PSU clarification

You need a CDP that will accept two PSU inputs - the only one i can think of in the Naim range is the 555 which whilst designed for one 555PS, could utilise two of them (using one Burndy feed from each) - effectively an analogue 555PS and digital 555PS. 

To answer the second question... I used to have a CD5XS/FCXS, I now have a CDX2.2 and I listen almost exclusively to classical music. The CDX2 is more forward, slightly more aggressive perhaps, less "polite", but the soundstage is more clearly defined. I don't think you need two CD players, unless you have an irresistible urge to spend money.

Hi Patrick,

like many others who have made the comparison, I found the CDS3 to be more polite/civilised than the CDX2, when using the same power supply (but not a shared one!). I have tried all 4 combinations of CDS3, CDX2, XPS and 555PS, before the days of DR.

If you find your CDS3/XPS a little too polite, then try a 555PS. I found that the better power supply brought much of the addictive drive that the CDX2 has while retaining the much deeper insight, delicacy of touch and subtlety of the CDS3.

Others prefer the CDS3/XPS for its gentler presentation, which is fine.

Hope this helps, FT

Hi FT,

Thanks for your sharing and I just raise a question to seek answers from all of you.  Actually, I am very satisfied with the performance of my CDS3/XPS2.  

Cheers,

Patrick

I use a CDX2 with no power supply upgrade into my 272/XPS DR/250DR for mostly classical music as well as streaming from a Unitiserve and I don't find the CDX2 aggressive at all. If anything the reverse.  But I have resisted trying a CDS* thus far......

best

David

My cd2x is a more relaxed analog sound than my streamer, not aggressive quite the opposite,  could it be a difference between cd2x vs cd2x.2?

james n posted:

You need a CDP that will accept two PSU inputs - the only one i can think of in the Naim range is the 555 which whilst designed for one 555PS, could utilise two of them (using one Burndy feed from each) - effectively an analogue 555PS and digital 555PS. 

This is indeed the way I run my 555 CD player with 2x555PS DR... this is also thought to be a very beneficial upgrade to the NDS  streamer which again will work with one or two 555 supplies.

Patrick Lam posted:

By the way, there are many arguments in the forum that CDS3 is a more polite CDP than CDX2 while CDX2 is more or less skewed to rock and punchier sound.  So, do we need to possess both in order to have a comprehensive listening taste?

Interesting question, and having owned a CDS3 and currently a CDX2, I would say ideally yes.. But clearly not very practical. The CDS3 is the more neutral sounding player, and is closer to other sources like the NDS. So you might decide to have a streamer like the NDS as well as CDP like the CDX2 to provide a range of source 'character' to suit mood and music.

I currently run my CDX2 native.. I have used an XPS2 with it in the past, and briefly tried my 555PS on it which I didn't like at all. The XPS2 lifts the CDX2 performance overall, but as I have other sources, I prefer the CDX2 native sound into my 252.

Having said all that I am now looking at options of simplifying and rationalising my audio equipment

Simon - if you're hinting at the conclusion that the simpler system is the better system in the long run then I wholeheartedly agree. At their best, PSUs on a CDP are an immediate improvement, but in my experience the bare unit provides a more consistent sound on a daily basis and works better through a variety recording qualities. The more complex system tends towards its 'on days' and 'off days'. Plus the bare unit simplifies shelving and cable dressing, let alone cost, and might be more forgiving of source material. Then again, my experience is limited.