Going right off piste here, I do agree with Richard, although I don't have a PhD in Zoology, there is no SQ advantage in shortening it and I also agree that shortening kills it's resale value. So if it were me, I would follow Richsrd's advice... 

Best

David

This is a lot more interesting than missing cardboard boxes.....

David Hendon posted:

Going right off piste here, I do agree with Richard, although I don't have a PhD in Zoology, there is no SQ advantage in shortening it and I also agree that shortening kills it's resale value. So if it were me, I would follow Richsrd's advice... 

Best

David

Well, of course, I will take Me Richard Dane's advice, but listen to what he said.

No Advantage in shorting the wire:

No Advantage in sound, but active fans are always is thinking along the lines of wire management.

But more important there is a disadvantage, who wants poorer performance!

So at the end of the day, I left institutions for Friend & 30 year Linn dealer to perform the operation, keeping the same length.

USA, Authorized  Naim dealer are far and few.

No matter what, I will be in the market for that 2nd hand Snake/Snaic.

 I did see some brand new ones on EBay, Naim original with packaging, but ofcourse, I would prefer used original.

 Why, two Snakes needed for SCDR/282.

Must A-B HCDR with SCDR!

Cdx2/282/HCDR/3 x 250.2/Briks

That's how it's done!

Thanks gentleman, that closes this one out!

Allante93!

Well,  I've been busy, had to save up for an second Snake to accompany my soon to be SCDR.

Just purchased it last night, Original Naim Snaic 5 pin 240 degree din, the same one used with the 552 when accompanied with the Full Loom.

 Not cheap, 120 pounds + shipping, but when you get right down to it, I guess the Naim's Snaic is an Integral part of the Naim Sound!

Next stop SCDR!

Cdx2/282/HCDR/3 x 250.2/Briks

Thanks Richard, Original Naim Snaic with original packaging is key, for resale value.

Allante93!

Once Again the Forum is a wealth of knowledge, looked up some passed post, and came up with the following. Makes sense to me.
Cdx2 2008 is still skipping with repaired Snaic.

“Never heard of a CDP recap either....!??

MIKE-B MEMBER
3/28/13 3:28 AM

CDP's don't  normally need to be recapped, especially a 2007.  
Disc skipping could be as simple as a dirty laser,  has that been cleaned ???,  if not do that 1st & only that.  

SIMON-IN-SUFFOLK MEMBER
3/28/13 3:44 AM 
Unless there is a fault, the capacitors will be fine, and if on the way out I can't really see why the transport would skip. If its definitely not the puck. Acid test pull the tray out with the CD spinning, grab the puck and does the disc stop solid with all discs? If it slides a little then it might be puck..
But it does sound like transport,
(assuming lens is not dusty as Mike says) but you are unlucky for it to have failed so soon.
Simon”

I think I will take Mike’s Advice before dropping $700 with Service and Replacement!

After reading the former post, I thought I would try one more elimination test!

Just purchased Ray Charles brand new CD, and it was skipping, more apparent when over time, and slower cuts. Wishful thinking, and hoping it's  just a simple dirty laser, I decided to use the same CD ripped and played through the same system!

Cdx2>282>HCDR>3x250.2>Briks

MM>Airport Extreme>Airport Express> 282……. taking the Cdx2 out of the equation.

So far no skipping!

That should confirm it's the CDP.

Hopefully just an dirty laser.

Now back to local Linn Dealer, you lucky guys, Authorized Naim Dealers in abundance. The tech is Top notch, I’m quite sure, he should be able to handle that small task!

I will post the results later.

Meanwhile, the only source is wireless MM, and you know what, Its not Bad, convenience at its best!

Endless Playlist Over 1500 tunes, all controlled from my Android cell phone, while laying in Bed!

But the serious listener can tell the difference, The Cdx2 is more dynamic, for lack of words. Perhaps greater depth of field, or perhaps I’m just regurgitating hi fi jargon!

But so far, as I’m pecking away on these keys no Skipping!

Thanks Mike, and Simon!

@ Simon, I tried your test the plastic puck stoped the spinning disk, just as you pointed out!

Out!

Enjoy the Music, the Why!

Allante93!

From Trump Land! The Donald, Wow!

Thanks guys for leading me in the right direction! 

A.     The Sniac was not damaged, but needed an spare anyhow, for the soon to come SCDR/282

B.     $40 isn't much to have the Cdx2 Cleaned, by blowing it out, and cleaning with lens cloth by Linn Dealer but.....

C.     Cheap $2 disc cleaner, probably not a good ideal, Checked with Philips, a nice young lady from Canada did a little research,               C.     and suggested Philips SVC2330/27. She looked in her system and found Naim CDP's, of course I questioned her!   

