I'm not trying to start a flame war or anything, I'd just lke some views from owners/ex-owners/detractors with specific reference to this model. The reason I ask is that in my depressing quest for a CD player that will make me want to listen to CDs (I have about 2000) I stumbled accrss a personal review/testimonial in a New Zealand based publication, by a journalist strongly associated with vinyl playback (a Michell + valves owner like myself) who suggested that it was both very good and rather atypical in its presentation - specifically sondstage - compared to other Naim players. Everythng I've read by this guy previously has lead me to think he's a straight up music fan and he has reached similar conclusions to me about other pieces of kit. Is this BS or not? Any well informed opinions?

For context:
My Kit: Gyro/Orbe/OL-RB300/DL-110 > Glashouse TVC > WAD6550 Monitor GR10 and currently an ear piercing and abrasive Cyrus CD8/PSXR combo

Please note there are two versions of CDX2. The earlier ones had the VAM1250 transport as used in the CDS3 and the latest ones have the VAM1202 transport as used in the CD5i and CD5x. Although that's the main change, my understanding is that the later ones have had sundry minor changes to enhance their performance. I prefer the later VAM1202 model to the earlier VAM1250 model, finding they have a bit more insight, control and better balance. I think the CDX2 is an excellent machine (I own one) and possibly Naim's best value for money item (well, here in the UK) as it shows a real glimpse of the high end without being insanely priced.

That said, there are other options which are also excellent. For example, an Arcam DV139 (yes I know it's a DVD player) used with a Chord DAC64 is similar money to the CDX2 and offers much in competition to the CDX2.

Regards,
Frank.

Naim's CD5 is a very nice player s/h. Note it's not the 5i or 5x - you might try that. If, after living with it you don't like it - you could easily move it on.

The CDX2 is a nice player but has a slightly brighter and lively voicing. Some Naimees really like it, and others don't like it at all - so there is a definite sound difference over the S series.

If you are already a bit worried by the perceived brightness of CD in your system, then a CD5 might be more to your liking as it is less "in yer face" and is more relaxing without losing any involvement.

Naim's CDS2 (I have one) and 3 are both excellent but expensive.

Steve

Go Densen or Avondale instead.

Go Densen or Avondale instead.

Why? What are the specific weaknesses of the CDX2 that these alternatives can address?

Heard one last year in Audio File Cambridge.

Mindblowingly good!! :o :o

Not far from your neck of the woods so why not arrange a visit.

Regards

TC

PS sadly I could not afford one brand new...:(

I would second Alex S - I had a cdx with xps (not the 2 types) and then tried a densen Beat 400xs and an avondale ACD3, which I have kept - it is the closest to Vinyl, and miles and miles better than the cdx/xps. The Densen is also very very good, but for me, the ACD3 is the one.
Good luck in your search
Steve
PS - I have an Orbe for vinyl

That said, there are other options which are also excellent. For example, an Arcam DV139 (yes I know it's a DVD player) used with a Chord DAC64 is similar money to the CDX2 and offers much in competition to the CDX2.

Very interesting. I have an ARCAM DV29 which replaced my NAIM CDi. The ARCAM was clearly better in all areas!
Infact I have compared the ARCAM DV29 against some high end NAIM players mentioned already and while their presentation was different I prefered the ARCAM. I have an avondale GRAD 1 and mono-blocks with Isobariks.

Sorry to change the subject, perhaps a new thread is needed, what inexpensive second hand DACs could I partner with my ARCAM?? to improve the sound.
Lester

I would second Alex S - I had a cdx with xps (not the 2 types) and then tried a densen Beat 400xs and an avondale ACD3, which I have kept - it is the closest to Vinyl, and miles and miles better than the cdx/xps. The Densen is also very very good, but for me, the ACD3 is the one.
Good luck in your search
Steve
PS - I have an Orbe for vinyl

To be fair, the CDX2 is way better than the CDX.

Johnfromnorwich,

I've had a CDX2 for a little over a year and am regretting having bought it. I find the bare player with standard i/c quite irritating to listen to - its harsh and lacks detail resolution. The Hi-Line improves the detail resolution and presentation considerably and is a "must-have" upgrade. I guess many others could live with this - I want more from my Hi-Fi!

