CDS2 buying tips

Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 02 December 2002

Although he has not signed the cheque yet it looks as though my brother is buying my CDX. This was not a planned upgrade but he recently asked me to check out his poorly performing HiFi and I discovered he was fronting Credo/180/102/hiCap with a Sony Minidisc after the death of his previous CD player. I hope you realise I could not let this state of affairs continue.

So some questions about buying s/h CDS2-this seems the obvious route now.

Any significant later mods to make a late example more worthwhile?

Any bits prone to wear out or show heavy use if I am looking at players (a few shops have ex dem stock at the moment)?

Can I assume that my XPS will power a CDS3 just in case I go down that route?

Bruce-who was honestly not going to upgrade for ages actually.

Posted on: 02 December 2002 by J.N.

The transport tray should 'float' on its decoupling springs. It is alleged that if tilted more than 15 degrees, without the transit bolts in place, it can bugger up (technical term) the suspension system, and will have to be re-set at the factory.

Also; have a close look at the 'platter' (metal and plastic bits) to check for signs of slipping discs. A knackered puck will only cost you a tenner to replace, but if the rotating bit is worn, it could be expensive to put right.

Ideally, sit it on glass and make sure it doesn't rock. If so; Naim can add shims under the metal feet.

Spin some discs with no volume to check that the transport isn't noisy.