Has anyone done a comparison of the Naim CDX-2 against the Densen B-400 XS? Only asking as am trying to figue a 2-box solution for driving Obelisks and the Supernait/CDX-2 sound like it should be a perfect match, but there again Densen B-400 XS/B-150 may be better? Can't really tell until the Supernait is released, but a CD comparison would be a good start.

Why consider only naim and densen?
There's lot of other arguably better stuff to consider!

I've only heard a CDX2 once but the 400XS showed the door to a CDS2. It has done the same for most others who've done the direct comparison. I don't suppose there are many who think the CDX2 better than the CDS2.

Stevie, what's the arguably better stuff at this price point?

If there are other CD/integrated combinations able to drive a pair of Obelisks, around the 5k mark then I am keen to hear about them.... Only provisio is they must match, look simple and not be fussy - this is to be a "bedroom" system after all.

In the bedroom - Sudgen A21 & CD21 SEs. Surprisingly capapable with Obelisks (I am told, I haven't tried) and sure look the part.

Alex,
That question is one that can be discussed till the cows come home!
A few to mention are the new linn majik and the meridian players,these both have been mentioned before and both machines offer two good alternatives to your choices,depending on systems used each has it's own strength's and weaknesses.
My personal choice would be the machine i currently use,the excellent AH! NJOE TJOBE which even in it's most expensive form is only £900.00.
I chose this after auditioning all the above models and even a cds3 which also was bettered by the amazing NJOE TJOBE especially in the mid-band.

Regards

Steve

the unico cdp and integrated amp are also reputed to be giant killers. there are also numerous chinese cdp's and integrateds that offer serious bang for your buck.

Hi Jonathan,don't know where you are based, but if you are within travelling distance of Loughborough, Leics., you could call in at Derek Wittingtons current business,New Audio Frontiers. He retails Naim, Denson and Shahinian.
Regards, Chris Metcalf

What Alex said.

The Densen B150 is rated 100W into 8 ohms and 200W into 4 ohms. I don't think you'll get a doubling of power from the S-NAIT, but power is likely to be irrelevant in a bedroom system, unless you are trying to drown out naughty noises.

James

He retails Naim, Denson and Shahinian.
Regards, Chris Metcalf
Denson=Denon or Densen . Is it a mix,a new kind of another brand?;)

Chris, Loughborough is a little too far to travel for me (I live in China).

Alex, I always thought of Sugdens as being somewhat whimpy brain over brawn class-A amps. Could they really drive Obelisks? I am currently using a NAP300 with them in my main system which easily copes, but the general consensus seems to be that they do need a fair amount of grunt, even if only being used at lower volumes.

Jonathan, they do need grunt but Jason was pretty shocked at how well the Sugden Bijou amp drove them at lowish levels. I've had A21s driving Super Elves with success and the SE is gruntier than either - it drives Arcs with ease but Obs are trickier. People seem to think the Sugdens are weedy - until they try them. Can you try one? You may be pleasantly shocked. There is also the fact that Sugdens are beautifully built, reliable and very well supported (although I'm not sure about China). Given that you are in China, I'd also look at a powerful KT88 valve amp which would probably work well and cost next to nothing, but matching the CDP could be tricky - you could always paint the Densen and glue glass bottles on it.

Jonathan

I did the comparison with CDX2 +- XPS2 and CDS3. I wrote up a review but it's probably long gone from here. It may well still be on the Naim forum though. In summary I thought the 400XS was 'better' than a bare CDX2, as 'good' as the CDX2/XPS2 and 'preferable' to me but not as 'good/preferable' as the CDS3.

The 400XS sounds more like the CDS3 than the CDX2 does. I bought the Densen, not regretted it.

Regards
Steve

It sounds as though it may outperform my main system (CDS2/XPS), which would be a bit odd. Definitely one to add to the list. Any thoughts on the Densen integrated?
Although, the idea of a Supernait taking music from a digital server at equal quality does sound rather appealing to. It could do away with CD players in second (and third) systems completely. But we will have to wait to see what the reality will be.

I recommend the RGRUU NRGHRR

Once again, the RGRUU NRGHRR

Best bunch of letters I ever owned

snigger.

What's China like? Is it nice?

What's China like? Is it nice?

It keeps the tea nice and hot.

Yes, I'd love to go to China - where abouts are you Jonathan, how long have you been there?

iGary
If that was a swipe at me, the review I wrote attempted to be balanced and suggested some reasons why others may prefer the CDX2.

Jonathan
I have little experience of Densen amps. Heard them once driving Shahinian Arcs. Sounded more like a live band than most other systems I've heard but I didn't listen for long enough to come to any detailed conclusions. James moved from Naim amps to Densen and is very happy.

Regards
Steve

I have been living in Beijing for the last 3 years. And a most interesting place it is too. Lots and lots of tea, but not as we know it and not always that hot either.

If the Densen B-150 is truly based on the B-250 preamp and the B-350 monoblocks, it WILL be a killer integrated amp. If I had space for only two pieces of kit (besides my TT), it'd almost certainly be a B-400XS and a B-150. No question.

Oh, and Shanghai is absolutely mind-boggingly modern for an olde world city.

James

Shanghai certainly swings. An Olde Worlde city? It was a swamp barely 100 years ago....

Kan Man, I was simply gently jibing the very unusual name of the CDplayer, chill bela.

No worries. My bela was reasonably cool already but I've chilled it with some ice and its gone all wrinkly.

My bela has been stunned by a big bottle of leffe beer which after consumption I found was 6.6%.

Ouch.

My bela has been stunned by a big bottle of leffe beer which after consumption I found was 6.6%.
Ouch.

A friend and I were in New York about 10 years ago and found a nice bar selling local microbrews. We got the darts from behind the bar and started drinking chatting and playing darts. Neither of us a big drinkers, but we do like a pint or two occasionally.

About half way through the 3rd pint I noticed that my aim was not up to its usual low standard (I was missing the board). I went back to the bar to enquire on the strength of the "Long Island Brewery Black Chocolate Stout" we had been drinking and was somewhat surprised to find out it was 8% alcohol.

I have some memories of flagging down a yellow cab, but no memories at all of getting back to the hotel or going to bed.

Always read the label before imbibing !

My most memorable hobo moment was at the top of the French Alps in Courcheval 1550. A bar across from us did us favours in return (I worked a season) they had a drink called Mutzig.

I had three pints of this one Sunday afternoon. I remember it vividly. A new artist was on the TV swinging her stuff in a girls school uniform, Britney was her name.

Anyhow I was smashed, and just on 3 pints god dammit.

Turns out it was 9.2% But it was not that sickly tasting kind of thing you get from strong largers, had I not fallen over I would have supped it all afternoon.

Man I had to cook that night for 30 Scots as well. haha.

In which shops in England can Densen gear be compared to Naim?

I've got a horrible feeling that the answer is: there are none.

Jack

There is a place in Loughborough that has both I think.

In which shops in England can Densen gear be compared to Naim?

I've got a horrible feeling that the answer is: there are none.

Jack

The Audio Counsel, Cheadle, Cheshire you might not like it though as its up north.

Thanks for the info jimi.

I have to go to Mankychester in the nearish future and am in the process of being inoculated.

Jack

Jack, the shop also stocks Dynavector amps which are my preference try and have a listen to them too.

Okay I will do.

Jack