DAC with CD5XS

Adding a DAC will certainly improve things but I had a better improvement through adding a power supply first. The ND5XS punches above its weight I feel if you don't fancy an XPS.

paul

Paul - the CD5xs is already powered by a flatcap, which is the optimum for it, and you cannot use an XPS. 

I used a CD5x with flatcap 2x and loved it, and thought it far nicer than a CDX2. I think in this case, given the retro amplification, that a CDS2/XPS would be ideal. It's what I moved to from the CD5x. As far as I know, it is still possible to get replacement transports, and you can pick up the player with its power supply for about £1,500, which is a fantastic bargain. 

I'm happy with my CD5XS switched to digital out and running into an nDAC via a DC1 digital interconnect.

I have a Flatcap running my Stageline and have thought (only thought) of using the second power output to run the CD5XS, however I understand the Flatcap power supply into the CD5XS just powers the analogue output, and if this is so, then because I'm using the digital out, I'm wasting my time connecting a Flatcap.

I've felt no great desire to upgrade the DAC power supply, although with 2x555PS running my NDS, I could 'steal' one away and try it on the DAC.   The downside to this is that I may like it !   And I know what the second PS brings to the NDS and would not wish to permanently compromise that by diverting one of them to run the DAC.

I was speaking to my dealer earlier and he uses a CDX2 digital out to nDAC,  presumably in preference to a CDS3, since he could sell himself either at a very reasonable price !  He was singing the praise of the CDX2, so maybe that's the next step for me.  

Wait and see time I guess, and clear some of those interest free credit cards that seem to have funded all my recent upgrades     Mind you, it's how many days to Christmas ?

So, to answer your original question, Frenchnaim, "Oui !"

Roger  

Just to clarify things: I do have a vintage Naim amp (NAC22/NAP120, recapped by the Sheffield wizard) in a second system - but the CD5XS is paired with a Supernait 2 (and you're right, HH, it is "flatcapped"). I simply feel that I'm not getting the improvement I was expecting from the Supernait 2 - why may mean that the flatcapped Nait XS was an excellent beast... or that the Supernait 2 is showing up the limits of the CD5XS.

I suggest that you remove the flatcap from the Supernait 2. Its built in DR power supply is better than the flatcap. See what that does before you spend more. Also have a think about putting all your music on a nas and getting an NDX. You can then take a digital output into the NDX. This may be a more cost effective route than buying an expensive CD player. 

The FCXS only powers the CD5XS, the other output is not used - I didn't even try to connect the FC to the Supernait.

From what you're all saying, it would appear adding the nDAC, while improving matters a little, is a second-best option, and that getting a better unit (CD or streamer) is the way to go. Well, it will have to wait, I have an expensive trip to Australia coming up... Or perhaps a Hugo? It is cheaper than the nDAC...

Sorry HH - a senior moment. I was misreading CD5XS for ND5 XS - Doh!!

As well as giving you the best sound on the planet, the Hugo will add two inches to your height, four inches to your chest and take off at least six from your waist, as well as making you totally irresistible. 

No need to apologise, I was simply trying to avoid potential confusion. 

Well, I am irresistible already - I don't need a Hugo then...

I suppose that's what you really mean...

Hi

I did try hugo when I was running nait 5i-2 into neat motive 3 by adding to cd5xs.

It certainly did interesting things and improved detail but a fair margin, I suspect given current setup, much more.

however, the cd5xs lost its charms for my ears. That was a shame as I had high hopes.

from your reply to me on other thread I guess a fcxs would be best next move for me although a dac at dealers on certain site is going for a bargain and have been tempted! I guess the supernait2 maybe better only once source improved, whatever that might turnout to be in the future