CD player for Superuniti?

Nooooo, Go get one and enjoy! 

Agree the Finkfan, .....you will not be disappointed 

And if you want your jaw to hit the floor add an XPS dr to it! 

Looking at your profile it seems you are running the SU into a 200DR. If it were me, I'd be swapping the SU for a 272, and asking myself whether it would be better focussing on streamed music and using the CD player for occasional use, in which case the current CD player would be fine. 

Would agree with HH on focussing on streamed music seems the sensible way to go.

HH, you must know my dealer :-)

However, the 200 may not be a permanent fixture..... And I always was, and still am, more than satisfied with the SU standalone, and whilst the 200 is a nice, as in subtle, step up , I'm not sure it's a significant upgrade, SQ or otherwise.

Everyone seems enraptured by the 272, so undoubtedly that is very good in many respects and almost certainly  at least somewhat superior to the SU.

Nevertheless, I still enjoy playing CD's and I have essentially a one off chance to make a change, so once it's done, it's done. 

So you're quite right, I can consider a 272, or a 250DR, or, at the top of my budget, the CDX2, but not more than one for the foreseeable future. A nice dilemma to have, but not an easy one to resolve....

KR, J

The thing is, the quality of the SU's preamp will ultimately limit how good your CD player will sound. I had an SU and it sounded great with streaming, but when I plugged a CDS2 into it the sound was distinctly ordinary. It's my hunch that using the SU to stream will sound better than music from the CDX2. While the 200 will improve the SU a bit, the 272/200 is in a completely different ballpark (though a used 200 would sound very little different to a 200DR for half the price). So I'm not suggesting the 272 merely because I've got one, but because I think it will do far more for your enjoyment of music than a better CD player can. 

HH, good point well made! 

I'm aware how easy it would be to just want a CDX2 more than applying some logic to develop my system - the same upgrade cost, give or take a bit, could take me to your understandably well thought of 272/250DR would it not?

Hmm.....,

And thanks!

KR, J

Perhaps you should go and have a listen. When I moved to streaming I sold my CD player, leaving me with 2,000 CDs to rip, but I'm glad I did it. Having something like an SU and a top notch CD player is illogical to me, as you get the best from neither. When I moved from SU to what I have now, last July, it was a quantum leap in enjoyment, and one you just won't get by bolting on a better CD player. You'd be most welcome to have a listen if you are within reach of sunny Emsworth. 

It just doesn't seem to make financial sense to buy a CD player if you have a streamer. I'd spend the money on upgrading the streamer or even auditioning a 250 dr. I'm not sure what will make the biggest difference for you, the amp or streamer upgrade but just putting a CD player on what you already have isn't going to give a sound quality upgrade.

i hate to admit it but I agree with halibut

HH,

Of course, there' always a (good?) chance that what I've already got is more than good enough for my ears and there's really nothing to be gained from any of the options other than a lightened wallet?

My research, and my head, tells me SU to 272 and then 200DR to 250DR, or vice versa, makes the most sense, and leave the PMC's alone. But that CDX2........ is a definite itch.

I really should take a couple of aspirin and lie down in a darkened room until the inclination wears off!

BTW, have to agree with your thoughts re the US, having got MinimServer finally correctly configured, running off an active-passive pair of Synology NAS's, I have a simple, reliable, partially redundant server environment not reliant on MS Windows technologies. A win-win methinks!

KR, J from sunny Berks.

A used CDX2 can be had for less than a grand these days if you need to scratch, as long as you don't need digital out and No I'm not selling mine.

Dr_J posted:

...................  I'm aware how easy it would be to just want a CDX2 more than applying some logic to develop my system - the same upgrade cost, give or take a bit, could take me to your understandably well thought of 272/250DR would it not?

