Upgrading CDX.....

How to quantify the change of an XPS?

I would not have bought the bare CDX. The failings I heard were at the extremes of the frequency ranges, particulalrly base and also a lack of control with complex and rockier music sounding a bit brash and cluttered. The XPS simply filled in the gaps for me, more bass with better definition, a finer and more natural treble etc. It actually adds detail but in such a way that the whole sounds better intergrated and organised.
Obviously you need to get a good listen but ensure the example you hear is very well used (over a month old) and also warmed thoroughly as no component I have ever bought has changed so much with burning in.

Incidentally a secondhand 52 is an option for the money in your system since you already have a supercap. I know these are not frequently available but they do incredible things to the sound.

Bruce

Reto--

Glad you like the 2.5s--very good speakers!

With your system I would think an XPS would be a compelling upgrade. When I added mine to my CDX the improvement was substantial, both musically and sonically. Especially notable was the improvement on piano and on busy or complex mixes.

I have no doubt that when I can afford an upgrade it will be to a CDS2, leaving the 72 until I can afford a 52 or 552.

Good luck.

Bob

Reto

I got my XPS just under a year ago - although I was strongly tempted by the Supercap because of was it does for my LP12.

I loved the cdx from the first time I heard it - it was the first CD player I really enjoyed including the earlier Naim ones.

The xps was however a stunning addition to it. Cold out of the box it is miles better than the cdx with loads more detail and tighter deeper bass. As it warms up it improves further and becomes so much more musical as well.

Thoroughly recommended.

Chris

quote:

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Originally posted by Alan Ball:
CDX/XPS/102/NAPSC/SUPERCAP/180/ALLAE

I put this down to the fact that I had an improved power lead on my CDX which obviously moved to the XPS when I added that.

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Alan,

these things are counter-intuitive, but you should try the standard Naim mains lead with the XPS.

You may find that where the improved one compensated for some aspect that didn't work for you on the bare CDX that it is now 'over-compensating' with the XPS helping things.

You'll probably still love the improved lead, but sometimes these things don't actually work out as expected.

cheers, Martin



Reto,

JN added an XPS to CDX through 82/2x135s/SBLs. Of course, this was source-light, but even so...

Huge upgrade. The combo is twice the price, but more than twice the player.

cheers, Martin

I am in the same dilema, I subscribe to "source first" and have a CDX/92/Hi/90.3/Royd Abbots and eventually want to go straight to an 82/250 combo which I have already bought a second Hi-cap for.

I've read a couple of threads from people who claim a CDPS is 75% (or better) as good as an XPS so if I can get one at the right price I will, the big question is will I really see any benefit with my existing set-up or should I spend about the same going for a s/h 82 to use with my 90 until I go to a 250. My Naim dealer rates the Hi-capped 92 and thinks an XPS would make quite a difference.

Has anyone added an XPS or CDPS to a CDX system with entry level pre/power and if so what was the result ???

Is the CDPS as good as XPS ?

Boz

David J Bostock