CDX2

...by the way. Has there been upgraded versions of the CDX2 since 2004? 

56wilson posted:

And also is a 12 years old cd player which has never been serviced a bit risky? 

My greatest concern would be possible failure of the CD mechanism, especially since you don't know how much its been used. The mechanism is still replaceable but that cost varies depending on which mechanism your CDX2 was originally fitted with - something to look into before you buy. The other internal components should be good.

 

My amplifier is the XS 2 with flatcap...does it do justice to a CDX2?

I'd think its more that the CDX2 will do justice to the XS2.

56wilson posted:

...by the way. Has there been upgraded versions of the CDX2 since 2004? 

The CDX2 was released in 2002 and upgraded to include SPDIF output in 2009.

2 changes since 2004 as far as I know. A change of mechanism but not sure when but a few years before a revamp to add a digital out in 2009 (hard to believe it was that long ago but that's what it says in Naim's product update list).

A new mechanism (the first one had O rings on the bottom of the puck and the magnet in the spindle, the later was the same as the CD5x with the magnet in the puck) will need other changes so isn't a cheap repair, bear this in mind when considering the price.

I did this swap for an early one some years ago and at first didn't like the CDX2, it wasn't timing as well and there was too much of a ringing to the piano's upper notes. I got rid of the steel and mdf rack (for Fraim Lite) and the CDX2 started sounding much happier, the reputed boogie factor appeared and once I'd made sure no AC power cables touched the rack or signal cables the excessive ringing stopped too. If it's from a dealer try and get the player on loan for a few days to try it in your setup. When setup right you'll get richer tones and better timing, the CD5x/FC2x is more tolerant of setup issues.

The original mechanisms pertinent to the cost of replacement are the obsolete VAM 1250 versus the 1202. If you have the 1250 then replacing with a 1202 requires more parts and the cost almost doubles. Coincidentally, the change in transports occurred in 2004 and the critical serial number is 205873.

The CDX2.2 has a digital output. I use mine as a digital transport into nDAC.

The CDX2 is a fine player, with the already mentioned boogie factor. Will be a sizeable upgrade for you. If you stay with cd replay a easy decision.

I certainly wouldn't swap a flatcapped CD5xs for a standalone CDX2. It's only when you add an XPS that the CDX2 becomes more enjoyable, in my experience. I'd stick with what you have: the system is beautifully matched both sonically and visually. 

I think the CDX2 is a fantastic CD player. A big step up in performance from my previous 5i. I agree with HH that the XPS does make it even more enjoyable, but it's still a fine player bare. Not heard a 5XS, but I'm sure with the external power supply of a flatcap is a great player. As everyone says, get a home demo. 

It's a big upgrade. Huge. But your ears must be the judge. You don't need the XPS2 to realise the gain but if you add one you're in for an really significant upgrade over and above what the CDX2 has given you already. So it's a good option to have up your sleeve.

If the mechanism fails can Naim replace it? That would be the deciding issue for me.

I'm sure Naim will still be able to replace it. The CD player isn't dead yet! 

A few years ago I upgraded from a CD5x to a new CDX2 and the difference was enormous. Although I would say the characteristics were very different - not a case of a better sounding CD5x. In many ways the cheaper player had a more natural sound (to my ears) but the CDX2 was much more engaging and, to quote the fishy one - much more foot tapping and head nodding.

i thought the CDX2 was great bare - I never felt the need to add an XPS to it. I did try a 555 once and it made an enormous difference but I couldn't get the purchase signed off by the domestic CFO at the time.

Just incase anyone notices a common thread with another post of mine on the forum - I'd just like to make it clear I do not have shares in 555 inc.  

If you can try before you buy (as others have suggested) that would be my strong recommendation - not that I don't consider the Cdx2 a fantastic player, I do - but it has a reputation for being a little different in its presentation to other Naim players and consequently draws strong opinions.

I've had mine from the go when changing to an all Naim system back in 2008 and it was suggested by my dealer to match it to the amps Naim recommend (202/200) which I did (a Napsc followed a few weeks later) and that's how the system remains to this day. These Naim components feed a pair of Spendor's A6 (another item some love but others hate). 

The resulting sound this system is capable of producing never seems to amaze me, it's just so together on Rock with an energetic drive that no matter how much you try not too, just keeps the feet tapping along but when needed can do the delicate on orchestra works by digging out the detail you never new existed and presenting a sound stage that seems to wrap around you - and in many ways I've found  the Cdx2 can even give my Lp12/2M Black a good run for its money.

