Flatcap XS on Naim Cd5XS

Posted by: justin65 on 10 November 2018

Hello,

I would like to share my thoughts on adding a flatcap XS to naim Cd5Xs Cd Player.  I am using standard lavender naim interconnect. I have shahinian arc speakers. First  I tried a Madonna Cd on its own. I particularly like the track Rain. When I listen to this track without the flatcap Xs it always sounded good to me but I never heard how much better it could sound.  When I added the flatcap xs I notice I have lost a bit of treble clarity. I thought this flatcap xs  is a bit disappointing but ounce the bass line kicks in oh my this track is now superb. I never thought this track could sound this good. The track is no longer two dimensional but another dimension as been added. I feel the music as now got layers to it. I am amazed that this flatcap could have such an effect on the bass and make the music so much more enjoyable. I thought it would affect an amplifiers bass but not a cd player. Its a bit like going from standard definition to high definition. The vocal is slightly taken back but there is no denying what a difference this as made to my HiFi. I have yet to try powering the nait XS Amplifier with it. I cant understand how some people have been disappointed with it. It certainly works a treat on my Hifi and is well worth the money I paid for it. Theres no going back. Thankyou naim for making my music much more pleasurable than I thought possible.

Posted on: 10 November 2018 by cdboy

Nice report JUSTIN65. Tis a great journey we are all on when it means we listen more. Nice.

Posted on: 10 November 2018 by Chag...

We all share your perceptions. Wait until you listen to music of greater quality. The FlatCap is a great PSU in its own right. This being written, the most valuable upgrades to the valiant CD5 XS are the Hi-Line and of course, the nDAC with which it has been developed and optimized ten years ago, or better, NDX-2 or ND555, alternatively the original Hugo. :] 

Chag -

Posted on: 10 November 2018 by joerand

Give yourself time, do your due diligence, listen to a wide variety of recording qualities, try the recommended HiLine as well as PowerLines and then tell us where you're at. Having been there and done it, I'd suggest the FCXS on a CD5X and Nait XS is more a temporary step on an upgrade path that will invariably lead to a SN2 or perhaps separates. Enjoy it as long as you can.

Posted on: 11 November 2018 by Christopher_M

Thank you for your enthusiastic write up Justin. I think you are going to love it when you power the preamp side of your NAIT XS from the other half of your FCXS. Please let us know how you get on.

Chris

Posted on: 11 November 2018 by justin65

hi,

Thanks for all your replies and I look forward to trying the other upgrades you mention. I will post back on the powering of the preamp section of the XS ounce I get the 2 cables I need. In the meantime as they say enjoy the music.