I haven't tried many other leading upmarket i/cs - you may well prefer a cheaper Chord cable to the Hi-Line which again IMHO is over-priced (as are a lot of other cables). A lot of the difference between these high-end i/cs is to do with tonal balance and that's a matter of personal preference so if I were you i'd try 2 or 3 and see what you like.

I've also recently tried the XPS2 and this changed the presentation markedly - more extended, precise bass, more weight over-all in the sound and better detail resolutions. Again, many apparently like this but in the end I thought the music lacked life and sparkle and the performance for a CD player at £6.1k with Hi-Line was not good VFM.

The performance was certainly way behind my turntable which is a low spec LP12.

Anyway, I'm now about to try some other CDPs to see whether I can get better performance at a sub £3k price.

Good luck!

[QUOTE=tommy_c;414541]Heard one last year in Audio File Cambridge.

Mindblowingly good!! :o :o

QUOTE]

Well I actually envy you because if you think a CDX2 is good then wait 'til you hear a good vinyl replay system which is better in every way - detail, dynamics, soundstage and shear musicality!

Audio File would agree I'm sure!

Another recommendation for the Densen B-400xs. To hear one is to want one..

Lefty

SteveS1 - I have never heard a CDX2, and hope I was fairly clear that mine was a humble cdx...

I heard the CDX2 around the time I was ready to upgrade from my CDX. It makes you want to reach for an XPS2 to make it work properly. I bought the Linn Majik because I felt for £800 less it outperformed it even with the the XPS2.

CD players seem to have come along nicely in the last four years since the CDX2 was launched and I really think Naim could do with updating it and make it work well without the offboard power supply. Modern CD players can sound dynamic, tuneful and time well. This used to be an exclusively Naim trait but isn't any more.

The Densen B400XS is also a fantastic player but is soon to be replaced by the B420 and B440.

Thanks for the many and varied respnses. I'd be interested to know whether those who rate the CDX2 (or indeed the CD5) use this as a primary soure or whether they are primarily vinyl based.

PhilP has summed up my dilema nicely - I've owned several CD players but every one has been outclassed by whatever turntable I had at the time. The turntable always cost a lot less than the CD player too. I ca lie with a few pops and clicks but not with ear shredding treble! I probably never would have bought a CD player at all if the quality and availibility of vinyl hadn't nosedived so badly in the early 90s (i.e. pre-internet/direct sales). Now, I can't afford double what a Gyro/Orbe hybrid costs! So I was hoping for something with similar musicality, enough welly for well recrded rock music and a reasonably expansive soundstage - something the CDX2 was decsribed as having. The point of my original post was that soundstaging in particular isn't something I'd ever associated with Naim kit but the recommendation I'd had seemed solid (I contacted the author direct and he stands by his comments a year later - and still owns the player).

All I want is to listen to music that sound like music!!!

Hi johnfromnorwich
I am in Sydney and I will soon have a mint CD5 for sale. I will also have an equally mint hicap to partner it up for grabs.
This is a very highly rearded combo in many peoples eyes so if you are interested in a solution that will not cost silly money perhaps this is for you.
Take a look on the Naim forum and search for CD5 Hicap, this should give you plenty of comparisons, throw "vs" into the search for even more.
If you want to give me a call I am on 0414 470 777.
Incidently I also have a 4 week old Nait 5i if anyone is interested?
Cheers

Gareth

I would agree with the previous posters as regards recommendations.. Coming from slightly left field perhaps, I would personally also recommend two Sony ES players, one still current (just) and the other probably only second hand now.

The XA-9000ES was/is a superb player, with exceptionally high quality DAC's and transport; but recently discontinued new. It is an CD/SACD player, and very highly regarded/reviewed.

The other, is the 9100ES CD/SACD/DVD player, which should still be available new in NZ. I use one myself, although using it as a transport with the IEEE 1394 interface with a digital amp, but the DACS are still very high quality, albeit arguably not up to the same standard as the ones in the XA.

However, a while back, a forum member here posted about replacing his Naim CDS3 with the 9100ES and preferring the results. The rest of his kit was 552/500/DBL's as I recall. So even allowing for personal opinion, I think it could be said it most certainly holds it's own with players that have much more expensive price tags, and perhaps reputation.

IMHO and experience, it sounds closer to vinyl, and much more like music than the Naim players (having owned one as well as hearing all the range)

But I do think any of the recommendations are all very good. And don't discount having an listen to the CDX2, as YOU might really take to it.