I thought this would be an logical route, before shipping the Cdx2 to have her Cleaned. Besides nice disc to have around cleaning the MM Superdrive, which is playing Ray Charles this very minute without skipping. 

Hopefully just a dirty optical Laser lens, otherwise big bucks, Naim Repair facility, or AVoptions! 

On a closing note, was the laser optical lenses incorporated in the CD555 & CDX2, manufactured by Philips????

If I'm not on point, any other suggestions appreciated! 

Allante93! 

Allante93 posted:

System is purring, but every now and then, the CD scratches, a high pictch sound.

Naturally, I clean and shine the CD, and investigate for scratches.

Some CDs, not all, usually happens after an hour or more of continuous play.

Just purchased a Brand new CD, Patricia Barbara, Blue Cafe.

Nice CD, no high pitched squeals for the first hour, then they came, 3 or 4 during the performance.

 Is that the symptoms of an faulty laser?

Posted by Richard Dane:

"I believe that Philips quote an average MTB (mean time before failure) rate of around 7 years.  I've seen a graph of this.  There's an initial spike, which no doubt covers those mechs that are either DOA or die very early on in life - one good reason you have a warranty - and then there's a bell curve that peaks around the 7 year mark.  Of course, plenty will continue to work and give good service beyond this.  Indeed, I have a couple of '80s players still going strong on their original mech.  There are also a fair number of early Naim players still going strong on their original mech as well."

Cdx2 MK I (2008) picked it up 2nd hand January 2015.

Allante93

Well going on three months, and I tried everything, Philips cleaning disc, air blowing, repaired Snaic, and nothing worked! Sooooo! 

Is my Cdx2 headed to Avoptions ?  No, they were backed up 2 months, and suggested I ship it to Audio Plus. Worked out fine, those guys are great, don't like talking on the phone, but good people! 

She is scheduled to be shipped first thing in the morning! 

What did I learn? 

A. If you have a CDP, chances are Philips or Sony, manufactured the Optical laser lens.

B. The VAM 1250 Replacement cost, is nearly double that of the VAM 1202.

C. CD players will eventually break down, Mechanisms! 

So, if you happen to be in the 2nd hand Market for an Cdx2, make sure its 2008, or better. 

Otherwise, be prepared to fork out $700 - 1K with the earlier models.

Not really expecting any improvements in SQ, she performed flawlessly. 

Just that annoying skipping/scratching, which occurred 3 - 4 times per CD! 

I will report back within a week, if I notice any improvements in SQ. 

Otherwise Out!

Allante93!

Keeeping fingers ćrossed.

I think it's time to start thinking about streaming....

Allante93 posted:

Not really expecting any improvements in SQ...

You might be surprised.

C.

Allante93 posted:

The Cdx2 is more dynamic, for lack of words. Perhaps greater depth of field, or perhaps I’m just regurgitating hi fi jargon! 

.... you probably are - but fear not as just about everyone else does it as well 

The key thing is you are enjoying it - as I have said many times I think the CDX2 is one helluva CDP, and its nice to see I am not alone thinking that....

Adam Zielinski posted:

Keeeping fingers ćrossed.

I think it's time to start thinking about streaming....

Yes, I have been thinking about streaming, but I really don't understand it! 

Paraphrasing Simon:

" A new paradigm, no longer just, the analog TT, and Digital CD, But the Trinity! "

The Analog TT, Digital CD, and Digital Streaming, depending on Mood, and Music! 

We are all familiar with a gentleman on this very Forum, who has happens to have two very fine front ends. In fact, both of his front ends swallows my whole system, LP 12 & CD555. Another Familiar gentle on this very Forum struts an CD555 with an S1 Pre Amp. 

Point being, I can't afford all three, but when I sold my LP 12, I knew I would be headed towards Streaming! 

Chords, Hugo, TT, and Mojo, I guess they are Dac's they are catered towards Streaming! 

Digital Downloads, that rivals, or betters the The ancient CDP. And of course the ancient and improved CDPs, that mimics, the Barbaric TTs. 

This was a good experience, being without my CDP for nearly 3 months. I got a chance to really listen to both of my Systems.  From my Computer: 

MM>Airport Extreme>Airport Express>:

A.  282/ HCDR / 3 x 250.2/ Briks

B. Emotiva Dac !  / Primare Pre 30 / Arcam P1 Mono Blocks / Vienna Acoustics Baby Grands

In short, not Bad, the convenience, can't be beat, endless personal playlist, Library consisting of over 2000 tunes, which I ripped from friends, and bought tunes for a buck off iTunes, after listening to them from internet Radio. And to boot, all of the controlled from an Android phone, while lying in Bed! 

