upgrade advice

Posted by: Jude on 02 May 2003

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for osme upgrade advice. My current system is CDX>Nait 5>Hi cap>B&W CDM 7NTs. I was thinking that is probably makes sense to upgrade the pre amp first, but I wasn't sure. I was thinking about upgrading to 112/150, but then thought that it may not be a big enough upgrade and would be better to wait and make a bigger jump. I also really want an XPS, but feel that the amp and pre need to upgrade before that or I'll have a total mullet. Thanks for any help.

take care,
jude

p.s. I'm somewhat poor. I can put about $400-500 a month towards and upgrade and I have about $700 now ready to do so don't say I need a 552 or anything crazy.

Posted on: 02 May 2003 by redeye

Maybe try some more Naim friendly speakers??
Always thought the B&W CDM series were pretty lifeless sounding IMO. Credos can be had quite cheaply and when integrated properly into the room can sound quite decent.

regards
redeye

Posted on: 02 May 2003 by Steve Toy

In terms of the boxes, Jude's sistem is almost identical to that of Peter Stockwell in Paris; the only difference being that Peter has the SE version of THe CDM7s and not the NT.

His sistem sounds anything but lifeless, although it does lack a little oomph when you turn the wick up a bit. I'd go for an amp upgrade in the form of a 112/150, 202/200, s/h 82/180, or something by either Densen or Primare.

The B&W CDM7 speakers are fine.

Regards,

Steve.

Posted on: 02 May 2003 by Bob Edwards

Jude--

I think Steven Toy has it about right. In your situation I would aim for a used 82. Three reasons. First, it is a great preamp and will sound a lot better than the preamp in the Nait 5. Second, you can really take advantage of your Hicap. Third, you'll be set for almost anything else you might do--whether adding an XPS (which would be my vote), adding a separate power amp, etc.

Pacmi--are you serious? Have you listened to what an XPS does? Or a Hicap, for that matter?

Best Regards,

Bob Edwards

Posted on: 03 May 2003 by NB

Quote:-

I also really want an XPS, but feel that the amp and pre need to upgrade before that or I'll have a total mullet.
___________________________________________________________

I am sorry but I have to disagree. Adding the XPS is the best upgrade you can make. The XPS really opens up the CDX and turns a good CD player into something special.

Your amp and speakers are good enough to show the improvements in the CD player. Once you have purchased the XPS then its time to look at the amp but not before.

Regards

NB