CD5 XS fatigue?

If you haven't done so, you should update the firmware of your V1. There was a recent update that is generally reckoned to improve sound quality, as well as allowing DSD playback. Having said that, what is the purpose of the V1 in your system? If it was intended as an upgrade to the CD5 XS, I would be tempted to remove it and see if you get better results playing direct into your preamp. If you keep the V1, I would certainly try using the right cable rather than the wrong one with two converters on it - a dealer should be able to lend you one to try out before you buy anything.

Chrissu, thanks for the informative reply. I will try the analogue direct without the DAC V1 over the weekend. I will find out how to upgrade the firmware - if it uses my laptop to download then this might be a problem as I have Windows XP Pro and I suspect the V1 is only compatable with W7 or 8? I will try the change of cable too. BTW the DAC V1 was originaly purchased to run spdif from a CD transport, a tuner, and a network receiver and eventually to use laptop as a digital USB source which I've never got round to - been putting off update of laptop from XP to W7 etc., So, in a way the CD5 XS is an upgrade in it's own right over the Kenwood having only had the CD5 XS for about a week and the V1 for 2 years. Excuse the poor level of knowledge but would I be right in thinking spdif is PCM and USB is DSD? Thanks, j

Hi John,

Fatigue is not something I would associate with the CD5XS - in fact on the contrary.  As Chris suggests I would run direct to the 32.5 using standard olive Din wire.

Regards,

Lindsay

I can't help thinking that a CDS2/XPS would have been the CD player to go for, which is probably not helpful if you've only had the 5xs for a week. The thing is, the CD player is not in the same class as the amp and speakers. 

Johnforty posted:

Chrissu, thanks for the informative reply. I will try the analogue direct without the DAC V1 over the weekend. I will find out how to upgrade the firmware - if it uses my laptop to download then this might be a problem as I have Windows XP Pro and I suspect the V1 is only compatable with W7 or 8? I will try the change of cable too. BTW the DAC V1 was originaly purchased to run spdif from a CD transport, a tuner, and a network receiver and eventually to use laptop as a digital USB source which I've never got round to - been putting off update of laptop from XP to W7 etc., So, in a way the CD5 XS is an upgrade in it's own right over the Kenwood having only had the CD5 XS for about a week and the V1 for 2 years. Excuse the poor level of knowledge but would I be right in thinking spdif is PCM and USB is DSD? Thanks, j

Hi John

I see a little clearer where you're heading now, and why the V1 features in your system.  If you're planning to use a computer as a transport via USB, then a DAC-V! is the tool for that job for sure.  

To your question about DSD and PCM, a USB interface can handle either, whether the DAC on the end of it can handle it is down to digital signal processing abilities and / or the type of DAC chips used.  The firmware for V1 was updated recently to allow it's digital signal processor to handle DSD.  And as Chrissu stated the overhaul to the DSP code has also brought an improvement to the performance of PCM playback as well.  Definitely an update worth having when your laptop is sorted out.  Also, if you get a windows 7 machine setup right, and use decent playback software, I think you'll see new levels of magnificence from the DAC-V1.  It really is very good that configuration.  

If you still get the listening fatigue issue using the analogue output of the CD player (and other sources?), consider the state/performance of your SBL x-overs, assuming they are original. Mine, at 13 years old sounded thin, pinched, bass-light and shouty.

There can be a gradual degradation of performance which is thus difficult to detect. A new pair of x-overs transformed the sound of my SBL's, making them sound more full-bodied, warmer, sweeter and smoother throughout the entire frequency range.

John.

All excellent replies, thanks everyone. I've got some work to do then! Looks like the spdif interconnect is first as it's easy. The analogue set-up next and then the DAC V1 firmware. And with my SBLs having serial number for 1998 could do with the x-over sorting - definately hadn't thought of that one! All great stuff so thanks again, j

I think HH has a good point about your choice of CD player given the rest of your system. Always best to make sure the gear you've got is performing at its best before making any such expensive upgrades though, so sorting out the other things on your to-do list makes sense in any case. Another thought - what sort of rack is your gear sitting on?

Good point about the racks - made by Target so they are really old. Hopefully pic attached, if not please advise. I'll get the to do list done first and take a look at some new rack system/s when I'm at the shop buying leads and ordering x-overs. Also I am temporarily using A4 speaker cable until I can find my A5 set having not found it yet it after house move.  Seen some comments on using SL2 x-overs instead of SBL types being an upgrade so not sure what to order. j

I've had a Cd5XS with my 282 250 it was very musical without a hint of stress.  In the CDX2 is a more excitable player.  

You can update DAC firmware with your XP laptop... no need to go rushing to change to Win 7.   But when you do move on from XP, you may want to try Win10, it's close enough to Win7 so as to give you the good functionality of 7 without the total change of interface that Win 8 forced upon you.

I've not done the comparison myself, but it's said that the CD5XS plus XPS beats the 'naked' CDX2 for sound quality (test results in an audio mag a while back). It also says the CDX2 + XPS continues to outshine the CD5XS + XPS.   I'd be trying the comparison for myself but for the fact that my CD5XS is on holiday in Salisbury after it stopped spinning discs and I haven't got an XPS.  Meanwhile the (naked) CDX2 into the NDS via DC1 is sounding very reasonable indeed... and I couldn't discern any appreciable difference between using a Chord Indigo and the DC1 digital cables.   What I haven't yet tried is playing the analogue output of my new CDX2... something for a wet weekend I think, especially as I now have a spare HiLine doing nothing.  Meanwhile a pair of Titan 808s is on their way for a few days try out, so CD playback comparisons will have to wait a while longer   

But what I meant to say at the start is that the CD5XS should not be sounding fatiguing in any way, so go look to some of the suggestions above... I'd be starting with the DAC, I have to say. 

Roger

Johnforty posted:

Good point about the racks - made by Target so they are really old. Hopefully pic attached, if not please advise. I'll get the to do list done first and take a look at some new rack system/s when I'm at the shop buying leads and ordering x-overs. Also I am temporarily using A4 speaker cable until I can find my A5 set having not found it yet it after house move.  Seen some comments on using SL2 x-overs instead of SBL types being an upgrade so not sure what to order. 

I can't see your pic, but that's probably not your fault - since a recent 'upgrade' to the forum by Hoopla, there are loads that I can't view. Anyway....I used a steel framed Sound Organisation rack for many years, and found a big improvement by changing it. I went for an Isoblue rack: other popular options with Naim users include Hutter, Quadraspire, or if you have the cash, Naim Fraim. 

Excellent stuff again from all, thanks. I've had my Target system since 1983!!

So, 'To Do' list is:-

1. This weekend try cables etc I have already.
2. Tuesday do 45 mile round trip to 'local' shop and have DAC V1 updated, buy DC1 cable and DIN/DIN naim cable (shop will buy back any cable/s I don't use). Order new x-overs but still not sure if SL2 or SBL type.
3. Run updated DAC V1 with my original cable/s to see what difference there is as a single change.
4. Introduce new cables one at a time therefore as single change/s.
5. Find my A5 cable set! And instal them!
6. Investigate and buy new rack system with eye on costs.
7. Report back to forum anyway and having hopefully found the culprit of the fatigue.
8. Fit new x-overs. They take about 10 days to make so that's why they are last and need doing anyway as my SBLs were made 1998.

Thanks again folks, J