In short, I miss my LP 12, but I don't miss the snap crackle pop, that came along with it, and I didn't  want to invest 5K to bring it up to spec. So I sold it! 

So, I don't really understand streaming, but what ever I'm doing it ain't bad, but it ain't no Cdx2 in the Living Room with the remote in hand. Missing a bit of dynamics, maybe a little bit of pace, hard to describe, but you guys know what I'm getting at.

getting long winded, Goodnight, its 4:00 am in the morning.

See what you started Adam 

Allante93!

Allante93 posted:

See what you started Adam 

Allante93!

Always happy to help

The way I think about streaming is as follows: it's a player, but rather than load a CD with digital files on it, the files are stored on a local server / drive (commonly referred to as NAS).

• So if you think what your CDX2 does so well: you take a CD, put it on a tray, load it and pres play.
• Now with NDX: files are on your NAS, you find what you want to play, cilick on it and pres play.

That's about it really.

Of course there is some infrastructure to be put in place, but it's neither complicated nor scary - I can 'talk you' through it in 1 email. You already have most of the required components at home anyway - it's your internet bits and bobs.

Adam

Christopher_M posted:

Allante93 posted:

Not really expecting any improvements in SQ...

You might be surprised.

C.

Well, 3 CDS so far, and not one skip or high pitched squeal. However, this listening session took place whilst tinkering with some Gaming Chairs, hence I was listening from the rec room.

Later tonight, for some serious listening in the Living Room!

I will report back tomorrow, if I notice any SQ improvements.

Allante93!

Allante, to me your pic implies that this was a DIY job for you. Why are you showing some of the packaging?

Chris

No particular reason, just thought the picture would indicate, she's home.

In fact, I took pictures of the dented double box, the opening of the box, the packaging, and the placement of all my boxes in the cellular, to indicate to the nice gentleman, that I did everything by the book.

Even a warming period before, I powered her up!

But when I opened the tray, I immediately sent my thanks to the guys at Audio Plus!

BEAUTIFUL WORK!!!!

I Wish I had the balls to attempt it, but I'm not that good! 

I know them all  Eric, Michel, Stephanie, even the lady in charge of communication.

Eric explained to me, if I had any problems, to call him.

Nice people! 

But again the picture was just the first thing I saw when opening my package, just wanted to share the experience, that's all.

But most importantly, 3:00 am in the States, and I'm jamming, going through tunes to see if I Can tell a difference!

Maybe it's all in my head, but it's nice to have her  back!

BTW, I like pictures, sort of validates that one is not shooting the breeze!

Allante93!

Ok. When I get my boxes back from Naim, I don't photograph the job sheet. But we are all different

C.

@ Allante93: Happy to hear all is well. Enjoy the music! And get that PSU for your CDX2 - it's worth it!

Christopher_M posted:

Ok. When I get my boxes back from Naim, I don't photograph the job sheet. But we are all different

C.

Chris, trust me, if the everyone was like me, it would be a sad place! That's what makes the World Beautiful! 

You, Adam, Simon, HH, DB, Richard Dane, all beautiful People just Different! 

Estimate approbation

See I'm a smart ASS can't help myself!!!!

@ Adam, if I had your money, I would have a 552, instead of this measly 282!!!LOL...

But seriously, antonio forcine, is really sounding good, the fingers on the strings APPEAR, to stand out more, who knows.

But as my Father used to say, if you like it, I love it!!!!

Allante93! Out

Christopher_M posted:

Allante93 posted:

Not really expecting any improvements in SQ...

You might be surprised.

C.

Well Chris, you were right, I am surprised. Not being a skeptic, but  I do try very hard to be as objective as possible, to avoid those mind tricks!

Well going on about 3 weeks, I guess. No skipping or high pitched squeals, just smooth enjoyable listening. Durring the last couple of weeks, I've been hard pressed to notice any improvements in SQ, But the Dreaded HUM did show his face!

Funny thing, it appears, and disappears as it pleases, as of late the System has been very quiet.  I now realize, that  true improvements are discovered as you revisit your CD collection.

Source First, out of about 300 CD, I keep 30 or so on display, why, because they are nice recordings.

Amongst them are Patricia Barbara, Companion Gold HDCD. For some reason, It never really measured up with Normal Red Book 16 Bit, properly done recordings, like Diana Krall/Love Scenes. But, I just love that cut, Touch of Trash!

Well!!!!!!, the extra cash, I forked out for this CD, is finally paying dividends!

In closing, Yep, you were right Christopher_M!

The New VAM 1202, did improve SQ. 

That's what we do:

Spend thousands of dollars for minute improvements, that aren't dectable by the Norm! But Remember, we aren't the Norm! LOL....

Enjoy your Music, the Why!

 Allante93!

^  Very pleased to hear this.

Chris