Which system ?

The question is - how many people buying their first serious hifi would go this way and how many dealers would actually suggest such a system. Not many on either count I think.

There are a lot of source first proponents on this forum (I'm a bit of one) but very few of us have such systems. IMHO this is because most of us start out on our quest with very little knowledge and very little cash - just enough to get a budget source amp and speakers. Over time, most of us are fortunate enough to get richer and then start the upgrade path - but not rich enough to go from budget to ultimate on any single component. Thus we get incremental steps up the chain and as a result, tend to have more 'balanced' systems. I think the only people that would go out and buy such a flat earth system as their first serious hifi purchase would have to be mighty rich and also have a brain implant containing the years of experience and hindsight built up from many years of upgrading and experimenting. In other words, most of us have to travel a long and windy road of enlightenment (and expense) before we see the light.
Steve

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Any relative failings of this system will be cured easily by upgrading a relatively inexpensive amplifier rather than the expensive CD player of the other system.

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Jeremy

Isn't the price difference between the CDX/XPS and the CDSII less than the difference between the amplifiers mentioned??

Bob

If I go for the Kans, can I use the price difference to the sbls to improve the amp in the second system?

With that turntable I'd forego the XPS in the first system and get an 82.

Chris

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Something in between--please elaborate

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Probably unsuprisingly I voted for the CDS2, but I would not stick a par of SBLs on a Nait, Kans yes (I just need to look in the front room for proof...), but with SBL budget and a maxed out source I would keep the Kans and get a 102 / NAPSC / 140 or whatever with the change.

Tony.

Partly this is because it will make a great job of the vinyl - a 250 with a good source sounds great.

Mainly, though, a NAIT will never have enough go to drive SBLs to sufficient volume for me (I've done the demo).

This is not to say that the NAIT won't drive the SBLs at reasonable volumes, 'cos I know a NAIT-2 sounds pretty good.

BTW, there's no way I'd want to inflict a bare CDX on an 82-based system, if I had the choice up-front (systems built up second hand are an exception if they're going to be fixed in the not too distant future). I would expect CDX/XPS + 72 to trounce CDX/82 in every way which is important to me.

Martin

It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve

Truly

Charles

Assume that the Nait in system #2 is a Nait 5; that Kans will be used, and that SBLs will be boxed up waiting for the inevitable amplification upgrade.

Thoughts ?

Cheers,

Bob

Ride the Light !

One day I rigged up a test: CDX/52/250 versus CDS2/32.5/SNAPS/110 (both into Albions). I used a digital SPL meter to match the volumes. I had a couple friends come into the room individually after a CD started playing, so they didn't know which player was running. I repeated the test a few times, and their comments were very consistent.

They both definitely preferred CDX/52/250. They felt that the CDS2-fronted system was a bit more smooth and natural, but it sounded rather reserved and lacked dynamics. In comparison, the CDX-fronted system was much more punchy and exciting.

For those of you who are interested, all of this gear was either new or serviced in the past 18 months. The CDS2 was on Mana phase 4, the 52 on phase 3, the CDX on phase 1, with the rest on a Vuk-style X-Caliber rack. I didn't coach any of their comments; I just hooked up the systems and played the CDs.

I realize that these guys aren't necessarily PRaT fanatics. What they do want, though, is music that really hits you. Considering these guys didn't get it from 32.5/SNAPS/110, I really don't think you'll get it from a Nait3R. Also, remember this test was with a CDX rather than CDX/XPS, which confirms my position even more.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

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Assume that the Nait in system #2 is a Nait 5; that Kans will be used, and that SBLs will be boxed up waiting for the inevitable amplification upgrade

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Nait 5 into Kans - culture shock. Get a 2 - it works.

SBLs left in the box. No - sell the grandmother to get the amps right.

Bob,

Is there a real point to this question?

Chris

What a surprise, I've just about described my own system.

Alex

Dev's post hits the mark - although lacks a constructive alternative in true Mullet Audio fashion...

Rob's post to me looks fab. and if a 102 is subbed for the 72 then we're really talking.

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

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Originally posted by Dev B on the wheels of steel:
Anyone who voted for system 2 doesn't know what they are talking about

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Hmm, I got my CDSii & 52 up-and-running again on Tuesday night after the CDPS & 52PS were recapped.

Even after only a day of burn-in I'm beginning to reconsider whether I should have voted for option 2 rather than 1.

All the people downgrading their systems are just plain barmy (this doesn't included Tony's re-balancing act).

If I can bring myself to disconnect the big amps I'll try the big player with the NAIT2.

Martin

However - he is absolutely right!!

System 1 is a no brainer

Down with the source-first Nazi's

Colin Lorenson

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If I can bring myself to disconnect the big amps I'll try the big player with the NAIT2.

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Assuming it is used within its performance envelope I honestly think the Nait 2 is an absolute killer product. I am still amazed by mine, and I have not even picked up my CDX yet (I have a nice one lined up…). The thing about the Nait 2 is it is incredibly well balanced, it does pretty much everything equally well. It is very open and clear sounding, has excellent PRaT and tune playing abilities, and is very smooth and non-grainy sounding so is easy on the ear. It ain't a powerhouse, but seems to drive Kan IIs without any signs of stress at the levels that they are happy going to.

The Nait 2 is a cracking product, and along with Kans is the best bang for buck I have so far found in hi-fi. My amp and speakers have cost me just 370 quid combined and that includes the stands for the Kans, listening to them I can't stop laughing, this system kills so many megabuck rigs I have heard in every area that is important... believe me, it is well good enough for a CDS2 / really high quality vinyl front end.

Tony.

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and is very smooth and non-grainy sounding

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Obviously yours needs a recap.

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

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Obviously yours needs a recap.

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Nah, it can have one for its tenth birthday! It only just over eight now. The top end and general grip and control is great, way better than my Nait 1 (which is well overdue for a recap).

Tony.