NAIT XS 2 with Marantz CD6006 vs a used Naim CD player

Posted by: seakayaker on 26 May 2017

I have just purchased a NAIT XS 2 with a Marantz CD6006 and ProAc Response D2 Speakers.

Although from a budget point of view I could not purchase a new Naim CD player at this point in time, I have seen some used CD players, CD3.5, CD5i and CDX.

Any opinions regarding swapping out the Marantz for one of the used CD players?

This is my first time using Naim and the dealer informed me that the NAIT and the Speakers will need playing time to burn in. I am impressed with the music right out of the box and wonder if there would be any incremental improvement with swapping the CD player.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

Posted on: 04 June 2017 by Wugged Woy

In my experience, NACA5 is a great cable for pop music and rock. It has real PRaT and gives an exciting sound. The Odyssey2 is more refined and a touch clearer - it is ideal in my mind for Classical music. I mostly listen to Classical so use the Chord. I use 4.5 mtrs per speaker and it is no problem.

Both cables are great. It just depends on your tastes IMHO.

Posted on: 04 June 2017 by seakayaker

Christopher_M posted:
SK, I know you are asking about speaker wires (where I don't have an answer) but which rack do you have?

On the list of things to do, open to suggestions, recommendations, and opinions.

Right now using solid wood end table to hold the AMP and CD Player.

Posted on: 05 June 2017 by Christopher_M

seakayaker posted:
Christopher_M posted:
SK, I know you are asking about speaker wires (where I don't have an answer) but which rack do you have?
On the list of things to do, open to suggestions, recommendations, and opinions.
Right now using solid wood end table to hold the AMP and CD Player.

Ok, thank you. IMO this subject is vital and Naim take the mechanical engineering side of their business seriously.

For now though, are the two units side by side on the table top?

Posted on: 05 June 2017 by hungryhalibut

You won't go far wrong with a Quadraspire Q4 Evo. There are better racks at a higher price; Naim Fraim or Fraimlite, Isoblue, Hutter, Quadraspire's SVT are all excellent.

Posted on: 05 June 2017 by seakayaker

Christopher_M posted:
seakayaker posted:
Christopher_M posted:
SK, I know you are asking about speaker wires (where I don't have an answer) but which rack do you have?
On the list of things to do, open to suggestions, recommendations, and opinions.
Right now using solid wood end table to hold the AMP and CD Player.
Ok, thank you. IMO this subject is vital and Naim take the mechanical engineering side of their business seriously.
For now though, are the two units side by side on the table top?

No, I have the Amp sitting on the CD Player, not side by side. Not sure if the Din to Din interconnect would reach in a side to side configuration.

Posted on: 05 June 2017 by Christopher_M

Worth a try. Amp on right.

At least you have the amp sitting on top of the cdp and not the other way round.

Posted on: 05 June 2017 by hungryhalibut

That's the best way to get the worst possible performance from your system. I suggest you order a rack asap, or at least put them side by side a few inches apart.

Posted on: 05 June 2017 by ChrisSU

Yes, get a rack. No excuses! This, and all aspects of system setup, become more important as you climb the Naim ladder.

Posted on: 05 June 2017 by seakayaker

Thank you for the feedback, I'll move them side by side when I get home and begin the search for the rack today.

Posted on: 05 June 2017 by ChrisSU

If you've already blown your budget, just keep them apart for now and you should be able to take your time looking for a rack that suits your budget and style. They are often available used in the usual places if you're patient.

Posted on: 07 June 2017 by Christopher_M

So how was the sound when you tried them side by side?

Posted on: 07 June 2017 by seakayaker

Christopher_M posted:
So how was the sound when you tried them side by side?

The sound has continued to improve with putting some burn time on the XS 2, D2's and cable. So I really can not pin point that the sound improved with just moving the CD and Amp side by side. With just a couple of weeks into listening to the new gear it was a dramatic improvement right out of the box and to experience, or I should say having a completely new experience listening to music I have had for years just puts a big smile on my face.

With that said, I have been taking all the suggestions and acting on the ones I can right away and others, well let just say 'planning for the future.' Just need to practice patience, time and patience.....

Thank you Christopher and everyone else for the suggestions and advice it is appreciated.