Blze's CDS-II/52/135 system
Posted by: Top Cat on 11 June 2002
Hi folks.
Due to working in Glasgow for a few days, I arranged (at short notice) to pop round and hear the Beelzebub's system (tho' I believe he goes by name of James McP on here).
The system is based around 52/SC, with 135s, CDS-II/XPS and an LP12 with Lingo, Ittok and ESCo Troika. All kit sits on varying levels of Mana, the speakers are Epos something-or-others and the room is a large and airy Edinburgh-style 'drawing room' (although it's in Glasgow).
I only had a couple of hours, but in that time we had a wee listen to some sounds, talked, drank coffee and had a good blether. The Blze system is of course excellent and unlike a lot of Naim systems I have heard, this one did perform very well indeed, as it appeared to be setup very well and James has a fine balance of traditional Naim virtues with round-earth values.
Other than meeting Mr 'Bub himself, my main reasons for visiting were two-fold: to hear a second CDS-II/XPS combo (to ascertain whether the one I borrowed was performing properly) and also to hear a 52/SC in the context of a home system.
Without going all nerdy, let's just say that it is the first Naim system I have heard that I feel I could happily live with in all departments. Musical, exciting, dramatic, subtle and intimate. Do I prefer it to my own system - for vinyl, no - both systems are excellent and it boils down to preference - but for CD it definitely has the edge, although the better room and 52 do obscure my own judgement of the CDS-II.
Is the difference huge? No. The CDS-II/XPS sounded great, but it's not as good as an LP12. I still think it's about as good as I've heard with CD but I still don't rate it as particularly good value for money over the bare CDX. Controversial thing to say, I know, but whilst the CDS-II/XPS is clearly better, it's certainly not so much better as forum hype would have had me believe, and ultimately I suspect it's not any limitation with the player but with the medium.
In summary, I definitely rate the CDS-II/XPS/52/SC/135/Epos system that James has. It represents the first system I have heard that sounds better than my own DNM 3B/Crimson/Neat Petite system, although comparison is a bit like saying "curry is better than chili" or "apples are better than bananas" - it's a moot point, and at this level almost certainly down to individual preferences.
Where do I go from here? Assuming funds are available I still intend to explore the new DNM 3D series, and perhaps change my Crimson amps for a DNM PA3^S, which although fairly puny (23wpc) is regarded as one of the best amps ever made. I am convinced that this would be a system which would cater to my tastes more than the Naim, and at a lower price, whilst offering more of the things I prefer in the DNM.
It was great to meet another forum member, apologies for not making it out for the beers - by the time I got back, had my tea and so on, it was half ten. However, next time I'll bring more of my own stuff to listen to and won't be in such a hurry!
All the best,
TC '..'
"Girl, you thought he was a man, but he was a Muffin..."
Due to working in Glasgow for a few days, I arranged (at short notice) to pop round and hear the Beelzebub's system (tho' I believe he goes by name of James McP on here).
The system is based around 52/SC, with 135s, CDS-II/XPS and an LP12 with Lingo, Ittok and ESCo Troika. All kit sits on varying levels of Mana, the speakers are Epos something-or-others and the room is a large and airy Edinburgh-style 'drawing room' (although it's in Glasgow).
I only had a couple of hours, but in that time we had a wee listen to some sounds, talked, drank coffee and had a good blether. The Blze system is of course excellent and unlike a lot of Naim systems I have heard, this one did perform very well indeed, as it appeared to be setup very well and James has a fine balance of traditional Naim virtues with round-earth values.
Other than meeting Mr 'Bub himself, my main reasons for visiting were two-fold: to hear a second CDS-II/XPS combo (to ascertain whether the one I borrowed was performing properly) and also to hear a 52/SC in the context of a home system.
Without going all nerdy, let's just say that it is the first Naim system I have heard that I feel I could happily live with in all departments. Musical, exciting, dramatic, subtle and intimate. Do I prefer it to my own system - for vinyl, no - both systems are excellent and it boils down to preference - but for CD it definitely has the edge, although the better room and 52 do obscure my own judgement of the CDS-II.
Is the difference huge? No. The CDS-II/XPS sounded great, but it's not as good as an LP12. I still think it's about as good as I've heard with CD but I still don't rate it as particularly good value for money over the bare CDX. Controversial thing to say, I know, but whilst the CDS-II/XPS is clearly better, it's certainly not so much better as forum hype would have had me believe, and ultimately I suspect it's not any limitation with the player but with the medium.
In summary, I definitely rate the CDS-II/XPS/52/SC/135/Epos system that James has. It represents the first system I have heard that sounds better than my own DNM 3B/Crimson/Neat Petite system, although comparison is a bit like saying "curry is better than chili" or "apples are better than bananas" - it's a moot point, and at this level almost certainly down to individual preferences.
Where do I go from here? Assuming funds are available I still intend to explore the new DNM 3D series, and perhaps change my Crimson amps for a DNM PA3^S, which although fairly puny (23wpc) is regarded as one of the best amps ever made. I am convinced that this would be a system which would cater to my tastes more than the Naim, and at a lower price, whilst offering more of the things I prefer in the DNM.
It was great to meet another forum member, apologies for not making it out for the beers - by the time I got back, had my tea and so on, it was half ten. However, next time I'll bring more of my own stuff to listen to and won't be in such a hurry!
All the best,
TC '..'
"Girl, you thought he was a man, but he was a Muffin..."