Upgrade: 282 versus CDX2

Bright or harsh treble sound is often caused by poor soldering.  Have your dealer or someone very qualified re-do your cable ends.  Make sure you're using factory Naim speaker pins.  

Do you have a thick rug between the speakers and listening chair? In my system I find the treble of the NAC 202 to be tame and slightly rolled-off. The NAC 282's treble is more spotlit with more energy but it isn't bright. The treble sounds smooth and sweet with both 202 and 282, partly because I use Harbeth loudspeakers. If you find the treble of the current system to sound bright, the 282 will likely exacerbate the problem. Are you able to try both 282 and XPS to CDX2 since you mentioned you have spoken to some dealers?

It will cost you nothing to try the Powerline on the 200. At the same time this removes it from the CDX. May well tame one and lift the other. Otherwise source first, agreed.

Tricky question this one as usually source first mantra wins but in this case I am not a fan of the 202, finding it a bit unnatural sounding, whereas the 282 is a top top amp. I would look for a second hand one - no need to £4K for a new one. It will really lift your system.

Ray

I would buy a 282. there are 2 big jumps (well 3 now actually) in the Naim world.

202 --> 282

282 or 252 --> 552

200 ----> 250 DR

I think Simon-in-Suffolk uses bare CDX2 with his 252/SCDR and really enjoys it.

Actually, I'd try different speakers at the same time as better boxes. If it's too much treble that's the issue, a new preamp or power supply won't do much for that. 

Sorry I think this is the speakers.  

My first thought is that you should try a 282, but I'm not sure that will solve your treble problem either. Before you spend big money on box upgrades, are you sure that your system setup is good? What rack are you using, is your mains supply decent, and are your cables in good condition and properly dressed? In particular, check the soldering on your NACA5. Not to mention room acoustics. If you're happy that all the above is sorted, then go for the upgrades. 

I don't know the speakers but... I'm not surprised a dealer recommends a new box.

I've had the CDX2/202/180&200 combo for years but I've never had too much/too bright treble. If your room with a lot of glass is the main cause, trying to fix this with upgrades or changes in components doesn't strike me as the right route though.

Thanks for the very helpful comments.  It had never occurred to me to check the soldering at each end of the NACA5. There is a decent rug and other soft furnishings between the speakers and the main listening position. Of those you who expressed a view on the 282 versus the XPS2 issue the 282 wins 0 - 3. However no-one seems to think it will cure the treble problem. Harbeth 30.1s have been in my sights for some time and they may be the answer.

David

XPS2 is the obvious candidate. However, you will potentially get a treble boost because the XPS2 makes the CDX2 sound bigger and with more extension in both bass and treble. With bigger sound comes more space and it might be that this is the boost you need to open up the acoustic and spread the treble more evenly.

I'm not a fan of the 202 (all bass and treble) or the 282 (mechanical, contrived, artificial). I don't like how they sound but they don't sound bad, broken, unlistenable. I wonder if a bittle bit of room treatment might go some way?  

I don't know your speakers although I have listened to and owned Spendors over many years. They never used to be renowned for treble emphasis. They were often accused of being too far the other way.  I also know that when put on the end of a 552/300 the little S5e never sounded better. They loved it and performed like different speakers. So if the speaker isn't broken it'e either passing through whatever treble heavy signal your set up is outputting and/or interacting with a lively room to emphasise the treble.

Just some cushions and a couple of wall panels might be enough. Anything that cuts down reflections.. Walk around the room, listen standing up, listen with your back to the speakers, stand outside the room - does the treble always sound hot from all these locations? 

I would imagine xps2 would address your second issue. 

I've been using cdx2 as a transport with separate dac for a couple of weeks. My initial impression of the player on its own was nicely textured but a little dry sounding leaving room for improvement by adding a ps.

I would certainly recommend dealing with your room acoustics first.

I don't see any reason for you to have this problem with your current system. 

If you know your dealer well, their should be no reason to question his recommendations. 

My bright sounding CDX2 turned out to be down to the steel framed rack and cables touching it, particularly power cables. Fraim Lite cured that and cured the radio pickup I was getting from the turntable too, I already had the 282 and a 250 by then.

My bright sounding CDX-2 was fixed by replacing it with a CDS3.