Basic Naim system upgrade advice please

The CD player is the weakest link here, and the amplifier really isn't up to the excellent speakers. I would seek out a used CDX2, trading the CD5i against it. I'd then trade your existing amplifiers against a used Supernait 2. That would be a fantastic two box system that would be a much better match for your speakers, and would be entirely possible within your budget. Get the used items from a Naim dealer if warranty and support is a concern. 

Not sure wether a better non Naim Alternative but I would try and listen to the new Musical Fidelity M6 encore.

This has a CD player and a ripper hard drive, so you can play your cds and store them, has digital and analogue inputs and is dealer supported who would offer a service to install and connect it all up for you.

Hungryhalibut posted:

The CD player is the weakest link here, and the amplifier really isn't up to the excellent speakers. I would seek out a used CDX2, trading the CD5i against it. I'd then trade your existing amplifiers against a used Supernait 2. That would be a fantastic two box system that would be a much better match for your speakers, and would be entirely possible within your budget. Get the used items from a Naim dealer if warranty and support is a concern. 

Thanks very much indeed.

Would I need to retain the Flatcap to enhance the integrated amp?

Apologies if this is a stupid question ?

Would the CD2X benefit from a DAC ?

Many thanks Nick

TOBYJUG posted:

Not sure wether a better non Naim Alternative but I would try and listen to the new Musical Fidelity M6 encore...

The OP should be aware that the sound from Musical Fidelity is very different to the sound from Naim. I went from Naim to MF and then back to Naim (albeit after a period of many years). It's difficult to be precise but, to me, the MF sound is much more 'laid back' than the Naim sound.

Also, the MF has an HD drive which, if the OP is not interested in ripping, is a bit of a waste. If the OP does want to consider ripping (and I would advise it because it's so convenient and downloading is a great alternative to buying CDs) then a Superuniti is the best solution with CDs ripped on a PC (dBpoweramp) to a network drive.

Nick - the Supernait 2 includes its own preamp power supply that is better than the Flatcap, so it could go. The original CDX2 does not have a digital output so cannot use a Dac, but the later CDX2.2 does have one. The usual upgrade for the CDX2 or 2.2 is an XPS power supply. I wouldn't worry about the Dac option - should you go for the CDX2/SN2 it will be so much better than what you have now you should be happy for another ten years. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

Nick - the Supernait 2 includes its own preamp power supply that is better than the Flatcap, so it could go. The original CDX2 does not have a digital output so cannot use a Dac, but the later CDX2.2 does have one. The usual upgrade for the CDX2 or 2.2 is an XPS power supply. I wouldn't worry about the Dac option - should you go for the CDX2/SN2 it will be so much better than what you have now you should be happy for another ten years. 

That's brilliant - thank you very much.

I presume that the CDX2 will work fine without a PSU but that that would be the next upgrade thereafter .

Once again many thanks HH. I just need to find them now !

PeterJ posted:

TOBYJUG posted:

Not sure wether a better non Naim Alternative but I would try and listen to the new Musical Fidelity M6 encore...

The OP should be aware that the sound from Musical Fidelity is very different to the sound from Naim. I went from Naim to MF and then back to Naim (albeit after a period of many years). It's difficult to be precise but, to me, the MF sound is much more 'laid back' than the Naim sound.

Also, the MF has an HD drive which, if the OP is not interested in ripping, is a bit of a waste. If the OP does want to consider ripping (and I would advise it because it's so convenient and downloading is a great alternative to buying CDs) then a Superuniti is the best solution with CDs ripped on a PC (dBpoweramp) to a network drive.

Thanks for your consideration and advice but I think I will keep it simple and just play my CDs.

I suspect it's somewhat old fashioned but I actually like having a collection!

nickfoss posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

Nick - the Supernait 2 includes its own preamp power supply that is better than the Flatcap, so it could go. The original CDX2 does not have a digital output so cannot use a Dac, but the later CDX2.2 does have one. The usual upgrade for the CDX2 or 2.2 is an XPS power supply. I wouldn't worry about the Dac option - should you go for the CDX2/SN2 it will be so much better than what you have now you should be happy for another ten years. 

That's brilliant - thank you very much.

I presume that the CDX2 will work fine without a PSU but that that would be the next upgrade thereafter .

