Naim CD Players

There are plenty of entries on this forum on exactly this topic.

CDX2 is a significant step up crom CD5XS.

Hi. Yes the CDX2 is a very big step up from the CD5XS. Indeed you will have to learn how to listen to it as so much more is revealed, which initially can be quite a shock. What is the HiCap on? Tell us about the rest of your system.

But some, like me, find the sheer delightfulness of the CD5X + FC2X, at its price, so wonderful, that it steals some of the thunder from the CDX2 (and, in fact, the CD555), despite the admitted superiority of the latter.  The 5X kills my rather good Oppo BDP-95, for example.

Owning and loving both the 5X and 555, it is the 5X that makes me smile more often, due simply to its talents in the context of its relative humility.

All good stuff.  My advice:  don’t fob off anything from Naim until you are sure you are better off with “the next upgrade”. Your taste and experience matter.

Nick

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the OP’s question is not CD5 XS vs CDX2, but rather CD5/HC2 vs CDX2?

I don’t have any insights as I have not heard a CDX2, but I run a CD5/olive SC and it is fantastic.    I too wonder how a CDX2 compares.

By today’s standards the discussion should include and refer to the nDAC where it is connected to the CD5 XS or the CDX2-2. An absolute game changer. In other terms, upgrading first to the 5XS then adding an nDAC or one of its contenders, will take this rather exceptional CDP to high end doorsteps. ????

Chag -

cdboy posted:

Hi. Yes the CDX2 is a very big step up from the CD5XS. Indeed you will have to learn how to listen to it as so much more is revealed, which initially can be quite a shock. What is the HiCap on? Tell us about the rest of your system.

I wouldn't say it's a very big step up - the CDX2 is more revealing, but the presentation is different, more forward, and some may not like it. I've had both CD5XS (with FC) and CDX2, and the CD5XS/FC is hard to beat.

Adding the nDAC is a different proposition altogether, but in the OP's case, it's irrelevant.

I chose CD5/Hicap over CDX after extensive listening. Like you I found the Hicap made a huge difference to the CD5. I then "upgraded" to CDS2/XPS and was underwhelmed by the small level of improvement. Perils of buying used without a proper dem! The CD5/Hicap is very good - if I were you I'd carry on enjoying it. 

BROOM posted:

Hi there, I am looking for some advice on Naim CD Players, I currently own a Naim CD5 and HI Cap 2, I recently part exchanged a Flatcap 2 for the Hi Cap 2 and the difference in sound especially increased clarity, presence and detail has been very surprising.  As a result I am wondering how this would stack up against a CDX2? Has anyone taken this upgrade route and did they notice a significant improvement?

Regards

BROOM

As I remember the old first generation CD5 was quite soft euphonic whereas later CD5x or /xs is more revealing, open and better overall

Personally I got tired of the brush vulgaer performance adding Hicap to a CD5/CD5x, in longer term I actually preferred a Flatcap beeing more tempered and listenable balanced, there seem to be three or four version of this psu with a very empty cabinet inside but its an affordable upgrade and various third party psu to try as well.

As some have pointed out, a CDX/CDX2 is another animal, more revealing but on the heels for someone on certain records and setups. Again it can be bettered with a separate XPS psu. A very much more expensive solution and begs the question: CDX2/XPS vs CD5XS/DAC/psu, the latter a final solution for many even the wasted electronics left in CD5XS. I have no idea if a CDX2.2 is a better transport only than CD5XS, should be considered the price diff.

Nonetheless if OP are happy with present source perhaps try to get an old CDX to try, its pretty much close to performance of CDX2, (I hope these are still to be supported.?)

How refreshing with a thread without any streaming nonsens at all

BROOM posted:

Hi there, I am looking for some advice on Naim CD Players, I currently own a Naim CD5 and HI Cap 2, I recently part exchanged a Flatcap 2 for the Hi Cap 2 and the difference in sound especially increased clarity, presence and detail has been very surprising.  As a result I am wondering how this would stack up against a CDX2? Has anyone taken this upgrade route and did they notice a significant improvement?

Regards

BROOM

Broom,

       I have not heard a CD5 with Hicap, but I moved from a CD5 to CDx2 many years ago.

      I loved the sound of the CD5 in a Nait 5 /Intro2 system, as it was just such good fun and made me smile.

     However, when the upgrade bug bit, I listened in a 202/200/Intro 2 system and the magic was gone, and it just sounded a mess. However, when the CDx2 replaced it in 202/200/Intro 2 the magic was back, and then some 

     You don't mention what system you are running your CD player in, but I suspect that that, and your personal preferences,  will determine whether a move to CDx2 will be a mess or giant step forward, as in my case,

Paul. 

Yes, I remember going from my CD5/ FC2 to CDX2. Everything just seem so right. Better timing, more details, a more visceral presentation. And having made the change, this allowed me to upgrade my amplifier above the 5 series Nait.

I tried my CD5 with a HC2. But the sound was more balanced with the FC2.

We don't hear much about CDX2 these days. But imo CDX2 NAC202, NAPSC and NAP200 is one of Naim's finest sets.

Chris

I would also advocate for an nDAC on the CD5XS - makes for a very fine player indeed. It can also be upgraded in the future (nDAC to be more precise can be ‘accessorised’ with various power supplies).

I tried a (bare) CDX2 a few years back in my 200/202/NAPSC/HC system and ultimately preferred the sound of my CD5XS/Flatcap2. I don't recall all my observations at the time, but I generally found the CDX2 somewhat "cold" (to preempt any comments, it was pre-owned and had been switched on and playing for the better part of a week), whereas the CD5XS/Flatcap2 to my ears sounded more relaxed (not to be confused with slow or not dynamic). This is, of course, highly subjective and may be down to speaker matching - mine are Audiovector S3 Avanatgarde, which are quite forward/direct - so perhaps the slightly mellower sound signature of the CD5XS/Flatcap2 was just better in my system and/or to my ears. But goes to show that perception of sound is highly subjective and dependent on system matching (and obviously room acoustics and other things). 