HTH

All the best

John..:cool:

I was an earlyish pioneer of non naim CDP's

I've auditioned the CDXII and to me it just has something not quite right about it that I can't quite put my finger on. (and adding the XPSII doesn't make it go away)

The CDS3 on the other hand is perfectly acceptable, though has never been raced directly against what I own Which is a TAG DVD32R + Benchmark DAC (used to have a Chord DAC64)

Given that a 2nd user DVD32R (get the later one with the Sanyo transport) and a brand new bencmark DAC could be had for a comarable price to a 2nd user CDXII I'd say it was a no brainer.

Also don't overlook the Linn Majik (though you'll probably need to buy that new) which will also see of a CDXII (with or without XPSII).

I was an earlyish pioneer of non naim CDP's

I've auditioned the CDXII and to me it just has something not quite right about it that I can't quite put my finger on. (and adding the XPSII doesn't make it go away)

....

Also don't overlook the Linn Majik (though you'll probably need to buy that new) which will also see of a CDXII (with or without XPSII).


I agree there's something not quite right about the CDX2 which can sound very good with the XPS2+ Hi-Line (for a CDP) on some pieces and then really disappointing on others - and its not just the recording?

By coincidence I picked up a Majik today to try out against the CDX2. Too early yet to have a firm opinion especially as the dealer kindly lent me a Nordost Baldur i/c along with it which complicates matters.

So far I would say the Majik+Baldur has a more forward presentation (which my wife likes) and vocals are portayed more sympathetically versus CDX2+std i/c harshness and occasional shout. On the other hand the CDX2+standard i/c gives more weight and richness to the music while the Majik+Baldur is brighter/lighter.

PRaT ... not really noticed much difference between the two but I've only listened to fairly laid-back music so far.

This discussion is bizarre. Vinyl is great but, sadly, no longer seriously available. It's time to move on. My journey thru CDi -> cds2->cds3 etc. has been fascinating and every bit value for money. It's all about enjoying music.

I'm glad that someone else agrees with me about the Linn Majik. I recently went to New Audio Frontiers in Loughborough with my Linn to hear it in conjunction with Densen amps and the Piega TS5 speakers that I've just bought, and Derek the dealer there was very impressed with the Majik and rated it on a par with the Densen B400XS for musical communication. How refreshingly honest from a dealer who doesn't stock what you own!

He did, rightfully state that he'd need to hear the two players side-by-side before forming a definitive judgement but suggested that perhaps the Linn was perhaps a little "drier" than the Densen player and adding words to the effect that this wasn't a bad thing just that the differences, as I infered were merely issues of of presentation. This I find comforting in a way because it means I can climb the (rather steep) Densen amplifier upgrade path that will enble my new speakers to really sing in a way that is musical rather than hi-fi.

I've reason to believe that Sony can deliver the goods re. musicality from its CD players in the ES range.

This discussion is bizarre. Vinyl is great but, sadly, no longer seriously available. It's time to move on. My journey thru CDi -> cds2->cds3 etc. has been fascinating and every bit value for money. It's all about enjoying music.


I think that if you are a contemporary music buyer and listener you simply have to embrace CD players as your primary source at least. Whilst vinyl can be ultimately more satisfying to those with an already established record collection, there are CD players out there that can convey the musical message rather succinctly provided you choose your player with care and listening to the bloody things - both in the dealer dem room and at home before you commit yourself. CD when done right can be ultimately even more satisfying than vinyl given its potential for a bigger dynamic range as well as the fact that it will play the music collection you own and can readily expand upon.

So far I would say the Majik+Baldur has a more forward presentation (which my wife likes) and vocals are portayed more sympathetically versus CDX2+std i/c harshness and occasional shout. On the other hand the CDX2+standard i/c gives more weight and richness to the music while the Majik+Baldur is brighter/lighter.


With the Linn you can explore various mains cable and interconnect options that still leave you with change compared to the Naim player.

The upper bass/lower mid of the Linn can seem a bit reticent compared to the Naim unless you are prepared to spend about £600 on interconnects/ mains lead. I use a Music Works Recoil lead (£200) and a Siltech SQ28 i/c (£400) with my Linn Majik and these pretty well sort out the tonal balance issues as well as actually allowing more info through rather than just acting as tone controls.

