HDX with a normal recording.

Posted by: u5227470736789439 on 01 July 2008

Earlier this evening I was given the chance to have one of my most beloved Bach recordings ripped to the HDX at the Summer Sounds event at Audio X in Worcester. Thanks to Maurice for letting me in, and Jason for letting me disrupt the schedule with this opportunity.

The moment of replay brought back the memory of my first real encounter with the CDS2 in 2000 in the same room. Yes, the HDX is that special.

I have read reports that the machine is fantastic, and less so. I can only say that if I could afford the choice between a top CD player and the HDX, I would go HDX, as the replay was splendid, and the convenience factor swings it. Alright, by the stage I was allowed to rip my recording of HM Linde playing the Bach Brandenburg Concertos, the HDX had gown a 555PS [valuable addition in quality] and the Power-line [also a very good gain], but Jason also saw the value in removing the nSub, which I found was a valuable change on the splendid SL2s, which only need help in a poor acoustic.

But the set [552/250.2 onto the speakers] rendered the music as one could only dream of. Balances lucid, and the expressive details simply and naturally relayed. Who could ask for more?

Not me, at least.

I cannot afford one, not even a CD5i, so let's hope my entry in the prize draw for an HDX comes up trumps! Then all I need is the 555PS and a Hi-line!

Very pleased with the HDX. A most fine machine IMO. I had high hopes, and these were met.

Now for a proper dem!!!

ATB from George
Posted on: 08 July 2008 by u5227470736789439
Dear Dom,

Many people seem to like too much bass. The correct amount seems defiencient to these people, and thus they accuse the SL2, SBL and other great speakers of being bass-light!

Seems to be the way nowadays, and the proof is to go to some real concerts. I suspect those who like too much bass, do not go to al that many concerts and and so have no benchmark to judge what is correct by!

For people who like too much bass the nSub is of course ideal in a normal room as it allows for an adjustment of the excess to personal taste! In my view the SL2 could only need reinforcement in the bass region in a room that somehow swallows bass, and some do! But not many.

Yes the SL2s and indeed the whole set was significantly nicer senza nSub in the Audio X dem room!


ATB from George
Posted on: 09 July 2008 by gary1 (US)
Personally, I think that many people do not understand the function of a subwoofer. It is not to provide more bass, but to get the "best base." In my set-up the sub addresses the lower bass range, but really help the mid-range and expands the musical soundstage and presence. It does require correct placement, volume, and cross-over adjustments and possibly a phase adjustment as well and you really need 2 people to do this.