Naim cd2 , any good or should I look for something else

I'm a big fan of the CD2 - it's a lovely thing, although it's sound is best described as somewhat "characterful" thanks to the selected TDA1451A DACs.  It does make for a fun listen though and should suit your system perfectly. However, there is a caveat, and it's a big one; the CD2 used either a Philips CDM9  or CDM9Pro mechanism.  Both are long out of production and spares are long exhausted.  Even Naim's stock of spares have been exhausted now, so you buy under advisement that when the mech fails you will have a tough time getting the player fixed and may have to walk away from it.

Alternatively consider a CDX - it looks like a CD2 but uses the later VAM1205 mech and Burr Brown 1702 DAC with PMD100 HDCD oversampling filter.  It's also upgradeable with an XPS power supply (or even a 555PS).  The sound is less coloured but still characterful - very tight, rhythmic and focussed.  Oh, and there are a lot more CDXs around than CD2s...

And an XPS really does make a significant difference to the CDX!

No go for OP

An xps would be nice but alas not enough room , the wife wants it kept tidy , no random boxes straying from the rack , the sbl speakers she likes and they are allowed to stay I. The lounge so I won't push it just yet��

Of the Olive players the original CDi, CD3 or CD2 are superb one box players IME (apart from CDS two box offcourse) non serviceable in Naim service centers, the CDX and 3.5 is behind but supported I hope.

Having owned most of these as of today I'd pick a CD5 version/psu (not 5i) into the game of choice.

Different cabinet vs olive though but cracking players

CDX may be the way to go then ,, i definitely want olive , the cd3 I think looks odd with the corners rounded , I will see what turns up over the next few months , I still have the meridian to use until it's sold and I do have a (ahem) Cambridge audio azur laying around

Don't dismiss the CD3 - it's even more characterful than the CD2 but loads if fun. It would be far from my first choice if lots of classical music were my usual listening choice, but for rock and upbeat music its great fun and really gets under your skin. Rather like vinyl can be in fact. It could be a good choice to complement your vinyl setup but same caveats apply as with the CD2 re. Transport mech. Should be the easiest to find and  very affordable though... 

Having owned one of the few (100?) CD2s built with the CDM9 Pro transport, I can safely say it's a terrific player that would fit your system well.  It is, as Richard points out, "characterful," but in a good way.  Superbly musical - it is a HUGE pity that the transports can't be repaired.  That means a CD2 should be quite inexpensive, as you'd have to scrap it when it fails. 

A CDX is probably a better call, simply because it will be newer and it may be possible to replace the mechanism if needed (not through Naim, though, as I understand their spares are depleted).  Somewhat less "characterful" than the CD2.

Either a CD2 or a CDX will comfortably outperform your 602/606 Meridian combination from a musical standpoint. 

I really liked the CDX ...with an XPS. The latter adds more body whilst keeping the musical drive intact.

It's a really involving player & I used it with the 72/250 to great effect.

G

Richard Dane posted:

Don't dismiss the CD3 - it's even more characterful than the CD2 but loads if fun. It would be far from my first choice if lots of classical music were my usual listening choice, but for rock and upbeat music its great fun and really gets under your skin. Rather like vinyl can be in fact. It could be a good choice to complement your vinyl setup but same caveats apply as with the CD2 re. Transport mech. Should be the easiest to find and  very affordable though... 

Why don't you think it's very suitable for classical music, Richard?

Sister, I found it just a bit too coloured and unnatural on many of the classical discs I have tried playing on it - it was noticeable enough to sometimes begin to annoy on pieces I knew really well.  I compared directly against one my Meridian CD players and this was much more neutral and preferable on classical.  However, on just about anything else the tables turned decisively in the CD3s favour.  

Thanks Richard.

I have a CD 2 which is also not quite so natural with classical music but has great drive and rhythmic qualities,also important with classical, which more than makes up for its deficiencies in other areas,

Sister xx

I absolutely love my CD2. Sounds better to my ears than my previous Meridian 206 delta sigma. I use with 252/SC/300 into Neat XL6's. No inclination to change it at all. Oh, and I'm told by a very reliable source that they can be fixed if they fail. 

I think the CD2 is great and is worth a punt.