A couple more points to ponder;  Retired & contemplating stuff (as you do at 3 score & 10) I concluded that CD has limits & is rapidly approaching end life. CD is stuck with 16/44 or 20/44 (HDCD) at best,  & looking at the changes in recorded music I decided to move to streaming whilst I am still fit & able.      I had a CDX2/XPS & as CD players go it is a great machine,  maybe a bit in yer face compared to a CDS2 & higher,  but as a rock 'n roll boogie machine little can beat it.  The move to NDX/XPS lost the front row presentation & moved to front row circle - or a private box & champagne with the right material.  I miss the boogie factor of the CDX2,  but I do not miss the playing of CD in either the process or the SQ.  I much prefer the sophistication & refinement of the NDX,  it plays ripped CD's (16/44) somehow with more detail,  PCM 24-bit is a whole level up & DSD is even better.  It brings domestic harmony with no more ugly racks for those hundreds (thousands) of CD's,  the record store is now a little black box the size of a medium sized ladies handbag.     The 272 & a power amp is a simple & elegant solution & you really need to go try it.  Obviously other front ends are up for consideration,  but I believe it is time to move on from CD,  if you don't do it this year you will be doing so in the not too distant future.    You need to treat yourself to a dealer demo & a long take your time listen or better still a home demo.

Drewy posted:

i hate to admit it but I agree with halibut

Now that's something you don't see every day. I shall savour the moment. 

Dr_J posted:

HH, good point well made! 

I'm aware how easy it would be to just want a CDX2 more than applying some logic to develop my system - the same upgrade cost, give or take a bit, could take me to your understandably well thought of 272/250DR would it not?

Hmm.....,

And thanks!

KR, J

Hi , the points about streaming are well made.. I am a real fan.. However we can loose sight that the streamer or CD player with their own inbuilt circuitry and performances are really 'instruments' that provide audio in their own specific way.. What is more these distinctions can make listening to certain styles  of music more fun or interesting between source types dependent on mood etc.

Therefore whether it's streaming, CD or LP, these are simply transport and format types.. The different source players themselves offer great diversity and enjoyment in how they render recorded music from the format..  So if you go streaming, and it is really is flexible and convienient to use, I say don't forget CD or even vinyl. You may well find a CDX2 renders certain music in a way that is delightful where as your streamer or LP player do the same for different music or moods. 

My example.. I love my NDX with and without my Hugo.. I also about 10% of my time love my CDX2.. It's great for rock and heavy blues and music sessions with buddies with a few drinks; as Mike suggests above its a great boogie player... I have now sold by Nottingham Analogue record player... But it is great to have this source diversity.. And I would be missing so much if I flattened everything down into a single homogenous  source.. Even if it is a very good one... After all it's why we have the input selectors on our audio preamps....

Simon

Nice post Simon, especially coming from a streamer that can still appreciate replay from a CDP. It's inevitable that whenever someone posts here on a possible CDP upgrade the streamers redirect the discussion to their predilections, citing quality, convenience and storage. I've had plenty of opportunities to hear music streamed on Naim gear at dealers as well as in the homes of friends and it's great, but there is also an immediacy and sonic signature to a CDP that has qualities that should not be summarily dismissed. Despite being digital, CDs offer an intrinsic physical attachment to the music that some still place a value on.

Drewy posted:

i hate to admit it but I agree with halibut

I do too. Though I would love to see the day when HH recommends something other than a 272/250. I'm waiting for someone with an S1/500dr to get a "Upgrade toa  272/250DR" out of him

If CD is really something you feel needs to be hung onto, a CDX2 is going to be superb and with a source first philosophy, I shouldn't worry too much about matching it to a SU. That said, if you wanted something more on-par, The CD5SX might be an excellent fit. You would then also have the option of testing to see whether you prefer it's inbuilt DAC and analog output stage or using as a transport direct to the SU via digital coax.

Of course if CD is really just a functionality level afterthought, a non Naim transport int the digital in on the SU will do.

Feeling Zen - I think the suggestion that I only ever recommend a 272/250 is a little harsh. You'll see in an earlier response on this thread that I am very aware of the ease of just recommending what one owns. I believe in this case that a 272 is the most cost effective upgrade for the OP, and far better than just bolting on a CDX2. You'll see that both of those who enthusiastically support the idea of a CDX2 just happen to be owners. 

If the OP's top priority is CD replay (which it does not appear to be) it would make more sense to swap the SU for a 282 and use it with the CDX2. I know from experience that the SU will not get the best from the CDX2 so was simply trying to help him get the best from his investment. 

