Battle of the Top Naim CD Players : CDS1 v CDS2 v CDS3 v CD555
Posted by: Naim2 on 14 July 2017
Just wondering how these top Naim CDPs compared to each other.
I have CDS2 for several years and have a "new to me" CDS3 for 3 months now.
From my experience in my system and room the CDS3 is just in a different league to the CDS2 in terms of musical engagement, prat, detail etc. So for me CDS3 is the best so far.
So i am wondering how CDS1, CDS2, CDS3 and CD555 compared to each other? What are the strength and "weakness" of each model?
Looking forward to hearing your comments and experiences.
Hi Naim2, I had a cds3 with xps and thought the combo was ultimately a bit on the smooth polite side, added a 555ps to the cds3 which helped a bit but the overall safe character of the cds3 still remained, ended up selling the cds3 head unit and got a CD555...... still lovin it 5 years later!
Best
Steve
Naim2 posted:I am now listening to a CD2 and compared to my CDS3/XPS, I feel that the CDS3/XPS combo is a bit too polite (lack a bit of drive/kick).will a 555PS or XPSDR cure this situation?
Hi Naim2,
Another owner here who found the CDS3/XPS2 just a little too polite for my taste. Replacing the XPS2 with a 555PS resolved the issue beautifully. I'm sure that the full 555 would be even more musically rewarding but I no longer feel the need to scratch that itch. The CDS3/55PS suits me just fine.
Hope this helps, FT
Yet another one who found the CDS3 a little too insipid for my tastes .. however I didn't find the 555PS improved things to my ears it just made the CDS3 then sound a little too clinical. I didn't own mine for long.... now a CDX2? There's a CD player.....
Get the CD555PS it is a game changer for the Players listed--no other supply comes close --Period!
D41
Only just read this topic hence delay in reply. My 555 was/ is a fairly early model, so its been my main music source even though given the choice LP is still (slightly?) ahead. I have run it for most of its life with one power supply and had it DR'd early last year. I then thought about adding a second power supply which I did later in the year. This was a must have from switch on. The rebuilt power supply is not quite to the same spec as one built new with DR. This means it can sound different, or not as good , depending how the Burndy cables are routed between head unit and power supplies as in this configuration one PS looks after the analogue side and the other the digital. This from Jason Gould at Naim.
Then, after many hours use the lid developed a mind of its own and even after re-calibrating still refused to behave. Went back to Salisbury for fixing including a new laser unit and software upgrade to current spec. Sounded even better after this. I hear it is to be discontinued pretty soon. Life moves on. I would not dispose of mine. In fact a second hand head unit serviced is somewhat of a bargain.
All the Naim CD players from the CD1 have built on the strength of the previous model. From memory the CD1 retailed for about £5.5K. A pretty big ask at the time.
Douglas.
Thanks for your comments guys.
Upon more listening between CD2 and CDS3 I still find that the CD2 has the upper hand in the start and stop of the music. It is like CD2 has more "torgue" vs CDS3 but on other factors CDS3 is just in a different league. For long term listening no contest CDS3 is very enjoyable.
@Simon-in Suffolk : Please share your thoughts why do you prefer CDX2 to a CDS3.
Hi Naim2, for me the CDX2 ( and listening to it as I type) just seems to connect me best with the music emotionally. It has a verve and a pace that I really enjoy. Sure it's not the most neutral player, the CDS3 is better there and some classical pieces my CDS3 did seem to do its stuff, but usually I was left somewhat cold with the CDS3, where as my CDX2 just grabs me. Thank goodness I never sold by CDX2 when I got my CDS3 and I am now enjoying the CDX2 vanilla into my 252...
Interesting comments Simon; with which I largely concur. The CDS3 sounds 'nice' (in a good way) whereas the CDX2 has a visceral quality which makes one sit up and pay attention.
A CD555/DR-555PS builds on those strengths for me, and periodic visits to the 'Screaming Audio' palace of questionable delights makes me continue to love its simplicity on a daily basis.
I wish I had your knowledge and ability in the computery arts, but (to quote Slartibartfast), the alternative to my lovely CD player continues to scare the willies out of me.
John.
Have owned a bare CDX2, CDX2/XPS and now CDS3/XPS. Just no comparison..............
To folks who still use (or have used) a CDS1 with CDSPS…
1. Have you ever serviced/recapped the CDSPS ?
2. What was the outcome ?
3. Would you do it today ?
Mine is a 125xxx with a white dot and black Burndy.
The CDS1 head unit isn’t going for service for fear of disturbing it.
The Burndy i believe could be rewired for use with a CDS2/3 head unit but dunno likelihood of that.
Thank you for your response,
rohit