Although I've not heard their latest offerings, I'm not a fan of Nordost having found their wares to be detail-meisters at the expense of coherence and even-handedness that should give you musical enjoyment over high-fidelity prowess.

Hi John. I've had had several CD players in recent years. These included a Sony 555ES, which was a very good player with superb build quality, but left me feeling that I could do a bit better sonically. Next I tried an Arcam DV29, which again was a very good & versatile machine, playing not only CD but upscaled video as well. ( The manual is also VERY easy to understand, as it was almost certainly written by someone who speaks English as their first language.) I've always fancied a Wadia, after reading about how good they were, so did a dem of Wadia 302 vs Ayre. The wadia was a very impressive player, producing bass like no other I've heard & was also very well engineered. I saw one ex-dem for £3000 so took the plunge. After living with it for a while, there were certain things that I found annoying ie the digital volume control, which works by discarding bits of information to reduce the vol. & a bit of audiophile paranoia crept in. This also reverts to zero every time you power it off. In practice, you have to keep the CD vol. at max & rely on your pre amp to set the level. My player also had remote control software issues, ie IT decided when it would work & when it wouldn't. Even when it would work, you had to be quite near to the machine & directly in front of it. Eventually I've ended up with a CDX2 which I'm using without PSU at the moment. It is the best player I've heard by a long way. Wadia bass control & more. I can honestly say that there's nothing I don't like about the CDX2, it sounds fantastic within the context of my system. (Bryston / Wilson Benesch) If you like how it sounds in your system, my advice is to go for it.

The CDS3 on the other hand is perfectly acceptable, though has never been raced directly against what I own Which is a TAG DVD32R + Benchmark DAC (used to have a Chord DAC64)


Could you elaborate a bit more ref your Benchmark DAC1 please? How did it differ to the CHORD DAC64?

I have an ARCAM DV29 which I use for CD playback and am extremely impressed with. I am wondering if connecting a DAC would improve it?

The only experience I have with DACs was when I bought a used NAIM CDi in 1997 and compared it with a LINN two box player. I considered the CDi a better sounding player at the time - this is a long time ago now though.

This discussion is bizarre. Vinyl is great but, sadly, no longer seriously available. It's time to move on. My journey thru CDi -> cds2->cds3 etc. has been fascinating and every bit value for money. It's all about enjoying music.

Bunkum. I principally buy brand new vinyl - several slabs a week. Practically everything I'm interested in listening to is readily available on vinyl, often issued on vinyl as the 'first release' with CD to follow or at least given equal billing. Pressing quality is way-up compared to te late 80s/early 90s, with many releases coming on 180g/vigin vinyl as standard. CD is something I accomodate - I have about 2000 of them but rarely buy them new unless there is no altenative. I have yet to find a CD player that does alow me to just enjoy the music - hence this thread!

I used to use a CDX2 - hated it! Far too brash. Moved on to Densen 400XS - far superior and more vinyl sounding.Now using Resolution Audio Opus 21.The best CD player I have found at the price point.Very smooth and detailed - more so than even the Densen.Try it!

Don't do anything until you have heard a Rega Saturn, I have heard one through a pair of active Genelec monitors, that really take no prisoners and it was excellent. The top end in particular is the best I have heard from CD.

Since the early nineties I have stuck to a Micromega Solo because nothing really comprehensively beat it all round. The Saturn does and much to my surprise I am now contemplating spending serious money on a silver beer mat spinner.

Accuphase prices have come down a bit. That is something worth investigating...

I'm talking about when you've reached a certain minimum level. I'll explain.

Do you notice that most folks tend to be satisfied with whatever cd player they have around and only replace them when they break? Only people who "worry" about the sound that they are hearing tend to go through upgrade cycles. BTW, I am NOT criticizing those who upgrade.

I'm talking about the key to satisfaction and enjoyment.

So many of the players mentioned on this thread are excellent. Including the CDX2. I cannot understand why anyone would not be satisfied with one. Actually, I can, and it has nothing to do with the performance of the player, in absolute terms. It has EVERYTHING to do with the owners expectation. Do a google search on "Kano Model". This Japanese writer created a very useful model for describing customer satisfaction and correlating it to expecation. If performance matches expectation, the customer is satisfied. If performance exceeds expectation, the customer is delighted--if it is lower than expectation, the customer is dissatisfied. Sounds simple, doesn't it.

