I forgot how good the CDX2 is

It's a great machine Simon.

Nice one Simon.

Streaming; it's so yesterday.

Welcome back to the future 

Says the man with a new turntable...

Funny thing Simon, whilst i prefer my CDS3 with the XPS2, i loved my CDX2 with my 555PS original, a really thrilling combination, but was still very good bare.

CDX2-XPS2 here..... Love it.

I got a CDX2(.2) last December.  Merry Christmas to me.  Shortly after I got it into the system, there was this aha moment.  I love it.  Listening to it right now. 

I have it paired XP5 XS.  XPS was too much of a stretch at the time I bought the CDX2. 

I will say I am very happy with the combo.  I'm wondering if a XPS would provide that much improvement, or go directly to a 555PS.

Pat

Hi Pat

For what my own experience of owning a CDX2 is worth,

CDX2 + XPS2: wow, that's a fundamental, transformational improvement

CDX2 + 555PS: Oh no, this is going to be expensive but so worth it (after the XPS2)

All from before the modern days of DR power supplies but hope that helps.

Oh, and I still have the 555PS but on the CDS3.

Best regards,

FT

Pat,

Best to audition the XPS2 and 555PS on the CDX2- these power supplies do very different things when used with the CDX2. While the XPS2 seems to "tame" the bare player ( while adding addition depth and detail ), the 555 really reinforces the drive and rhythm of the bare player and takes it to the next level. Sort of a Jekyll and Hyde situation . The 555PS may too much of a good thing for some. Just my experience with both of these PS on a CDX2- others may hear it differently.

Must say, I do miss the intensity of a CDX2/555 - my CDS3/555 can be a bit " ho-hum" with some discs.

ATB,

Mark

Thanks FT and Mark.  I will wait until I have 555PS money before I audition both.  So I will either save money or have it on hand. 

br,

pat

I am interested in this discussion. I am planning some upgrades soon, having moved home, and 'got the bug' again

I currently have a CD2 which I cannot say enthrals me, I MUCH prefer my LP12/Ekos/OC9.................

Would the change to a CDX2 with XPS2 give me the lift in quality and boogie factor I would like, or will I still be disappointed with CDs

I don't really wish to go with streaming devices, like to put a LP/disc on and sit down

Thanks

Al

I enjoyed this machine for quite some years - the NDS now outperforms it with a margin.

Al,

Assuming that your LP12 is was well set-up and the cartridge is still in fine condition, I'm afraid you will have to spend a bit more than a CDX2 / XPS2 to beat it imo.

I have a CDS3/555 and the last time I played a disc was months ago- really just to provide background music while a new cartridge was being fitted to my LP12!  My main source is vinyl-period. I have hundreds of CD's and a very nice player but they just don't do it for me. No interest in streaming as well.

If you really want to play CD's , then finding a CDS3 would be my suggestion. Naim no longer offers them but I'm sure there are some about from people who jumped on the NDS train. Happy hunting!

ATB,

Mark

+1

When I first used my CDX2 many years ago, I used it with  non Naim amps. I used it with an XPS2. I did later try it with a 555PS into a 282... I didn't like it ... I later sold my xps2 and moved to streaming using my 555PS.

However I'm now struck how good the CDX2 is bare into the 252 /250.2 with a Hiline.. The boogie factor is great.. Seasick Steve sounds fantastic... It really wants to make you move to the music...

Simon

Now is the question: CDX2.2 to nDAC or to.. Hugo?

Chag -

Or CDX2.2 to preamp, with no worries about what digital cable to use and where to put the ferrite chokes, or jitter, galvanic isolation and HMHB isocurrents. 

SJB

It's not too shabby, isn't it? Good to hear a bare CDX2 doesn't come up short at your level of amplification.

Enjoy!

Mark raised an important point regarding the 555PS potentially being "too much of a good thing for some". Adding a 555PS to a CDX2 transforms the CDP into an entirely different beast. I still remember the first time I heard that combination fronting a 282/HC2/200, my system at the time. I was gobsmacked at the transformation and loved everything the 555 brought to the table. However, recently I tried that very same combination with my current amplification, a Supernait 1, and it's an entirely different picture. The bass is much too pronounced and it's not a combination I could enjoy long term. The point I am getting at is that IMO a CDX2/555PS requires a better pre amp than that of a Supernait - at least with the speakers I use, Totem Forest. The result may be different in other systems or your SN2/HCDR but I would be carful to partner this combo with anything less than a 282/HC. Hence, my advice: Demo before spending money here.

Good luck!

It worked into my 32.5/Hicap2/135s too...

Reassuring about the favourable comments for a CDX2 as I brought a second hand one from my local dealer today.  (Previous CD5 with Flatcap2x)    I will listen to it for a week before making an judgements.  Plus i'm pretty stressed at the moment, as i'm running a regional cycle road race in the mendips tomorrow.

To add to my stress I thought it was just a case of just replacing the interconnect and mains and inserting the butt plug. Oh no, not that easy, CD playing but no sound, spent ages trying to work it out, thinking it had something to do with amp.  Phoned the local dealer who guided me through the remote settings to change it from BNC setup back to Din.  Which I would of never guessed as I never had this option on the CD5.  Well I would if I read the instructions from page to page.

 +1   

Mine 'worked' very nicely, bare, into my 'spare' 72/140... 

Simon,

I guess the CDX2 stands for me as the next logical upgrade from my CD5X (w/o going to streaming ). As we've both commented here in the past, tough to beat the SQ of a well-mastered CD. I'm enjoying contributions from others here and reading with interest.

One question - how does the CDX2 work with poorer quality CD masters? Has it any forgiving virtues or is it a brutal exposer?

Joerand, the CDX2 seems to work well with most rock or pop CDs. If I am honest you don't get anywhere that feel or insight from the music that I get from the Hugo.. which frankly is night and day to the CDX2.. However, the CDX2 in its own way is fun and the way it delivers some CD's is really enjoyable.. I would probably not want it as my only digital source, but as one of them it's great..

Simon