Choices, choices
Posted by: Andy B on 14 January 2004
Hi,
It's that wonderful time of year when I have enough spare cash to upgrade a piece of kit (£1200ish), so I was hoping for a few pointers on where my next best choice would be.
I am currently running a CDX, 82, 1 hicap, olive 250 and Arcs, so the options as I see it are:
CDX to CDS2
CDX to CDX2
Hicap to Supercap
XPS to XPS2
Of the above I was thinking that the CDS2 would probably bring the greatest reward, but as I haven't had the chance to hear the CDX2 or supercap, I would appreciate the views from those of you that had.
Regards,
Andy.
It's that wonderful time of year when I have enough spare cash to upgrade a piece of kit (£1200ish), so I was hoping for a few pointers on where my next best choice would be.
I am currently running a CDX, 82, 1 hicap, olive 250 and Arcs, so the options as I see it are:
CDX to CDS2
CDX to CDX2
Hicap to Supercap
XPS to XPS2
Of the above I was thinking that the CDS2 would probably bring the greatest reward, but as I haven't had the chance to hear the CDX2 or supercap, I would appreciate the views from those of you that had.
Regards,
Andy.
Posted on: 14 January 2004 by NB
Andy,
I would look at XPS first followed by Supercap second and then look at upgrading your CD player either to a CDX2 or a CDS2.
Regards
NB
I would look at XPS first followed by Supercap second and then look at upgrading your CD player either to a CDX2 or a CDS2.
Regards
NB
Posted on: 15 January 2004 by Andy B
Hi,
Sorry, I forgot to mention that I already own an XPS.
Your suggestion of going for the power supply rather than source first is an interseting one. Is this because the system is better balanced with the CDX fronting it, or that a greater improvement can be heard using the supercap as it is two steps up the ladder?
Andy.
Sorry, I forgot to mention that I already own an XPS.
Your suggestion of going for the power supply rather than source first is an interseting one. Is this because the system is better balanced with the CDX fronting it, or that a greater improvement can be heard using the supercap as it is two steps up the ladder?
Andy.
Posted on: 15 January 2004 by NB
Andy,
the best up-grade I ever made was going from CDX to CDX/XPS hence that why I made the recomendation. I also recommended the Supercap as it really makes the 82 sing.
A CDX/XPS 82/Super/250 would be a well balanced sistem and similar to my sistem before I up-graded to what I have now.
Regards
NB
the best up-grade I ever made was going from CDX to CDX/XPS hence that why I made the recomendation. I also recommended the Supercap as it really makes the 82 sing.
A CDX/XPS 82/Super/250 would be a well balanced sistem and similar to my sistem before I up-graded to what I have now.
Regards
NB
Posted on: 16 January 2004 by Hannes
quote:
Originally posted by Andy B:
[...]
I am currently running a CDX, 82, 1 hicap, olive 250 and Arcs, so the options as I see it are:
CDX to CDS2
CDX to CDX2
Hicap to Supercap
XPS to XPS2
Of the above I was thinking that the CDS2 would probably bring the greatest reward, but ...
Regards,
Andy.
Andy,
last year I went exactly your upgrade path.
Because you already have a XPS for yor CDX, I would recommend you going to buy a Supercap first.
This was a stunning upgrade for me, even more impressive than the XPS (here I disagree with NB).
Next step could be a s/h 52 oder CDS2, and again in my experience I would prefer the 52 first (knowing you have a CDX/XPS which is already a good cd-player-combination!) But this is also a subjective thing and it would be always the best to hear and compare during a home demo ...)
Regards
HANNES
Posted on: 16 January 2004 by Andy B
Hi,
If it's even more impressive than the addition of an XPS, then I shall start looking immediately!
Do you know age-wise when the supercaps need to be serviced?
Regards,
Andy.
If it's even more impressive than the addition of an XPS, then I shall start looking immediately!
Do you know age-wise when the supercaps need to be serviced?
Regards,
Andy.
Posted on: 17 January 2004 by Hannes
quote:
Originally posted by Andy B:
Do you know age-wise when the supercaps need to be serviced?
Regards,
Andy.
Hmm, I think there is no difference in recommendation between power amps and power supplies,
all after about 10 years ...
Regards
Hannes
Posted on: 17 January 2004 by ARC
One more vote for a supercap. A big difference for the 82 having done that myslef some years ago in a CDI, 82,250 Arc system. As this is also a stepping stone to a 52 a secondhand supercap is very worthwhile, then CDS2 S-XPS Burndy. I;ve done all those over the last 10 years and each step has been fab. XPS2 at home in the next week or 2 so looking forward to that.
Good luck
Brendan
Good luck
Brendan
Posted on: 17 January 2004 by Hannes
quote:
Originally posted by ARC:
[...]
As this is also a stepping stone to a 52 a secondhand supercap is very worthwhile, then CDS2 S-XPS Burndy. I;ve done all those over the last 10 years and each step has been fab. XPS2 at home in the next week or 2 so looking forward to that.
Good luck
Brendan
Brendan,
what was your experience going from black Burndy to the new S-XPS-Burndy? Is it a worthwhile upgrade
for a CDS2/XPS cd-player?
Regards
Hannes
Posted on: 18 January 2004 by ARC
Hannes,
I found the s-xps burndy a very significant improvement between the CDS2 and XPS1. For me there is much improved bass texture and midband clarity and less hash. This to myslef was demonstrated by listening to ragpickers dream by Mark Knopfler where lyrics that I couldn't fully understand became clearly audible whilst adding some depth and texture to the bass.
And as is usually stated - even my wife noticed the difference. There are of course others who prefer the original so best to test if possible.
Brendan
I found the s-xps burndy a very significant improvement between the CDS2 and XPS1. For me there is much improved bass texture and midband clarity and less hash. This to myslef was demonstrated by listening to ragpickers dream by Mark Knopfler where lyrics that I couldn't fully understand became clearly audible whilst adding some depth and texture to the bass.
And as is usually stated - even my wife noticed the difference. There are of course others who prefer the original so best to test if possible.
Brendan