CD5XS vs CDX2

Soon you'll have auditioned more kit than MangoMonkey!

Sorry I can't help on the difference between the silver spinners though!

Nina posted:

Can anyone tell me how the CDX2 compares to the CD5XS sound wise?

The CD5XS is slightly softer, slightly less detailed, not as 'big' and doesn't have the same attack as the CDX2. Playing them in A-B comparison I was surprised at how close they were. I've owned both.

Bear in mind their different presentational styles are intended to match different amplifiers in Naim's heirarchy. Both can be part of coherent, joyous systems when appropriately matched. It's really about what you want to spend.

C.

Assuming the x and xs are similar and ignoring the hugo the CDX2 is more energetic with fuller harmonics but this enthuseasm can get out of hand if the physical setup isn’t taken care over. For instance, I initially just replaced my CD5x with the CDX2 and left the shelf for thr flatcap empty. the result was rather too bright with an unnaturally pronounced ringing to high piano notes. This was on a steel and MDF target style rack and the power lead was touching the rack. Moving to a Fraim Lite was an overall improvement but still the ringing until I stopped the power lead touching the rack. A full fat Fraim shelf under the CDX2 improved things further. It’s a fussy blighter compared to the 5 but worth the painstaking setup. Add an external DAC? I’ve only heard it with the Naim DAC and bought a 555ps instead as though the combination was a bit less detailed the detail there was was all at the right time so contributed to the music rather than distracting as mistimed detail can do.

To add to Chris's impressions above, the CD5xs also is a bit looser in the low frequencies compared to a CDX2.  This was amply illustrated to me in one install where a pair of floor standing speakers were being used and there was a nasty low frequency resonance on a certain piece of music that we just couldn't get rid of via the usual ways.  However, we took a chance on upping the source to a CDX2 and...  everything tightened up and the resonance was gone.  Fabulous.

I have owned both with a 282 and I think Chris M has summarised the differences well.

I did this comparison - also including the Rega Saturn (as I owned an Apollo at that point). The CDX2 was in a whole different league - so I bought it (it was the ealier/original version, 'pre-loved'). I still have the CDX2.

ianrobertm posted:

I did this comparison - also including the Rega Saturn (as I owned an Apollo at that point). The CDX2 was in a whole different league - so I bought it (it was the ealier/original version, 'pre-loved'). I still have the CDX2.

Might help Nina if you say which amp you had at the time Ian.

Cheers, C.

No need to try the CDX2 now I have the Naim Dac being fed by the CD5XS

ianrobertm posted:

I did this comparison - also including the Rega Saturn (as I owned an Apollo at that point). The CDX2 was in a whole different league - so I bought it (it was the ealier/original version, 'pre-loved'). I still have the CDX2.

The CDX2 is a truly lovely CDP... a rather distinctive and very enjoyable sound... I was spinning silver discs in mine last night and it did cross my mind how much I was enjoying its performance... it some how gets into the vibe of many rock and pop discs. 

If you do get a CDX2 do yourself a favour and put it on full fat Fraim, it really benefits from it, and then Hiline into your NAC

I deeply miss my CDX2-2  when i part exchanged it in 2014 for the 555. I have now a CD5X on the second system but at such rate of cd player withdrawal, i' d be tempted to grab another CDX2  ' til i can.

Regards

Roberto

I do miss my CDX2 for particular types of music.  The NDX is a fantastic player,  but it does not have the rock&roll boogie factor of the CDX2.  However what I don't miss one iota is the CD rack(s);   ugly eye sores, room space robbers & dust traps.  I ended up with the 'favourites' rack in the listening room & the other not so popular in the study.    Now it all lives in a little black box,  out of sight, but never out of mind.      

Great player the CDX2 with and without a XPS or 555.  

Nina posted:

No need to try the CDX2 now I have the Naim Dac being fed by the CD5XS

have you thought about replacing your cd5xs with the uniticore?   you would have better convenience ( all your music on your ipad) and better sound quality ( specially with hires files on the core).   I am not naim dealer,  just a suggestion.....

I had before cdx2/ xps2 and wanted to go to unitserve ( same as recent uniticore) with ndac/ xps2.   But finally found a super occasion on an nds....

French Rooster posted:

Nina posted:

No need to try the CDX2 now I have the Naim Dac being fed by the CD5XS

have you thought about replacing your cd5xs with the uniticore?   you would have better convenience ( all your music on your ipad) and better sound quality ( specially with hires files on the core).   I am not naim dealer,  just a suggestion.....

I had before cdx2/ xps2 and wanted to go to unitserve ( same as recent uniticore) with ndac/ xps2.   But finally found a super occasion on an nds....

HI FR no I've never thought about replacing any cd player with a uniticore or a streamer etc.  To be honest I like taking out a cd and placing it in the player.  I know that might sound a bit old-fashioned these days but I like it how it is

Nina posted:

French Rooster posted:

Nina posted:

No need to try the CDX2 now I have the Naim Dac being fed by the CD5XS

have you thought about replacing your cd5xs with the uniticore?   you would have better convenience ( all your music on your ipad) and better sound quality ( specially with hires files on the core).   I am not naim dealer,  just a suggestion.....

I had before cdx2/ xps2 and wanted to go to unitserve ( same as recent uniticore) with ndac/ xps2.   But finally found a super occasion on an nds....

HI FR no I've never thought about replacing any cd player with a uniticore or a streamer etc.  To be honest I like taking out a cd and placing it in the player.  I know that might sound a bit old-fashioned these days but I like it how it is

I'm the same. Place CD in tray, add puck, close drawer, press play.  Simples.