Sound advice taken (CDX2 wise)

I'm using my CDX2 bare and it sounds fantastic! At some point this year I'll be swapping my SN for a 282. I may explore an XPS at some point, but no desire to at the moment.  

cheeselet posted:

I've just responded to advice given in a previous thread regarding upgrading my CD5X to CDX2 and gone and done it.

First impressions are very favourable, the player being very musical. Not all comments about the CDX2 player on forums are so positive so I am pleasantly surprised.......

202(HC) sounding good into 250.2.

Anyone using the CDX2 on its own  and sticking with it? 

CDX2>282>HCDR>3 x 250.2>Briks

Not sticking with it, but I think, in my situation SC/Snaxo might bring more to the table!

Allante93!

CDX2>DC1>NDS+555DR>202+HCDR>200 = Wow! I will stick with the bare CDX2 until my pre/end is much better. Probably there is no need ever.. But it's not my main source..

Very glad about CDX2[.2]

My forum mate, Massimo, is a great devotee of the bare CDX2. Simon-in-Suffolk too. Maybe they will share their stories...

Chris

As this is a sort of two pronged thread in that I've upgraded the cdp but also "sidegraded" the pre amp to NAC 202 are there any thoughts on the latter?

Going from SN2 preamp to nac 202 seemed odd at first but I must be getting used to it as i dont think im missing anything  The 202 is not the usual natural partner to the NAP 250.2 so any thoughts on that?

Yes, despite being the 'lesser' power amp, I believe it's possible that a NAP200 could give you a more engaging presentation through your Neats.

C.

Christopher_M posted:

Yes, despite being the 'lesser' power amp, I believe it's possible that a NAP200 could give you a more engaging presentation through your Neats.

Certainly a valid point, which makes me feel a bit guilty about raising the other obvious option of a 282, being the 'natural partner' (whatever that means) to the 250. Well somebody had to say it, so it might as well be me! 

Is abare  cdx 2.2 agood partner to baroque and clasic music (imean alot of solo violin harpsicord contra tenors and sopranos.mahler brukner kind of music.fullscale choruses.

Basically if you think a CDX2 sounds "bright, dark, unmusical, fatiguing, harsh, dull,flat, shite without an XPS" etc..

You're doing it wrong

cheeselet posted:

As this is a sort of two pronged thread in that I've upgraded the cdp but also "sidegraded" the pre amp to NAC 202 are there any thoughts on the latter?

Going from SN2 preamp to nac 202 seemed odd at first but I must be getting used to it as i dont think im missing anything  The 202 is not the usual natural partner to the NAP 250.2 so any thoughts on that?

Yes. Get a 282. I never liked the 250.2 and would much rather have a 200. A 282/200 is a much better match than 202/250.2. A 282/250DR is better than both. 

You say that Nigel but the chap's just bought a NAC202. He has to make the best with what he has.

Chris

Yes, but the specific question was asked. So I answered it. 

Daft Apeth posted:

Basically if you think a CDX2 sounds "bright, dark, unmusical, fatiguing, harsh, dull,flat, shite without an XPS" etc..

You're doing it wrong

I agree, something is very wrong in the setup if that is the case. HOWEVR boy is it fussy on support and setup and to a lesser extent connected pre. I found it wasn't until it was on full fat Fraim did it work its best my a fair margin... also I found my 282 didn't always gel with the CDX2's character being a bit too hot sometimes, but with my 252 it's a real pleasure nicely bring out the nuances from the X2 and have now given up on its XPS2.

To Cheeselet  my 202 was a fair match, albeit you might benefit from the XPS2 on the X2 with that pre.. If and when you upgrade your pre you can always sell the powersupply if you find you don't don't then need it.... just remember to keep the CDX2 Burndy cap in a safe place... they are not cheap to replace as I found out 

BTW I did not get on with the 202 with 250.2 at all... it was horrid to my ears. The 200 worked really well, and I hear the 250DR works welll... it's just with the 250.2 there was something very strange about that lack of synergy.. quite a lot of shared comment on that observation over the years on the forum.

cheeselet posted:

Anyone using the CDX2 on its own  and sticking with it? 

Yes... and loving it for many years. Magnificent player on it own. As it should be given its price tag. 

The CDX2 is very thankful for a good power cord. You can get excellent result from trying a few good ones. 

Very true 

Cheeselet - which do you prefer - analogue out direct to pre-amp, or digital out via the CA DAC?

Hi

I've not yet done extensive listening but to answer the previous question I did find the ca dac likeable but then I have had the Streamagic five years so it must be doing something right for my ears. It certainly proved the quality of the spdif  output of the CDX2 was excellent, as one  might expect for this class of player.

As for the 202/250.2 synergy (or lack of) I'm still assessing. Nothing has caused me any offence yet. On changing from SN2 pre to 202 the sonic signature seems to have become more "enthusiastic".

Is this what some might call too "hot"?

It sounds like a nicely balanced and synergistic 'set' to me. I can't comment on the current model but there was something I preferred about the old CDX2 'bare'. 

Adding an external p/s certainly adds something, but that 'something' is not necessarily or automatically preferable to the individual.

Just spin those shiny beer-mats and enjoy. 

John. 

I'll mostly likely take a cue from hungry h. The 282/250 dr combo could be  my final  destination.

It's  nice to go in stages though, currently enjoying the "unlikely" 202/250.2 and might even stick with it! 

Did you ever try the straight vanilla SN2 into your Neats? And how was it, especially now with the CDX2?

C.

[@mention:41551089409172983] CDX2/282/250DR is my final destination. Great sounding combo. 

Cheeselet,

The 202/250.2 is a very good set up. It would be interesting to know what speaker cables you are using?

That's a good idea C_M. I must try the SN2 with CDX2; should be interesting to compare. It was adding the 250.2 that started all of this though as it seemed to bring more life to the Neats.

If I go the Finkfan route which should I get first 282 or 250 dr? 

Nordost Solar Wind I believe. 

As you already have a 250 and HC I'd get a 282. 

Adding a 250DR gave my Revels more life without a doubt. 

cheeselet posted:

That's a good idea C_M. I must try the SN2 with CDX2; should be interesting to compare.

Thanks. Easy to be overlooking the obvious when the upgrade heat is on. Please let us know what you think when the suitably warmed up SN2 is compared with 202, HC and 250.

C.