Is a CDX good enough for a 52?

I've organised the following:

CDX/82/Scap
CDX/myCDPS/82/Scap
CDX/XPS/82/Scap
CDX/myCDPS/52
CDX/XPS/52
CDS2/myCDPS/82/Scap
CDS2/XPS/82/Scap
CDS2/XPS/52

I am hoping to determine:

1. The exact worth of my CDPS relative to a stand alone CDX and an XPSed one.

2. Whether a CDX/CDPS and/or XPS is good enough for a 52 or whether this source actually sounds better through my Scapped 82 (as some have suggested)

3. Whether the 82/Supercap can do justice to a CDS2

4. Whether my CDPS is a good enough power supply for CDS2 and/or whether I must get a XPS.

I approach with an open mind but with a closed wallet. I am hoping that CDPS is sufficient and that I'll either stay happy as I am (CDX/CDPS/82/Scap) or wish for a CDS2 head unit.
I am hoping that I am not convinced by the necessity for CDS2/XPS/52.

BTW most forum members suspect CDS2 to be the obvious step whilst Paul at Grahams thinks 52 will bring the greatest reward. It is this confusion and my ignorance of the true worth of CDPS which leads me to do the dem

Will post the results.

quote:

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Whether the 82/Supercap can do justice to a CDS2

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Believe me, it can.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

What's this closed wallet stuff? You know that what you are proposing is dangerous. Let me be the first to congratulate you on your pending delivery of CDS2 and 52.

Cheers,
Jens

ps hope that Hi-Cap's still performing.

Alex

A CDX with either power supply sounds better through an 82 than a 52 - 52 just further reveals its harsh, aggressive streak.

A CDPS is at least 75% down the path to XPS for a CDX. At this point the CDX becomes a decent player.

A CDS2 is a massive leap; even with the CDPS it vastly outperforms a CDX/XPS.

A 52 is another big leap but you must have the CDS2 first.

ps Hope you're all enjoying the Barbie - especially Ken.

if you mean me, i am not at the barbie --- but thanks anyhow.

if not, apologies.

so, what have you decided to purchase?

enjoy

ken

quote:

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A stand alone CDX is not an adequate source for a S'Capped 82, let alone a 52. (Unless perhaps one does a Vuk and sits it on many layers of Mana).

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I've heard Vuk's CDX/52/250 with and without Mana, and the Mana definitely helps. However, having heard a CDX/XPS/82/Super/250, I can tell you this is far better than Vuk's setup.

Unless you are a vinyl lover with an LP12/P9 that gets the lion's share of the action, don't settle for a CDX on a 52. Go for the CDX/XPS or preferably the CDS2 before upgrading to the 52.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Thanks to all, especially Mike, who have moved me in this very satisfying direction.

no problem...

enjoy

ken

quote:

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Thanks to all, especially Mike, who have moved me in this very satisfying direction.

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You're welcome, and I know that you're going to love it.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

quote:

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I approach with an open mind but with a closed wallet. I am hoping that CDPS is sufficient and that I'll either stay happy as I am (CDX/CDPS/82/Scap) or wish for a CDS2 head unit

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quote:

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Its the CDS2 for me .........I'll keep the CDPS for now, it works just fine with the CDS2

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Chris

The true glory of the CDS2 is masked by the 82/Super. Mike wait until you get your 52 but wait for about 3 months for it to burn in.

- but I am schooled in source first principals
- and I've had a good look at my CDPS and feel sure that Naim really tried to impress with this power supply - ok an XPS sounds better and with more money I'd buy one, but an x-dem CDS2 head unit is definitely my best use of present resources.