Cdx2 /cds3

Yes Bob,

Don't try the SL until your numbers come up as once in your system would be very hard to go back to HL. Yes my HL plugs broke on more than one occasion so pleased they are stronger now.

CDS3/555 is the only cdp combination that in my opinion has that 'WOW' factor. Just love it.

Tony.

Foot tapper posted:

I've had several combinations of CDX2, CDS3 and external power supplies over the years.

Stand alone CDX2 never floated my boat for some reason.
Stand alone CDS3 looks lovely but is a bit quiet.
CDX2/XPS2 brilliant and brilliant value.
CDS3/XPS2 is much more refined, producing much more relaxed and gently insightful music than the CDX2/XPS2 but too polite for my taste.
CDX2/555PS awesome.  I prefer this to CDS3/XPS2 for what it does better.  Not as refined or cultured though.
CDS3/555PS combines the very best of the CDX2/555PS and the CDS3/XPS2.  I've had this for around 6 years now and have no ambition to change it, even for a 555.  Fabulous.

All before the modern era of DR power supplies.

Others, including prominent members of this forum, have markedly different preferences, which is fine.  This ranking is based on listening to all of these combinations in our system at home.

Delighted that you are enjoying the musical marvel that is the CDS3 (with an external power supply).

Best regards, FT

Nicely done Foot Tapper!

No need for my two cents, never experienced any of Naim CDPs, besides my 2008 Cdx2.

Paraphrasing an Audio Reviewer:

There are two types of components worth owning.  The best, and very close to the Best, for a lot less.

The Cdx2 exemplifies the latter!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Forum. 

Cdx2/282/HCDR/3 x 250.2/Briks

Based on your pass experience, I would imagine, 555PS, would be the icing on the cake!

Cdx2

Cdx2/555PS

Cds3/555PS

CD555 2007

DR Technology 2012

My next upgrade, 555PS DR

Don't stop Tapping your FOOT!

Enjoy your Music, the Why!

Allante93!

Stand alone CDS3 looks lovely but is a bit quiet. Very true! This is what i have at the moment... (awaiting my 555 PS getting back from the island in DR condition).  But pretty it is!

analogmusic posted:

Foot tapper posted:

Indeed Simon, we do appear to have different musical preferences. You are evidently civilised and appreciate the subtle cues of beautifully played music, whereas I am but a simple soul who wants music to make his feet tap.

Fortunately, the Naim family is sufficiently broad to enable us both to thoroughly enjoy our music.

Best regards, FT

+1, I want the music to make my feet tap too..... which is why I am happy with my 282 as it does that very well...

Indeed, but I like more than just feet tapping.. some times head bopping, air drums  and air guitar can be the order of the day .. some might find it too rhythmically  over the top, but not me. The CDX2/252DR can be quite the tonic for that. Been enjoying DJ Shadow this evening .. great fun.. fantastic trip hop, grooves  and sound scapes....

I could follow you on the path of the  bare CDX2, especially when hooked still, to the most refined 252, for Jazz PRaT and swing, but what about romantic and chamber classical?  

Chag -

Chag, yes for me that is not the CDX2's sweet spot. I have found the Chord Hugo is my goto source for most things that  I choose not to listen to from my CDX2. If I am honest I have found the Hugo streets ahead of much, and overall I prefer its insight and depth in music replay over the NDAC and NDS but that is discussed elsewhere... however when I am feeling petulant with some types of music ... and to be fair also on recorded vocals that are naturally thin, where a bit of added extra warmth can be attractive ( Bob Dylan and Lou Reed for example) then I enjoy my CDX2.

Simin

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

Chag, yes for me that is not the CDX2's sweet spot. I have found the Chord Hugo is my goto source for most things that  I choose not to listen to from my CDX2. If I am honest I have found the Hugo streets ahead of much, and overall I prefer its insight and depth in music replay over the NDAC and NDS but that is discussed elsewhere... however when I am feeling petulant with some types of music ... and to be fair also on recorded vocals that are naturally thin, where a bit of added extra warmth can be attractive ( Bob Dylan and Lou Reed for example) then I enjoy my CDX2.

Simon

Can't think of where I heard it, but I seem to recall a gentleman stating the following:

A new Paradigm, no longer,  just the analog TT,  and the Digital CDP.  Digital Streaming, has entered the Equation, and all three Sources, can be enjoyed, depending on music and mood.

Allante93!

indeed 

Very true

I love my CDS3 and XPS2 marginally less than my adorable wife.  Fed into a 52/Supercap and 250 it makes wonderful sounding music.  Its the best CD player that I have ever owned or likely to.

