Better source for SN2

Unfortunately I can not listen the CDX2.2 before, the dealer is very far from me but I decided to take it and next week I'll receive it. The upgrade path is open with an XPS PSU but at the moment I'll enjoy only the bare CDX2 and probably the selling of my CD5XS will be replaced by an XPS later.

All makes sense.

C.

Hi guys, yesterday evening I received my s/h CDX2.2 to be joined to my system and replace my CD5XS and TC. At first I was impressed by the better soudstage, details and bigger PRAT than my previous player but at the end I detected also some harshness with the voices and I'm afraid that the more details may be more fatiguing.

I know that CDX2.2 has a different sound from CD5XS but I ask your opinion if my CDX2.2 should reach at its best sound yet, due to the fact that it was not used in the dealer shop for much time.

I'm afraid that a XPS PSU will be necessary later 

The CD player needs a day or two to warm up and sort itself out, so don't go rushing to judge it too quickly. It's likely that as you've mentioned harshness before, you are actually subconsciously listening for harshness. Once you've played more music you should be able to relax and just enjoy the music. Don't start thinking that you will need to have the XPS to make it ok, it should be great by itself, then even better with the power supply. If you find its not great, it may not be right for you. 

Thank you HUNGRYHALIBUT for your reply, I hope that something changes in the next few days. I think my system is quite balanced and I would avoid to start again with any changing. I wait for a better sound 

damy79 posted:

Hi guys, yesterday evening I received my s/h CDX2.2 to be joined to my system and replace my CD5XS and TC. At first I was impressed by the better soudstage, details and bigger PRAT than my previous player but at the end I detected also some harshness with the voices and I'm afraid that the more details may be more fatiguing.

I know that CDX2.2 has a different sound from CD5XS but I ask your opinion if my CDX2.2 should reach at its best sound yet, due to the fact that it was not used in the dealer shop for much time.

I'm afraid that a XPS PSU will be necessary later 

Your first impressions in the various differences between the machines are almost identical to what mine were. I put some (inexpensive) isolation cones under my CDX2 and found it made a significant improvement. However, shortly after, I purchased a turn table that had to use the top shelf and I did not have the space between shelves on the rack below to take the CDX2 and the cones. I therefore ditched the cones and was very happy with the bare CDX2 for 8 years and only moved it on as I decided to go down the streaming / NAS route with a 272.

i think once it's settled down you'll be very happy, but also have a think about some extra isolation, if you have the headroom within the rack or can put you CDP on the top shelf.

Damy, Please relax with some music. Our hobby is supposed to be a pleasure.

Cheers, Chris

I have a CDX2 in front of my SN1. Sounds fantastic. I upgraded from a cd5i and they're quite different. I much prefer the sound from the CDX2. More of everything. Enjoy your music Damy

Hungryhalibut posted:

The CD player needs a day or two to warm up and sort itself out, so don't go rushing to judge it too quickly. It's likely that as you've mentioned harshness before, you are actually subconsciously listening for harshness. Once you've played more music you should be able to relax and just enjoy the music. Don't start thinking that you will need to have the XPS to make it ok, it should be great by itself, then even better with the power supply. If you find its not great, it may not be right for you. 

substantially what I suggested Damiano in other "place". 

I would add that every single changement need to be "metabolized" to be fully apreciated. adding a new component in a way "violates" the existing equilibrium (I use a latinism on purpose...). our ears, our mind have to became familiar with the new sound, or better with the new way to reproduce a sound, to get every single shade.

finnally, an XPS2 would eventually improve sound reproduction in toto, not change the timbre of a single instrument or of the voice, in particular.

all of above according to my personal opinion and experince.

regards,

Stefano

I had a CDX2 on a Supernait,  absolutely beautiful, very detailed & very "front row" but it does not get on with bad recordings & screechy speakers.  An XPS transforms it with real muscle & more of everything - the TP-XPS will match your Dual T-HC  

Thank you guys for your reply.

I only need to set myself with the new system configuration and let it to warm up properly and then give a judgement. After that I can evaluate to add or not a TP-XPS but I'd like to know in what direction an XPS takes the CDX2 and if it worth or not because it will be another expensive buy for my wallet.

Adding XPS (TP) to CDX2 is one of the most obvious upgrades I've made.  The immediate impression is a more finely detailed sound. Bass has less fat but more muscle & with a bigger/better feel of power that seems to add hints of being deeper.  Dynamics & leading edge attack is improved almost as though a level of compression is lifted; more impact & slam, the loud parts are louder & quiet is quieter.  The digital edge has gone & it’s more natural with a sense of listening to real people & real instruments. The stereo stage is better, separation & space around the individual musicians & moves solo singers & instrumentalists previously located in the general mix to a more distinct position.   Overall a very worthwhile upgrade; and especially satisfying as unlike some other upgrade/changes, we are both remarking on the same improvements the XPS brings .

Thank you Mike-B for your feedback. I'll keep into consideration your well done explaination for an hypotetical XPS upgrade but I hope to be satisfied for long time only with bare CDX2 

Hi guys,

the player has changed its sound after 3 days of mains connection. The harshness is gone away and now the voices are smoother and very very nice. I'm completely satisfied, one of the most important upgrade I have done. Surely the player was been disconnected for a long time and I had only to wait a properly warm up!

Great news Damy. Enjoy 

Thank you Finkfan! I had to wait only some days....I'm discovering all my CDs with more details. Tomorrow morning I also verfy the correct mains phase with a mV multimeter to check if additional improvment can be reached. Further updated later.

Really pleased for you Damy - hopefully many years of happy listening ahead - the CDX2 is a fantastic machine.

Good. Everything comes to he who waits.