I think the key to enjoying any of these players is to find one that meets your expectations, then set it and Forget IT. You can live with almost anything for a long, long time if you just stop worrying about it. Stop auditioning cd players! Buy tons of new music!

Getting back to the cdx2, I think it is brilliant. I would love to have one.

Sign me,
Rambling a bit this morning,
Markus

If performance matches expectation, the customer is satisfied. If performance exceeds expectation, the customer is delighted--if it is lower than expectation, the customer is dissatisfied. Sounds simple, doesn't it.

Yes & it really is that simple.

I think the key to enjoying any of these players is to find one that meets your expectations, then set it and Forget IT. You can live with almost anything for a long, long time if you just stop worrying about it.

Also perfectly true, but "worrying about it" is sadly par for the course for a significant proportion of hi-fi forums users.

Been there, got the t-shirt, moved on ..... ;)

I'm talking about when you've reached a certain minimum level. I'll explain.

Do you notice that most folks tend to be satisfied with whatever cd player they have around and only replace them when they break? Only people who "worry" about the sound that they are hearing tend to go through upgrade cycles. BTW, I am NOT criticizing those who upgrade.

I'm talking about the key to satisfaction and enjoyment.

So many of the players mentioned on this thread are excellent. Including the CDX2. I cannot understand why anyone would not be satisfied with one. Actually, I can, and it has nothing to do with the performance of the player, in absolute terms. It has EVERYTHING to do with the owners expectation. Do a google search on "Kano Model". This Japanese writer created a very useful model for describing customer satisfaction and correlating it to expecation. If performance matches expectation, the customer is satisfied. If performance exceeds expectation, the customer is delighted--if it is lower than expectation, the customer is dissatisfied. Sounds simple, doesn't it.

I think the key to enjoying any of these players is to find one that meets your expectations, then set it and Forget IT. You can live with almost anything for a long, long time if you just stop worrying about it. Stop auditioning cd players! Buy tons of new music!

Getting back to the cdx2, I think it is brilliant. I would love to have one.

Sign me,
Rambling a bit this morning,
Markus

Yeah - that relevant all right. I studied experimental consumer psychology as a postgraduate - manipulation (up AND down) of expectation is something I'm pretty familiar with. Alas in this case I have an objective comparison: the enjoyment I get from music played on my turntable!! I'd have thought that a Cyrus CD8/PSXR ought to have kept me occupied for a good number of years - I'd previously owned and been happy with other kit by that manufacuturer and it certainly wasn't cheap. But all their talk of 96khz/24 bit dual mono DACs and 'significant' improvements arising from the PSXR really upped what I was expecting. Plus an element of 'top of the range' syndrome (or as Peggy Lee would have it 'is that all there is?'). What I hear isn't so far from my 10yr old mission DAD5 via a 15yr old Meridian 203. Different, but not actually that much better. If I can't get something that is at least in the same ballpark as my vinyl rig, then I may as well give up. If something exists that I can't afford - well that's a different story... I can aim for what I can't afford, but I can't buy what doesn't exist no matter how much I save.

Now. Will a CDX2 satisfy me? That is the question.

Now. Will a CDX2 satisfy me? That is the question.

best you go listen to one then and stop procrastinating

;)

Now. Will a CDX2 satisfy me? That is the question.

John,

I'm sure you know this anyway, but you really need to try one on extended trial in your own home with a Hi-Line. It really does make a big difference. I only listened in the shop - big mistake...

Don't expect much in terms of soundstage, dynamics or detail resolution and you won't be disappointed.

Having bought the CDX2 I could live with it if I have to (assuming I also have a Hi-Line) but my suspicion is that its possible to find an equally or even more acceptable alternative at a lower price.

Given that you enjoy vinyl so much maybe you could buy a (much) cheaper alternative and accept that CD will be a second source? I'm considering that option.

The funny thing with my LP12 is that I don't feel any urge to tweak it or upgrade its sounds fine anyway. With CD I have a constant feeling that the sound isn't right and a consequent urge to fiddle..

best you go listen to one then and stop procrastinating

;)

If only. I'm living in North Wales (nr Bangor) at the moment so not I'm not exactly dealer-rich and although I get over to York fairly regularly (and Sound Organisation stock a pretty wide range of Naim kit), I'd be pretty reluctant to make a decision on a dealer demo. I'm pretty sure no Naim dealer would be able to match my system. This would have to be a speculative, 2nd hand, purchase, then sell it on if I don't like it. One advantage of Naim is that the s/h market is pretty stable!

