Imagine having an upgrade for our CDP

Posted by: AussieSteve on 09 September 2016

I'd like an upgrade for my CD5XS and indeed all models which incorporated a new internal DAC and the like. Kinda like a hardware replacement we got with the amp dr upgrade.

Posted on: 09 September 2016 by joerand

Yeah, all the positives for the firmware upgrades to Naim DACs had me wishing such things were possible for the DACs in Naim CDPs. But alas, we're dinosaurs. Best we can expect is that the transport replacements stay on the shelf

Posted on: 09 September 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Joerand, the DACs and streamers use FPGA or FPGA like DSPs. Therefore how they perform is ultimately defined by the format and ordering of the code even though the DSP algorithms remain the same. The CD players use ASSP type DSPs.. These are defined in hard wired VLSI chips.. therefore the performance is more design consistent and defined by the chip and the hardware around it... To change it you would need a new CDP design

Posted on: 10 September 2016 by joerand

Simon - I think you reiterated my point in more (to some) intelligible techno jargon .

Posted on: 10 September 2016 by Christopher_M

Steve, Better to imagine what a better transport could do for you given the amplification you list.

Chris

Posted on: 10 September 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

joerand posted:
Simon - I think you reiterated my point in more (to some) intelligible techno jargon .

Glad to be of service

Posted on: 10 September 2016 by yeti42

If you've tried the various permutations with the 2 hicaps you're left with more conventional upgrades. An external DAC or better CD player, assuming you can't be arsed with streaming.

When I had a CD5x I had occasion to send it back to Naim for a new magnetic catch, they updated the firmmware while they had it and it made for a noticeable improvement.