Naim CDS3 performance

Try an XPSDR, XPS2 or even S/H 555PS on it rather than using it ‘bear’.

G

I found I prefer XS/psu against SN2 so definately listen first

Guess its down to speakers and taste

Perhaps the CDS3 is due for service ?

You cannot use the CDS3 without a power supply, so the OP already has one. 

The CDS3 is a wonderful machine, and when I had one I used it with a 552/300. I used a 555PS on the CDS3. It will benefit greatly from better amplification, but it would be very wise to audition a Supernait 2 against the XS/flatcap before deciding. 

Have you also used it with another amp combo HungryH? Otherwise how can you tell that it benefits?

Hungryhalibut posted:

You cannot use the CDS3 without a power supply, so the OP already has one. 

The CDS3 is a wonderful machine, and when I had one I used it with a 552/300. I used a 555PS on the CDS3. It will benefit greatly from better amplification, but it would be very wise to audition a Supernait 2 against the XS/flatcap before deciding. 

 

I know as a) I had a CDS3 for years & b) I checked in profile to find a substitute PS in use. Hence ‘bear’ (I can spell).

Ime such a power supply, admittedly on a 272, good hi-fi, but it sent the music all over the place!

Hence the recommendation.

G

tef posted:

Have you also used it with another amp combo HungryH? Otherwise how can you tell that it benefits?

I also used it with a 252/250 and briefly with a Nait 5i. 

HungryH; Did you experience the same as I do with the cds3 and the nait5? Did the performance of the s3 improve gradually over the three different amps? Or was there a more pronounced improvement between one amp or the other? 

GraemeH posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

You cannot use the CDS3 without a power supply, so the OP already has one. 

The CDS3 is a wonderful machine, and when I had one I used it with a 552/300. I used a 555PS on the CDS3. It will benefit greatly from better amplification, but it would be very wise to audition a Supernait 2 against the XS/flatcap before deciding. 

 

I know as a) I had a CDS3 for years & b) I checked in profile to find a substitute PS in use. Hence ‘bear’ (I can spell).

Ime such a power supply, admittedly on a 272, good hi-fi, but it sent the music all over the place!

Hence the recommendation.

G

Sorry Graeme, I thought you were having a senior moment! I’ve only ever used a CDS3 with an XPS2 or 555, and would agree that a Naim supply is the way to go. 

tef posted:

HungryH; Did you experience the same as I do with the cds3 and the nait5? Did the performance of the s3 improve gradually over the three different amps? Or was there a more pronounced improvement between one amp or the other? 

The better the amp, the better the sound. The CDS3 is good enough for the 552. You need to try the Supernait 2 at home and decide which you prefer. 

who can say which is better; only they who have done a comparison... Naim PSU's are simply too expensive, the improvement they bring never justifies the cost is my humble opinion, but then I've always found acquiring the best system for the least money one of the nicest aspects of this (or any)  hobby (maybe it's a Dutch thing...)

perol; what psu did you use on the XS? I've also condifered a Hicap Dr or Hicap2 as a possible upgrade.

Last option is doing a recap of the XS. It's from 2008 I think...

“...who can say which is better; only they who have done a comparison... Naim PSU's are simply too expensive, the improvement they bring never justifies the cost is my humble opinion...”

We’ll have to agree to disagree there then (ime).

G

The CDX2 is supposed to be an exciting player and may be better in your system as this is what you appear to be lacking.  You could then use it bare (rather than bear) and hear it as Naim intended it to perform.

With the money made from the sale of your current CD player and PSU you could probably change to the Supernait2 and be halfway there to getting a Hicap for the Supernait.

As others have said I strongly suspect your problem is electing to use a non-Naim power supply with the CDS3. Surely you owe it to what many regard as one of the finest Naim sources ever made to partner it with the PSU with which it was designed? For me, using a TP supply with a CDS3 makes no sense but it looks like you have been through that process already...

Could members please take heed of forum rules regarding discussion of unauthorised modifications (which includes non-Naim power supplies).  Thank you

Tef, At one time I had CDS3, serviced XPS, into NAC282, NAP200, then SBLs. Fantastic.

For my own reasons I went to same front end, Nait XS, SBLs, Still gorgeous, no loss of engagement. My XS is a 2009 model.

How does your set sound if you remove the FC2x? When were both you power supplies last serviced?

The CDS3 is one of the best CD players ever made and should be brilliant in your system. An XPS or better is the way to go. It’s underperformance is clearly down to the PS assuming all is well with the player itself. I love mine and it sounds great even though it needs a service.

Stu

Half cds3 will sound half as good as a whole one naturaly.

If a CDS3 sounds polite, organic, smooth and ever so slightly boring to you, then experience would suggest trying it with a 555PS.  It brings a dose of involvement & excitement above & beyond what it manages with an XPS power supply.

Best regards, FT

Foot tapper posted:

If a CDS3 sounds polite, organic, smooth and ever so slightly boring to you, then experience would suggest trying it with a 555PS.  It brings a dose of involvement & excitement above & beyond what it manages with an XPS power supply.

Best regards, FT

This is how I used it and wholheartedly agree.

I see a theme emerging.

G

and to get the very best out of CDS3 with 555PS - add SuperLumina.

We never made it to the CDS3 but we heard in on many occasions and auditioned extensively once. Our source strategy changed direction.

One of the things that struck me about it was that it seemed to be even handed when it came to genre and recording quality. It wasn't one of those players that only thrived with certain types of music or  "good recordings" and rendered half a collection not good enough to listen to. 

We only listened to the CDS3 with a 252/300. Don't know what it sounded like with other amps. I wouldn't be surprised if the OP's amp or possibly other system component(s) rather than the CDS3 is being choosy.

Do try a Naim PSU. You'll be sorted for decades.

This thread has got me thinking. Has anyone run a CDS3 into a 272? If so what were the results? Does a player of the CDS3’s quality really require a dedicated pre-amp or would a 272 with XPSDR or 555ps be up to it?

I never really enjoyed my CDS3 until I swapped my 52 for a 552.  Until then, it just lacked the excitement of the CDI I used before it.  The CDI didn’t have the soundstaging of the CDS3, but it had huge amounts of energy.

Shortly after that, I changed the CDS3 for a CD555 and was blown away.  I have never been able to part with the CDI though.

So whilst I have not the exact comparison - my findings where that the best amplification was needed to reveal the CDS3’s virtues, otherwise it sounded a little delicate and unexciting (at least on rock/alternative music).

thanks all for your suggestions!!