NDS with a better amp and speakers. Not that I'm criticising your approach at all. For me though, 3 boxes is more than enough clutter in the living room, and that's the real reason I've stuck with a single source.

Interesting, I see I'm not alone. Purchased my LP 12 nearly 3 decades ago, $1486 USD, sold it last year, $1550.

3 top notch Sources, within one System is a lot to manage, beit navigated from an 282, 252, or S1 for that matter.

I know another gentleman contemplating selling his TT, and he's sporting an CD555/S1, with Active 800's.

Paraphrasing an Audio Reviewer, there are only two components worth owning, the best, and very close to the best for a lot less.

The Cdx2, exemplifies the latter, Good luck with your decision, Loki!

Allante93!

dave marshall posted:

I should have added I've not heard a direct comparison between the HDX and an NDX, as far as replay is concerned, but, as above, others here felt they were at a similar level.

So, the HDX would offer a one stop solution for both ripping and replay.

Good luck with your quest, getting there is half the fun.

 

Indeed it is��

I always seem to read in these threads that 'streaming' through dedicated DACs is somehow inherently better than direct CD replay. Streaming has its sonic signature and I've never been convinced it's better than the immediacy of direct CD replay. Smoother, more colored, yes, but 'better' - not sure.

I don't see the reason why the HDX  is so out of fashion these days. Whith only one box, we have a very fine all in one ripping/streaming player solution, it can work like a cd player, plus it's got a normal cd drawer contrary to UnitiServe whith disc loading slot which i don' t like

I think to get one for my second system, there are a few on sale at good price now-

Regards

Roberto

joerand posted:

I always seem to read in these threads that 'streaming' through dedicated DACs is somehow inherently better than direct CD replay. Streaming has its sonic signature and I've never been convinced it's better than the immediacy of direct CD replay. Smoother, more colored, yes, but 'better' - not sure.

I'm sure what immediacy CD has compared to streaming?

The primary reason people change to a separate DAC is for improvement to perceived SQ, which applies whether source is CD or a streaming renderer.

All have their own sonic signature to some extent, even though (I assume) all are trying to seek neutrality. If playing through the same DAC any sonic signature difference will depend on the accuracy of the rendering process and effectiveness of rejection of electrical/rf interference in the case of both, but in the CD play it will also depend on the accuracy of CD reading and effect of error-correction process to compensate for any less than perfect stream of data from the live read process (and indeed any effect the error correction circuitry/algorithm might have even when not having to make any changes).  It is absence of this latter part that makes streaming potentially better SQ wise, all else being equal.

But of course, if you like the sound of the CD play better, there is nvthing wrong with that, and a few people have said that ithe case for them with specific CDs.

joerand posted:

I always seem to read in these threads that 'streaming' through dedicated DACs is somehow inherently better than direct CD replay. 

Joerand, and then you get the likes of me saying that that is utter tosh... DACs, streamers, CDP all have their own performance and characteristic. Sure you might settle on one component to be your goto renderer... but that doesn't mean that in certain moods, times, music you won't prefer a different renderer such as a CDP if your usual renderer is, for example, a streamer. In theory this could be the other way around too, though possibly less likely. In my experience CDP tend to impart more character than their streamer/DAC counter parts.

I am with Simon on this.  I now have considerable experience of listening to the various Naim streaming components from the ND5XS, 272, NDX and NDS and compared with the CD5XS, CDX2, CDS3 and CD555 (now that is a truly fantastic machine) to these ears almost without exception the CDPs have a more vibrant yet no less musical signature.    In fact at one demo when the object was to listen speakers and there was no Naim CDP available at the end we replaced a NDS/555 with a Rega Apollo CDP and amongst the 3 of us there was universal recognition that the Apollo was providing a groove that the NDS just couldn't.

But it's all good just relative.

Regards,

Lindsay

Ditto the above!! I remember being at my dealers listening to a system with NDX/XPS2DR/UServe, a Supernait2 and a pair of Kudos speaker (i think). I felt the whole thing was dull and un engaging and asked if they'd put a CD player in the system. After the first player to hand was installed, a CD5si……. music was enjoyable and engaging again, albeit a little less refined. We then stuck in the next CD player to hand, a CD555, and the rest as they say, was history.

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

joerand posted:

I always seem to read in these threads that 'streaming' through dedicated DACs is somehow inherently better than direct CD replay. 

Joerand, and then you get the likes of me saying that that is utter tosh... DACs, streamers, CDP all have their own performance and characteristic. Sure you might settle on one component to be your goto renderer... but that doesn't mean that in certain moods, times, music you won't prefer a different renderer such as a CDP if your usual renderer is, for example, a streamer. In theory this could be the other way around too, though possibly less likely. In my experience CDP tend to impart more character than their streamer/DAC counter parts.

