HICAP and CD2, CD 3.5 or CD5. Wisdom?

Posted by: Theo on 09 October 2001

At this moment I have several options at several dealers for a new cdp. Unfortunatedly I can't compare them side by side.

1. CD3.5 (S/H) 1025 euro
2. CD2 (demo) 1590 euro
3. CD3.5 (S/H) + HICAP (demo) 1625 euro
4. CD 5 (new) 1910 euro
5. CD2 (demo)+ HICAP (demo) 2190 euro
6. CD5 + HICAP (demo) 2510 euro

The HICAP seems a good deal????
What is NAIM wisdom in this CDP jungle? What is best value?

Theo

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Joe Petrik

Theo,

I can't say how I'd rank them but option 5 is out. The CD2 is a stand-alone player. You can't put an external supply on it.

Did you mean the CDX by chance? If so, it can take an external supply, either the XPS or a modified CDS-PS, but not a Hi-Cap.

Joe

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Bas V

And watch the dealer Theo! Who is it? I have seen modified CD2's in Holland before, which I would never buy! BTW, a CD2 blows away a CD3.5. I have heard the CD5 also. Really great too. Haven't heard them side by side though. I have a CDI myself and it still surprises me every day. You can't go wrong with either of your choices!

Greetz from Holland!

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Craig B

Theo,

The CD2 will not accept an external power supply so option 5) is out on all accounts. Therefore the answer to your question, based upon your stated preference for best value is option 2), assuming that 2) is in good condition. However, you may want to take your business elsewhere if the same dealer led you to believe that option 5) was a possibility.

I haven't heard option 6) yet, but I would imagine it to be not too far behind option 2). Maybe someone else will chime in with more on 6).

Of course the final option should be decided upon by you, using your own ears, in your own system. If any dealer is not willing to accomodiate you on this point, then I would not bother dealing with them.

Craig

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Craig B

Wow, what a gang response. Even Joe 'Capt. Pike' Petrik de-cloaked for that one.

Captain Christopher Pike in better days...

Posted on: 09 October 2001 by Phil Barry

I wonder about those demo CD2s. It's been a long time since they were marketed, and I'd question why a dealer hasn't unloaded them until now.

I wouldn't want a modified one, and if it's really used, it should be cheaper.

Let us know how the hicap that comes with the CD2 would be used - it would be great for the preamp or SNAXO, but verrry questionable on the cD2!

Phil