If demoing was easy, I'd have just gone out and done it right away.

With the Linn you can explore various mains cable and interconnect options that still leave you with change compared to the Naim player.

The upper bass/lower mid of the Linn can seem a bit reticent compared to the Naim unless you are prepared to spend about £600 on interconnects/ mains lead. I use a Music Works Recoil lead (£200) and a Siltech SQ28 i/c (£400) with my Linn Majik and these pretty well sort out the tonal balance issues as well as actually allowing more info through rather than just acting as tone controls.

Although I've not heard their latest offerings, I'm not a fan of Nordost having found their wares to be detail-meisters at the expense of coherence and even-handedness that should give you musical enjoyment over high-fidelity prowess.

Steve,

thanks for the info.

This was my first serious exposure to Nordost cables (i've heard them in demos) and I'm a bit bemused by the experience. As you say, plenty of detail but the overall sound is confused. I've heard that the Baldur is not one of their generally favoured cables and I can't comment on the rest of the range.

I will follow up on Siltech - did you get your cable through RT Services?

Thanks,

PhilP

Well there are plenty of CDX2s available s/h at the moment...

John,

The funny thing with my LP12 is that I don't feel any urge to tweak it or upgrade its sounds fine anyway. With CD I have a constant feeling that the sound isn't right and a consequent urge to fiddle..

The funnier thing is that a friend of mine with a midrnage LP12 setup swears that his new Talk Thunder 3.1 CD is better in every sense with his current setup Plinius 9200 and Proac SC1...

"The funnier thing is that a friend of mine with a midrnage LP12 setup swears that his new Talk Thunder 3.1 CD is better in every sense with his current setup Plinius 9200 and Proac SC1..."

He should funnily have his LP12 tuned up by a pro.

And then the real fun can start.

Oz

Well there are plenty of CDX2s available s/h at the moment...

What does that tell you?

I got my Siltech interconnects from Audio works in Cheadle in Cheshire - one of the best hi-fi dealers on this planet.

Now. Will a CDX2 satisfy me? That is the question.

It's a great cdp, especially with a hiline. My cdx2/xps2/hiline satisfies me. I do not intend to go any higher for cd replay. I am a music streaming convert using Squeezebox3/Benchmark Dac1/Chord Chrysalis. This £900 outlay (plus a low spec computer) compares favourably with my £6000 cd front end. With hind sight I would not have spent so much on a cd player.

Keith

My ususal reponse on this one. I heard the Naim player sound a lot worse than the Creek CD50. A lot worse. And over £2k cheaper.

I am a music streaming convert using Squeezebox3/Benchmark Dac1/Chord Chrysalis.
Keith

Keith,

did you try other i/cs than the Chrysalis with the Dac1? Chrysalis seems to me to have both frequency extremes rolled off. Is this something youo felt necessary/desirable with the dac?

Thx

I agree with Mr McGarry.

Well there are plenty of CDX2s available s/h at the moment...

I wonder why.

did you try other i/cs than the Chrysalis with the Dac1? Chrysalis seems to me to have both frequency extremes rolled off. Is this something youo felt necessary/desirable with the dac?

Thx

No intent to roll off frequency extremes. It's just a cable I had lying around since the 80's and I like it.

Keith

I wonder why.

I think I may've missed the boat though! In fact the s/h high end market looks pretty dry all round (must be the weather). A couple of the units that were up on thi board are now on ebay, at least one is 'collect only' (I don't mind doing this IF I'm demoing and making a decision, but for a blind, cash only sale it seems a bit risky) and the other had only 1 bid (reserve not met). The only other one I can find, I've PM'd about but got no reply. Time to think again perhaps. Couple of CD5s around, bit of a quality drop maybe but resale might be easier if I don't like it. Hmmm.

Like most other things it’s totally subjective and you’ll only know for sure if you listen at length at home. I started with a CD5 and Hi Capped it to great effect. Whilst the two box solution was better to my ears, it cost more and the bare CD5 still represented good VFM. I went CDX2 after that having availed myself of the opportunity of listening to just about every other CDP in that price range that I could get my ears on. I think the CDX2 is a very musical player and have not found it harsh or difficult to listen to – quite the opposite.

