My next upgrade?

Posted by: markcas on 21 January 2002

Can anyone please advise me the best way to upgrade my system.

Current: CD2
82
Hi-Cap
180
shahinian Arc

should I go for CDX & Supercap and maybe an XPS,
or should I just go for a CDS11.

Any advise would be great.

Mark.

Posted on: 21 January 2002 by Uwe Supper

Mark,
what is the final system you are aiming at? This will certainly determine the way to go. Also important: are second hand buys an option for you? I'd say change the player first(CDX plus XPS, perhaps in two stages, then the CDS2).
Cheers
Uwe

Posted on: 21 January 2002 by Goose

Hi Marcas
I had the same system as you once before! And it sounded great. I went for a supercap next, which was an amazing upgrade...

There is alot of 'source first' advice on the forum, which is good upto a point, but I think that alot of the Naim CD players are good enough (when set up corectly)to allow the amps to be a bit more ruthless!!!

Depending on the type of sound you want 'more' or 'less' of then try..
1) Supercap
2) (more adventurous for a different slant), try the DV HX75 ( see other thread)
3) New CD..

Cheers

Goose

Posted on: 21 January 2002 by Frank Abela

Either the supercap or CDX would help things a lot (not a CD2 fan) at the source end, but I think you should seriously consider a beefier power amp such as a 250/135s since the Shahinians are a bit of a quirky load.

Certainly, if you get a demo, have a listen to what that would do to the system.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Posted on: 21 January 2002 by Bruce Woodhouse

Just a thought which may guide you, and those trying to give advice. Can you say what you like and especially do not like about your current system?

If you think that the speakers have a disctinctive character that you love most about your system then there may be mileage in improving the power amp side first.

If the system is showing weaknesses elsewhere can you describe what they are? This may help identifying what to do next.It may be the nature of the 82 or the CD in particular.

I always thought an upgrade just made things 'better' but it never seems to be quite as simple as that.

I suspect another angle on this is the mains supply and system supports angle which nobody else has mentioned. They make big differences, not least at getting the utmost value from what you already have.

Bruce

Posted on: 21 January 2002 by markcas

I guess I will be trying the various options at my dealer. That should be fun anyway!

Thanks again,

Mark.