If you look at my various posts you'll see that I suggest all sorts of things, but based strictly on relevance and with caveats where necessary. Hopefully people will find my suggestions of some use on occasion; I'm even aware of someone who bought some PMC twenty.23s partly on the basis of my recommendation and as far as I know is still really happy with them. So hopefully you will see that I try to tailor suggestions to individuals' circumstances rather than suggesting that people simply get what I've got, which is often not at all helpful. 

You will also note that I didn't suggest a 250DR to the OP, but on that note, you could do with one...

HH, you did not, or certainly I did not feel as if you were. Thx for the inputs. KR, J

@HH, I feel bad now because my comment was meant in cheeky fun but may have been taken in a way I hadn't intended. No offense was intended.

feeling_zen posted:

@HH, I feel bad now because my comment was meant in cheeky fun but may have been taken in a way I hadn't intended. No offense was intended.

But you must admit, he was on Point!

BTW, I do own a 282/Cdx2!!!!!

LOL!!!!

Allante93!

feeling_zen posted:

Drewy posted:

i hate to admit it but I agree with halibut

. You would then also have the option of testing to see whether you prefer it's inbuilt DAC and analog output stage or using as a transport direct to the SU via digital coax.

 

These days I'm testing a universal player Marantz UD 7007 connected to my SU and I can assure you that, in my case, the coaxial is wonderful, much better than in analog input.

I only regret that the SU does not have a balanced input XLR ,the Marantz has balanced outputs,  shame not to use.

Since i bought the SU I had lost the pleasure of listening CD and, contrary to what was said in the previous post, it is not true that streaming is better than a good CD player, is perhaps more easy and convenient to use, but not better in quality sound (IMHO)

finally, if I am amazed at how good it sounds a cheap universal player 900,00 euro I can only imagine how good it could be the CDX2 with the SU, or maybe not!!!

Anto68 posted:

I only regret that the SU does not have a balanced input XLR ,the Marantz has balanced outputs,  shame not to use.

Only in particular circumstances is a balanced connection going to offer any improvement over the single ended connection.  If you prefer the sound via co-ax ... there is close to zero chance there will be anything different using balanced XLR from the Marantz vs single-ended RCA unless Marantz have truly ****ed up something!

I'd go for the 272 streaming option.

I still buy CDs (if I can't download in at least CD quality) but I rip them onto my Melco with DBPowerAmp.

The sound quality of some 192KHZ/24Bit HD flacs is stunning.  I have an SU but will upgrade to a 272/250DR combo at some stage.

Hungryhalibut
HUNGRYHALIBUTMEMBER
2 DAYS AGO
Looking at your profile it seems you are running the SU into a 200DR. If it were me, I'd be swapping the SU for a 272, and asking myself whether it would be better focussing on streamed music and using the CD player for occasional use, in which case the current CD player would be fine.

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+1.

I would have thought that if anyone was going to bother adding a 200 to a SU, then they have decided to go separates route and naturally the next step would be a 272.  Otherwise a 250 would have made more sense if wanting to keep/upgrade a SU. I've read adding a 200 to a SU isn't really that much of a step up unless of course it was opening the path for further upgrades as mentioned above. 

I too, TBH have pondered on whether to buy a CD player to add to the SU(as some of you know, I sold HDX, SN2/HCdr to raise some needed extra funds for a property purchase), I have since acquired an ex dem SU to see me through until funds allow and can play all my ripped cd's from my nas(HDX back up). What would I really buy a CD player for now? Merely in case I feel the need to buy a CD, seems wasted funds when that could go towards upgrading the SU.

If I already owned a good CD player I would not be thinking of upgrading that first when I have already took the plunge into streaming and owned  SU and 200. If anything a CD ripper would be on my list and eventually end up with NDX/Unitiserve(or similar) or 272/Unitiserve(or similar)......

Which brings me to a question that someone may offer some advice on......

1. Add a used 250.2 to my SU, then swap out the SU for a 272(adding a ripper later).

2. Add an NDX to SU, then swap out SU for SN2(adding a ripper later).

End game...

1. 272/250(250 would be a better amp than SN2 but NDX better streamer than 272).

2. NDX/SN2( was happy with the SN2 and no real desire to change/upgrade)and I'm sure the NDX would be better than HDX as a network player getting me back to where I was(if not better).

For/ against either option?

What would it cost to upgrade/ service a used 250.2 ?

Thanks.