We added an XPS2 two years back for not so much an upgrade as a complete transformation. Again, it’s a case of each to their own and the cost is considerable. But the results are justified to us. Much greater detail and resolution but still essentially musical.

It could be that nearly four years down the road from buying one that the CDX2 is now left behind by some of its better peers. Such is the way of the audio world. But I feel no desire to tweak it, upgrade it or get rid of it. To our ears, in our system and most importantly of all in our room, it clicks and delivers. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for audition. But if you’re buying blind it’s a recipe for possible disaster – a situation that you can’t blame any CDP for. I wish you luck with it.

Cheers

just my 2 pence, or 5 cents.

I had a CD2 and due to worries about transport reliability sold it on and upgraded/bought a used leter model CDX. I wish I had not, there was something quite special about the CD2 that the CDX did not have for me. Maybe it was an artificial (could even have been distortion, who knows) sound that the CD2 added? to CD playback but it make CD's much more tolerable as compaired to the LP12/ARo/Armageddon.

I think the CD2X is better than both the CD2 and CDX

Adam

Crikey, looks like the general consensus is that they are shit.

I better sell mine then.

I just upgraded from a Naim CD5x to a CDX2 in the last couple of days. The CDX2 was a demo so it’s run in. The rest of my system is: 200-202-NAPSC2-hiline IC-Spendor S8e. I also have a dedicated AC line and the room is treated acoustically. It’s fully dedicated to audio (there are a few advantages to being single).

In brief, the CDX2 is a bit forward (though not bright – the upper frequency range seems natural versus the rest and is not emphasized). It is also very fast, taut, resolute and revealing. Timbres are on the lean side, although smooth and natural. It doesn’t make a bad recording sound good, either. However, to it’s credit it isn’t ruthless in that regard like a lot of audiophilia. I can listen for extended periods and not be fatigued, and I’m sensitive to that.

The thing I like about it is that it conveys the intent and emotion of the music very well. It gets out of the way in spite of it’s voicing, whereas the CD5x mostly kept me knowing I was listening to reproduced music. For the first time I find it easy to simply listen to the music, whether it’s with my emotions or with an analytical perspective. So for this reason it’s worth the cost to me.

Here’s the thing I realized last night – if you want rhythmic precision (i.e., “it keeps the tune”) coupled with the resolution and insight that big money buys you in a cd player, this is the end result. There’s other ways to achieve that insight and emotional bond, which is why Naim isn’t for everyone (witness the opinions on this forum). I suspect from what I’ve heard of Cyrus that what the CDX2 will give you over your current front end is the rhythmic nuance and “soul” you’re seeking, albeit in a similar “lean and mean” context.

The cdx2 was/is a good player,of course a p/s or better interconnect/mains lead improves matters but then we are talking serious money.

The AH! NJOE TJOEB range of players work very well and punch well above their own weight,in reference form they are still well under a grand and sound a lot more "Full bodied"and natural to the Naim players.

Try to get to hear one,you will not be dissapointed.

Naimwise, went from CD5i -> CD5 -> CD5+HiCap2 -> CDX2 -> CDX2+XPS2, the step from CD5+Hicap2 to bare CDX2 was huge improvement, although different presentation.

I am glad with what I have, no desire at the moment to get 555PS or Hiline, but probably in the distant future I would like CDS3. It does symphonic and opera better than CDX2, and probably piano solo as well. I briefly auditioned CDS3 twice.

I use Rega P3 / DL110/ P-75 for LP records playback and I can say that in my system recordings made in 1960-ies - 70-ies sound better on vinyl by a small margin (depends on the original recording and mastering), but modern recordings sound better on CDs by very large margin. I am not talking about Pet Shop Boys type recordings but modern recordings of the classical music mostly.

I think the choice of CDP would depends on what type of music you are listening.

Please note that my 'final judgement' is made in the context of Naim amps and speakers, so it might be very different with other components. Try to listen before you buy.

I probably use the version of CDX2 with the latest transport, but I am not sure, I bought it new one year ago.

Please note that my 'final judgement' is made in the context of Naim amps and speakers, so it might be very different with other components.