What I'm trying to say in the above is that certain components require more sympathetic matching than others to the rest of the listening chain to avoid being disappointed, I consider the Cdx2 one of those - get it right and you will never look back but get it wrong... One last point, it does seem to be very sensitive to placement partly I believe to those metal feet (which I never understood) but does give some scope for "tuning" the sound if desired.

SiHancox posted:

Spendor's A6 (another item some love but others hate). 

 

Love.

Wouldn't work in our lounge. Still love them it a more suitable room.

As mentioned the CDX2 is from 2004. The price is about 15 % of the CD2X new price today in Denmark where I live. 

My own CD5XS is produced late 2009. I'm thinking that adding the nDac instead to my CD5 XS may be a safer option because of the age difference. 

Think about where you want to go. The CDX2 that you are considering was conceived at a time when Naim basically said bollox to separate dacs.

Loved mine btw. (CDX2 that is, and sometimes wish I still had it).

Chris

56wilson posted:

As mentioned the CDX2 is from 2004. The price is about 15 % of the CD2X new price today in Denmark where I live. 

My own CD5XS is produced late 2009. I'm thinking that adding the nDac instead to my CD5 XS may be a safer option because of the age difference. 

15% discount from current price for a 2004 serial # ?

While the CDX2 is a fine player, had one myself, that discount would be more appropriate for a 2014 serial #. Imo, walk away or try the Ndac route with your current CD5X. Might even prove better SQ than a bare CDX2 ? Good luck.

ATB,

Mark

56wilson posted:

 

My own CD5XS is produced late 2009. I'm thinking that adding the nDac instead to my CD5 XS may be a safer option because of the age difference. 

I think that is what I would do. The nDAC gives remarkably high performance for its relatively modest cost.

Mike

I can attest to the pleasures of nDAC.

tested CDX2 and CD5XS via digital out. CDX2 won that contest.

Or could it be that the price is 15% of the new price, i.e. 85% less than a new one? If so, that would be very cheap. 

Ahh yes HH, you might be on to something! Sorry if I misread ..

Agreed, 15% of current price would be worth a punt !

ATB,

Mark

Hungryhalibut posted:

I certainly wouldn't swap a flatcapped CD5xs for a standalone CDX2. It's only when you add an XPS that the CDX2 becomes more enjoyable, in my experience. I'd stick with what you have: the system is beautifully matched both sonically and visually. 

HH is right.   Bare I prefer prefer he CD5XS over the X2 but once you add the XPS2 - completely different it's a high-end machine.

Hungryhalibut posted:

Or could it be that the price is 15% of the new price, i.e. 85% less than a new one? If so, that would be very cheap. 

Yes. But have to correct my self:  It is about 17% so 83% less than a new one. 

That's what I thought. Maybe just borrow it and see what you think. They don't have a cheap XPS as well I suppose?

The Strat (Fender) posted:

Hungryhalibut posted:

I certainly wouldn't swap a flatcapped CD5xs for a standalone CDX2. It's only when you add an XPS that the CDX2 becomes more enjoyable, in my experience. I'd stick with what you have: the system is beautifully matched both sonically and visually. 

HH is right.   Bare I prefer prefer he CD5XS over the X2 but once you add the XPS2 - completely different it's a high-end machine.

No one is "right", these are all opinions. 

I still remember clearly the night I replaced CD5x/FC2 with a bare CDX2, it was one of my biggest wow factors on the Naim ladder, I listened to Graceland and could not believe what I was hearing that I hadn't heard before. 

A wonderful player, full of risks at 12 years old though.

if the 15% you mention includes you trading in your current CDP then I would think it's poor value. 

Get it home though on a demo and I hazard a guess you won't want to give it back. 

SJB

If the DAC is in the wings it's a whole different game. To my ears the DAC gives a significant uplift to the musical performance of the CDX2 and putting an XPS2 on the DAC pushes it on further still. There should be no sonic difference in adding the DAC to your existing CDP versus a CDX2 (an old one would need converting at extra cost) using the old bits are bits argument, but in practice this will probably not be the case. 

I would be inclined to ignore the possible (and in this instance theoretical) difference and go straight to the DAC. Big jump. Bigger than you might imagine.