We had a CD5/Hi. Like you, adding the HiCap transformed the performance to an extent that we hadn't anticipated. When the CD5X came out we auditioned it against our CD5 with the HiCap on both players. The CD5X was definitely ahead, but the CD5/Hi sounded so good that we didn't think the extra was justified.We also threw in a CDX2, just for fun, to see how much more performance might (or might not) be available if we could reach further up the range. In those days the CDX2 cost £2750. The CDX2 walked it. We ordered it there and then.

cdboy posted:

Hi. Yes the CDX2 is a very big step up from the CD5XS. Indeed you will have to learn how to listen to it as so much more is revealed, which initially can be quite a shock. What is the HiCap on? Tell us about the rest of your system.

I have pmc fbi+ floorstanders, my amplification is non naim with arcam a22 fmj integrated being used as a pre amp and 2 p35 power amps being used as mono amps 100 watts rms apiece powering each speaker. I recently upgraded source interconnect din to rca chord shawline and black rhodium foxtrot speaker cable. Hi cap is just powering cd5. 

Christopher_M posted:

Yes, I remember going from my CD5/ FC2 to CDX2. Everything just seem so right. Better timing, more details, a more visceral presentation. And having made the change, this allowed me to upgrade my amplifier above the 5 series Nait.

I tried my CD5 with a HC2. But the sound was more balanced with the FC2.

We don't hear much about CDX2 these days. But imo CDX2 NAC202, NAPSC and NAP200 is one of Naim's finest sets.

Chris

Chris many thanks looks like i need to get that cdx2. I had a flatcap2 previously but found hi cap 2 has made cdp mote revealing. 

Perol posted:

BROOM posted:

Hi there, I am looking for some advice on Naim CD Players, I currently own a Naim CD5 and HI Cap 2, I recently part exchanged a Flatcap 2 for the Hi Cap 2 and the difference in sound especially increased clarity, presence and detail has been very surprising.  As a result I am wondering how this would stack up against a CDX2? Has anyone taken this upgrade route and did they notice a significant improvement?

Regards

BROOM

As I remember the old first generation CD5 was quite soft euphonic whereas later CD5x or /xs is more revealing, open and better overall

Personally I got tired of the brush vulgaer performance adding Hicap to a CD5/CD5x, in longer term I actually preferred a Flatcap beeing more tempered and listenable balanced, there seem to be three or four version of this psu with a very empty cabinet inside but its an affordable upgrade and various third party psu to try as well.

As some have pointed out, a CDX/CDX2 is another animal, more revealing but on the heels for someone on certain records and setups. Again it can be bettered with a separate XPS psu. A very much more expensive solution and begs the question: CDX2/XPS vs CD5XS/DAC/psu, the latter a final solution for many even the wasted electronics left in CD5XS. I have no idea if a CDX2.2 is a better transport only than CD5XS, should be considered the price diff.

Nonetheless if OP are happy with present source perhaps try to get an old CDX to try, its pretty much close to performance of CDX2, (I hope these are still to be supported.?)

How refreshing with a thread without any streaming nonsens at all

 

Hi there, streaming not for me, of a generation thats likes something physical! Cdx/cdx2 looks the way to go with a psu upgrade later.  Thank you for comments. 

ngarritson posted:

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the OP’s question is not CD5 XS vs CDX2, but rather CD5/HC2 vs CDX2?

I don’t have any insights as I have not heard a CDX2, but I run a CD5/olive SC and it is fantastic.    I too wonder how a CDX2 compares.

You are right, the devil is in the detail! 

I remember when I first tried a CDX in place of my CD5+Flatcap2.  It was quite a shock.  Initially I was somewhat disappointed.  The widescreen sound (rather lovely, if possibly not so accurate) of the CD5/FC2 was gone and in its place was something much more focussed. Further listening though revealed a much tighter grip on the music and with the right CD, it really got hold of rhythms and had drive in a way that was a big step up overall. Replacing the CDX with the new CDX2 brought a good degree of further refinement and greater detail to the overall sound of the CDX. The CDX2 didn't stay long though as a CDS2 suddenly came available, and was combined with the then also new XPS2.  That was a lovely CD player, until replaced by a CDS3 head unit. 

BROOM posted:

cdboy posted:

Hi. Yes the CDX2 is a very big step up from the CD5XS. Indeed you will have to learn how to listen to it as so much more is revealed, which initially can be quite a shock. What is the HiCap on? Tell us about the rest of your system.

I have pmc fbi+ floorstanders, my amplification is non naim with arcam a22 fmj integrated being used as a pre amp and 2 p35 power amps being used as mono amps 100 watts rms apiece powering each speaker. I recently upgraded source interconnect din to rca chord shawline and black rhodium foxtrot speaker cable. Hi cap is just powering cd5. 

I guess the shawline is fine and I would not expect groundbreaking diff buying a much more expensive cable for your setup, guess there are other options

Also a CDX2/XPS might be a great solution I really urge you to try, if possible, listen to a 200/202 or Supernait, maybe another older Naim amplication combo (don't steer blind on the paper watt)

Otoh if your happy with the Arcam then be it.

Went to cdx2.2 from 5xs recently and that was a huge upgrade.

I suggest to search the used good quality of CDS3. Capable CDP from Naim with relatively good price if you compare with its sound quality.