Simon, thirty years ago, I thought the same thing. The analog TT tended to impart more character than  the thin sounding digital CDP.

But you know what, one source didn't work for me.  Although, I favored the LP 12, the Linn Genki wasn't far behind. Maybe not as warm as the TT, but appeared clearer, cleaner, without the noise generated from direct contact from cartridge!

But what propelled me to increase my CD collection?

Convenience!

""One of the largest generations in history is about to move into its prime spending years. Millennials are poised to reshape the economy; their unique experiences will change the ways we buy and sell, forcing companies to examine how they do business for decades to come""

Linn stop producing it's Reference CDP

Naim went digital crazy, all in one players, Network, Streamers, Music, etc..

But Better, go to Naims website:

""Our reference network player, the NDS, is an audiophile-quality music source, every bit the sonic equal of the very finest high-end CD players and turntables.""

That's what I like about Naim, if one reads beyond the lines, they get the message!

Can't Blame Naim, or Linn, it's a competitive market, the age of the Millennials!

Just my perspective!

Allante93!

I'd recommend ripping them using dBpoweramp and forget about a CD player. I've just bought an NDX and in the process of ripping all my CDs and playing them through my new streamer. Not only are they so much easier to find and play with my naim app on iPhone, but sound so much better too. No brainer, will be selling my Naim CD player soon!

Well Im all alone here but a CDS 2  with a serviced olive XPS and S burndy hiline and powerline. The drums are sooo clear so musical. Slap slap bang bang hear the hi-hat get smashed, hear the rim shot and the snare getting its what for. Ok I like....no I love olive

Sounsfaber posted:

Well Im all alone here but a CDS 2  with a serviced olive XPS and S burndy hiline and powerline. The drums are sooo clear so musical. Slap slap bang bang hear the hi-hat get smashed, hear the rim shot and the snare getting its what for. Ok I like....no I love olive

I own a Nac 282, and I think the Cdx2 would be ideal black box companion.

However, I'm in agreement with Sounsfaber, the OP is sporting a Nac 32.5, and HC. A serviced Cds2/Xps, would be a perfect companion. 

Aesthetically, no question a perfect match, as far as SQ, I would imagine an all Olive System would perform admirably!

Furthermore, in would be more in sink, with the OP's budget.

 JMHO

Allante93!

Allante93, a 32.5 is not Olive….

The Strat (Fender) posted:

I am with Simon on this.  I now have considerable experience of listening to the various Naim streaming components from the ND5XS, 272, NDX and NDS and compared with the CD5XS, CDX2, CDS3 and CD555 (now that is a truly fantastic machine) to these ears almost without exception the CDPs have a more vibrant yet no less musical signature.    In fact at one demo when the object was to listen speakers and there was no Naim CDP available at the end we replaced a NDS/555 with a Rega Apollo CDP and amongst the 3 of us there was universal recognition that the Apollo was providing a groove that the NDS just couldn't.

But it's all good just relative.

Regards,

Lindsay

I have much less experience here than you, Lindsay, but I've had an in-store demo of trying an NDS against my four-box CD set-up.  We tried the NDS as a straight replacement for nDAC i.e. the NDS taking a digital feed from a CDX2.2.  We then tried the NDS in full streaming mode, from a US I think.  In both instances I preferred my CD set-up. Seemed more 'alive' somehow.  I was very, very surprised at this outcome because I fully expected to hear a significant performance lift from the much more expensive NDS.  But this is down to personal taste.

Mike 

Hi guys, just a humble input from my part: using ND5 XS as streamer and as a DAC with its digital input for a Creek Destiny 2 CD used as transport. All this via Chord Cadenzza RCA into a XS2 integrated+flatcap2, finally, via NACA5 into Piega Premium 10.2. As you see, not a high end system, but quite enjoyable, detailed and very musical.

When testing FLACs ripped with dbpoweramp (highest Q settings) vs. same disc from cdplayer, the cd wins every time. More air and a much open presentation, it's not about details, tone etc, it's purely more "likeable' . Flac streamed from NAS into ND5, cd into digital input of the same ND5, so the diff is not made by the DAC stage. It's comming from something else (transport vs network), but the diff is there. Didn't got the chance (or guts) to try a nDAC(might be explanatory, but I'm afraid that will not be able to live without the NDAC), thinking at a NDX upgrade instead . We'll see hot it goes.

Cheers,

Bogdan from Romania.