Understood Simon. Thanks. You have been a most eloquent advocate of the Hugo. Are you looking forward to the new version?   

Chag -

Steve2 posted:

I love my CDS3 and XPS2 marginally less than my adorable wife.  Fed into a 52/Supercap and 250 it makes wonderful sounding music.  Its the best CD player that I have ever owned or likely to.

Steve, what speakers do u use?

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

, where a bit of added extra warmth can be attractive ( Bob Dylan and Lou Reed for example) then I enjoy my CDX2.

Simin

Interesting - if I was looking to add warmth the CDX2 is not where I would have turned - but brilliant CDP it undoubtedly is. 

Regards,

Lindsay

Lindsay - really you have raised my curioisty  - to me that is what the CDX2 excels at and its endearing quality - giving a nice warm vigorous feel to the recording with punch and bounce - how would you describe your CDx2?

Yep vigorous, bounce, punch but not really warm which doesn't really apply to any Naim component in my experience.   Dynamic was the description I always used for my CDX2.  

Thanks - its funny how we perceive things differently - to me the Naim Classic series sound when setup in what to me is the correct way is usually attractively warm - certainly compared to some other brands. I do find cable dressing and supports important in getting that warm Naim sound.. The CDX2 can sound shouty and cold if not correctly supported.. Needless to say I use full fat  Fraim for my CDX2

S

Indeed.  What I find interesting is that you enjoy  (prefer?) the CDX2 over the Hugo for certain genres.  Having heard both the NDX and NDS I much prefer what I perceive as the visceral qualities of the CDS3 with any of my music.   But as reported elsewhere I haven't tried the Chord DACs - in anger.  

Many ways to skin the cat!

Yes I guess its more enjoy than prefer - it depends on mood etc - and no I can't really say my CDX2 gives me that insightful transparent replay I get from my Hugo that gives me so much pleasure  - but boy, have a few beers and some friends around it can be fun listening to some heavy blues etc on my CDX2.....and as I say it can make some of Bob Dylan's 1960s recording more enjoyable with its added warmth - which ok is not strictly accurate - buy it makes those albums sound better - and perhaps better matches  the RIAA eq of those LP replay systems that were originally used to play those albums. 

BTW I am not sure what visceral qualities might mean in audio replay - i guess it raises the hairs on the  back of your neck  or goose bumps on your arm? if so I say goose bumps are rare for me - but a tear to the eye is more common - perhaps I am just a big softie

S

Well I've got a day off tomorrow - time to just make a decent cup of coffee and let the Trane fill the house - on vinyl

Interesting Simon, funnily enough early Bob Dylan is one of the artists and albums I prefer listening to from my vinyl set up.  Just seems to work better for some reason from the original vinyl.  Sometimes it's nice to have the option to switch sources.

Simon-in-Suffolk posted:

Lindsay - really you have raised my curioisty  - to me that is what the CDX2 excels at and its endearing quality - giving a nice warm vigorous feel to the recording with punch and bounce - how would you describe your CDx2?

Its all relevant, Cdx2 may be considered warm in the context of an hugo.

However, in the context of an ( Xerxes 20 plus), perhaps on the chilly side! 

Especially if one is sporting an Cds3, Fender! 

Allante93!

Allante, I am not sure genereally I have owned many CDPs over the years including the CDS3 and own a couple now, the CDX2 has a warmer more forward presentation than average (and I don't mean overly filtered and cuddly), certainly warmer than my CDS3 which was always more neutral...However there are two things of note .. the support is key.. and so is the preamp. I first started with my CDX2 on a wooden support feeding into Cyrus amplification many years ago. I found the CDP quite forward and bright .. I used sorbothane and an XPS2 to tame that.  Several years later with my 282 and the CDX2 on Fraim  I still found the player too forward for my tastes but it had tonally all filled out. I later upgraded to a 252 and hiline, left the XPS2 off the CDX2 and it all snapped into place with a lovely punch, and warmth to the upper mids that can enhance  those thin vocals I mention. Yes still not the most neutral, but great sounding and infectious,

BTW I find the Hugo my most neutral, no noticeable warmth or brightness unless in the recording.. absolutely fantastic for listening to recording masters as they probably truly are... my brightest main source, or perhaps I'll use the term 'thinnest' source currently is my NAT05.. although that can also sound very good too ... it is significantly behind what the Hugo and even the CDX2 can dish out.. perhaps for obvious reasons.

The strongest bass, punchiest source I have ever owned was my NDAC/555PS.. 

Have you tried a power supply on your NAT05 Simon?

I'm not sure the 05 can take one, David.

C.

An original 05 can't tKe a PSU but the XS  can.