Once again many thanks HH. I just need to find them now !

Yes, the CDX2 will be perfectly fine by itself. You could add an XPS later. The more recent DR version is better, but more expensive obviously. One advantage of sticking with CD players is that you will be able to find a good value CDX2 somewhere.

In my view, you should look a bit further ahead and plan to change both CD player and amp, but in easy stages. Swap the CD for a good pre-loved CDX2 first. Then look to swap the pre amp next. You could have quite a choose, for £3000 max.....  

Hi Nick

I can understand your position. Streaming is only really feasible if you want to use a smartphone or tablet to control the device and slotting in a CD can be just as easy. I adopted steaming fairly early on in 2008. I bought a Cambridge player that had a CD drive and a hard disk to which I spent ages ripping all my CDs (unfortunately it was a proprietary format). However, the control interface was so difficult to use (using a down arrow to scroll through many artists and albums) that it was actually easier just to slot in the CD.

not sure if this makes sense or if even probable but  I had a sort of similar issue a while back (had a cd5x + fc2) and just maybe you could change the fc to a hicap ? then spend the rest on an amp upgrade ? assuming u hv spare cash, maybe an upgrade to a 5xs cdp ? anyway just an optional thought.

Absolutely agree on the CDX2. I would not change the 122x/150x so quickly...

M

I mean, if Nick had asked about absolute improvements, well I0d say save for a lifetime and buy in the 500 series. But he was speaking of a reasonable improvement, being 'by and large' happy with the system. In this perspective, I'd only change the CDP for now. The 122x and the 150x are really good amps, worth being fully exploited before their retirement. I still remember how good they made a pair of Harbeth C7s sound – and in spite of what their brilliant designer says, Harbeths do not sound involving and convincing with any amp.

My opinion only, of course.

M

Nick - coming a bit late to this conversation, but...

Given what you have now and if a box count / budget is to be kept sensible I think HH nailed it perfectly. CDX2 (possibly with a XPSDR or a used 555PS non-DR) and a SuperNait2 will be wonderful.
You could at a later stage enhance it with PowerLines.

There is a debate on whether HiCap DR helps a SuperNait2 or not. In my opinion it does, by providing a lower-end extension and control. But it's not vital if space or funds are limited.

Adam

I think HH has nailed it too.

A CDX2 first and then string it out a little, no need to rush. I think you'll be very impressed with a CDX2 and you don't need to do the amps immediately...

If I had the funds available I'd do it all in one go - why hang about? The speakers really need a bigger amp to stir them into life. You are also potentially able to get a better deal should be lucky enough to find a CDX2 and a Supernait 2 at the same dealer. 

No big deal, just saying you don't need to do it all at once...the gents been living with his amp/speaker combo for a while...

Ten years - time for a change. Of course there is no rush, just see what comes up, but sometimes a complete change is good.

Just getting re aquainted with a CDX2 here, connected up to a 34 year old unserviced Red LED Nait1. What a combination, pure Naim in the best sense! I love the Nait2, but now i'm back with the Nait1 i remember how amazed i was for years when i bought my original also back in 1983. For the money, i can't think of a better combination than a CDX2, and a Nait1 if you like your music played like it was the artists last ever performance and their life depended on it....  For me the best Nait ever made, and the CDX2 plays to its strengths.

Alba, i'm sure a CDI would be great too. This Nait seems more pure to the signal than almost any Naim amp i've heard. 

Alba, my understanding is your understanding is correct...

To the OP, i agree with the above. You have a great amp, so look for a great source to match them with.

nickfoss posted:

 

Are there better non Naim alternatives with transport and DAC for my budget?

 

Chord Hugo DAC - search on these forums.

i don't know about alternative CD transport - but I, too, would avoid secondhand on mechanical devices.

I know you say you have no inclination to stream, but it is worth an objective consideration if you are thinking long term.

I might be arriving a bit late on this thread but FWIW I have been with a similar configuration a few years ago. I would suggest to trade CD5 for CD5 XS and add nDAC to it before upgrading the sweet 122x/FC2x/150x combo. And yes I did go S/H on all of these great slim boxes including the CDP. 

Chag -

He could start with a CD5X and if he goes SN or SN2, the FC could either go as a cost defraying step, or be placed on the CD5X, which I think is significantly more CDP than a CD5i.