For Headphones: CD5i vs CDX2, plus other Qs

Posted by: AT on 26 March 2004

Hello, I'm new here because I'm new to Naim. I demo'ed the CD5 and NAIT5 about 2 years ago and really liked it, but went in the tube direction at the time. But since then I've been looking for a way to fit Naim into a system. I finally did it by adding the CD5i to my headphone system consisting of a Grace 901 headphone amp and Sennheiser HD650s. I love it! I also love the look and feel of the Naim gear.

However, I've foolishly done some research here and learned that the CDX2 would be that much better, especially for what I'm looking for. I use the headphone system a lot and I'd like to find a good CD player to settle into for the long haul. The CD5i is obviously not upgradable. My headphone system is highly resolving and I'm sure it will convey the improvements in the CDX2 over the CD5i. I can't demo a CDX2 right now so I'm soliciting feedback from all of you regardiing this idea. I can find a used CDX2 nearby, or my dealer talked about letting my upgrade for near full value of the CD5i but in a narrow timeframe.

My music preferences are bluegrass, small ensemble jazz, small ensemble and solo classical, some rock and R&B, and space music. Looking for dynamics, smoothness, detailed but not overly so, emotional draw, and fun. Does the CDX2 have better stereo seperation?

Now for some other Qs about Naim gear. Has anyone gone from tube equipment to Naim? In my main system I have a huge, heavy tube amp that runs hot, a huge tube preamp, and a two-box CD transport/DAC. Someday I'd like to downsize (not downgrade) and simplify. And with kids on the way soon I'm concerned about having the tube stuff around. Are the differences between tube gear and Naim pretty significant so that if my preference is for tubes then the Naim gear won't appeal. ? I read in an issue of Hifi+ that the NAP300 is a perfect mate with several brands of tube preamps (I know heresy!). I also prefer Audience Au24 speaker cable; would this be a problem for Naim amps? Anyone ever used Naim with Tannoy speakers?

I'm afraid I'll be here more often. With my first Naim purchase I'm hooked. Thanks.

Posted on: 26 March 2004 by Naimed-In-NY

Welcome to Naim and the Forum.

First, regarding cd players, I can tell you that a bare CDX2 is significantly better than a bare CD5 (and a CD5+FC2 and a CD5+HC2). After my demo of the different combinations, I decided not to purchase the CD5 and, instead, am saving up for a CDX2. I did not demo the CD5i, but feel pretty confident the conclusion would be the same. While the CD5i may be a great player for the money, and may even be preferable to the CD5 for some, I can't imagine the CDX2 not trouncing it on a side-to-side comparison. Although I don't do my listening through headphones, if you have a good system, it should show up the differences. Before trading up, however, I would do the demo and make sure the improvement is significant and worth the additional cost.

In my experience, Naim is a very different sound than most tube components. In fact, I think Naim probably is the direct opposite of the traditional "tubey" sound. I find the Naim sound to be more exciting, faster, more realistic, better separation of instruments on complex pieces, etc. With tubes, you may get better imaging, but at what cost? Obviously, I'm a Naim convert. I also think that there is a Naim synergy. Sure, you may be able to mix and match, but I think you'll find that the Naim equipment works best with Naim equipment (big surprise there, I know). A lot will depend on your personal tastes. Naim equipment does not run hot like tubes, is easier in terms of having kids around, and has great dependability. Why don't you demo a comparably priced Naim system with what you have at home and decide what type of sound you like best?

Good luck.

MBM

Posted on: 26 March 2004 by AT

Naimed-In-NY, Thanks for the commentary. It sounds like you thoughtfully assembled your Naim system. I plan to live with the CD5i for a while and at some point see if I can get a demo. While I'm at it I'd like to get a full system demo. The only way to know (do I really want to know!).

Posted on: 26 March 2004 by Hawk

Im going through the move to Naim process too! and in my case it was started by a purchase of a CDX2! I also have a stax earspeaker system that i use with a CDX2/XPS2 and the results are stunning. The energiser (Headphone amp) is the valve version and together they make great toe tapping music with bags of detail that just drags you right into it.. im sure youll find it just as exciting in your headphone set up...

In terms of amps im in the process of moving from Chords, a CPA2200/SPM1200B. Similar to tubes the chords are 'big sounding' as in they present a large well defined 3d soundstage. They are very transparent and let the music flow through very cleanly. What ive found is that Naim tends to be a little more 2 dimensional and slightly less forward than the chords, but on the plus side has fantasic drive and rythm that is very very addictive. With the Naim gear i tend to listen and enjoy the music more than the HiFi... I had fallen into the trap of listening to the CD's that sound the best on the HiFi which is kind of missing the point of what music itself is all about.

regards

Hawk

Posted on: 26 March 2004 by AT

Hawk, Why the switch from Chord to Naim? I think you hit it spot on, that with the Naim CDP the music is really fun. And it just feels like I can get into the music more.

Posted on: 26 March 2004 by kuma

AT,

Grace and Naim pairing would be certainly an interesting one!

How is Grace's DAC section compared to Naim CD player?

Curious, which 'huge, heavy' tube amps are you running?

As far as 'tube vs. Naim' thing, I found my SET sounds closer to the Naim sound than any other solid state amps I've heard. ( argile footwork, excellent dynamics, transparency and give life to ALL music )

I haven't tried it but I was told that Naim amps work with tube preamps becuase they are bandwidth limited.

Posted on: 26 March 2004 by AT

Well, I haven't mentioned which tube components because they are so not-Naim, though they are highly regarded. It's the Mcintosh MC2102 and C2200. The MC2102 weighs about 100 lbs and could easily serve as a small furnace in the Arctic north. The front end in my main system is an Audio Note DAC. Audio Note and Naim seem similar in many ways (whole systems, synergy, committed philosophy), but are two entirely different approaches, though both take music first.

The Grace DAC isn't so hot. The Naim is much better as are so many others.

Anyway, I'm using my headphone system as an intro to Naim (love it so far and it really works there), and someday I may demo Naim in my main system for the reasons outlined above. I'm not sure how my wife would react if I switched it all out wholesale : O But with little kiddies around she may be more understanding. However nothing is proven yet and I'm just dreaming.

Posted on: 26 March 2004 by kuma

quote:
Originally posted by AT:
Anyway, I'm using my headphone system as an intro to Naim (love it so far and it really works there), and someday I may demo Naim in my main system for the reasons outlined above..

AT,

I've also started out with Naim Headline. I needed a headamp for my RS1 while I was waiting for a custom head amp. Then a local dealer had Naim systems hooked up to Wilson speakers which I am familiar with. I've dicided to give a home demo since the system sounded pretty decent together. ( certainly lot different from the past Naim demo )

Incidentaly, Naim preamp was recommended by my valve amp producer about a year ago. ( but, I was skeptical )

They worked out beautifully in my system. But the amps are staying for good.

Haven't listened to recent Mcintosh but from what I remember, you are right they are 'so not-Naim'.

But, I understand the attraction.

Grace's DAC section is not good, huh? I figure just as much as it seems it was an afterthought.