Whereas our CDX2/XPS2 lives in an otherwise non Naim system. Between acquiring the CDX2 and adding the XPS2 we upgraded the amp. A procession of various combinations of black and green boxes were auditioned at the dealers and at home. None of them worked to our complete liking in our room. This came as a surprise. But a negative result is still a result and we found our jollies elsewhere – eventually.

So there we have it – a view from the other side, so to speak.

Cheers

I use Rega P3 / DL110/ P-75 for LP records playback and I can say that in my system recordings made in 1960-ies - 70-ies sound better on vinyl by a small margin (depends on the original recording and mastering), but modern recordings sound better on CDs by very large margin. I am not talking about Pet Shop Boys type recordings but modern recordings of the classical music mostly.

That's a bit of a worry. I had a P3 for 10 years prior to my Michell and although I really rated it, the Michell absolutely wipes the floor with it in every respect (as I'd hope, given the price differential). If a 3K player is still pipped by a P3 then I'm at a loss.


I think the choice of CDP would depends on what type of music you are listening.

Just 'music'. Not much 'classical' as such (I'd certainly struggle to call it 'pop'), but a lot of very well recorded / mastered material . It's largely devoid of the compression / boosting that seems to plague anything targeted towards mainstream radio. A good deal of acoustic music, some baroque/folk, electronic music, plus a good deal of leftfield rock. If it's unified by anything, then it's the complex inteplay between a relatively small number of instruments - this is why I thought Naim might be a good option. But I need a certain amount of 'grunt' as well.

In brief, the CDX2 is a bit forward (though not bright – the upper frequency range seems natural versus the rest and is not emphasized). It is also very fast, taut, resolute and revealing. Timbres are on the lean side, although smooth and natural. It doesn’t make a bad recording sound good, either. However, to it’s credit it isn’t ruthless in that regard like a lot of audiophilia. I can listen for extended periods and not be fatigued, and I’m sensitive to that.

Greg, IMO that's a very good description of how the CDX2 sounds and I agree it can sound very good on some recordings. However, "smooth and natural" are not adjectives I would ever apply to a bare CDX2. Just shows how perceptions differ.

Also, on your last point re. fatigue. I do find the player harsh and often just can't bear to listen to it - though for me this is a problem with CDPs generally.

I've had a Linn Majik on loan this week and the comparison with the CDX2 has been quite enlightening. The Majik is brighter and more forward and at first sounded too bright though this turned out to be the Nodost Baldur i/c the dealer supplied which I quickly switched out for a Chrysalis.

The Majik showed some very clear strengths being nicely detailed across the frequency range with a forward midrange which portayed vocals in a far more pleasant way than the CDX2 and portrayed a more open soundstage. Overall it was far 'nicer' to listen to.

However, switching back to the CDX2 clearly revealed the Naim machine to be more exciting and engaging - more dynamic with a weightier, darker sound and clearer separation between instruments which I preferred...most of the time.

My wife preferred the more open sound of the Linn.

If we'd been starting from scratch I think we may well have ended up with the Linn saving £1,000 (100+ CDs!) but as I already own the CDX2 it doesn't really make sense to sell it and move sideways.

The CDX2 is a frustrating machine - a real love and hate relationship all the time from one track to the next. I like the excitement but hate the harshness/leanness

In the end I decided to stick with the CDX2... unless my wife really objects...

PhilP and johnfromnorwich:

After posting my first response I read over all of the previous (and very conflicting) responses in this thread. My curiosity suitably sparked (though I know Naim is often reviled on this forum just for being Naim), I re-read the CDX review on Stereophile.com (they’re useful for something these days) then did searches on the CDX2 on the Naim- and audioasylum forums.

Opinions remain divided across the spectrum.

However, I was able to conclude that the CDX2 is archetypical Naim and thus “controversial”. Like its predecessor the CDX, it is simply full-on NAIM in presentation (although more refined overall, apparently). By virtue of keeping up with current D/A chip technology, it is also very revealing. All of this means that, like other Naim components, it is sensitive to AC mains quality, placement (equipment racking) and cabling. I own a Hi-line, Naca5, a Cablepro NANA power bar and a Quadraspire Q4 with Neuance isolation platforms. All of these IMO are critical to achieving the best out of Naim gear (especially the mid-level stuff) without the harshness, especially the Q4 with Neuance.

Unlike the lower-end and top tier Naim players (which are respectively easier-going and more organic), the CDX2 I think was designed STRICTLY for a Naim system. It’s been said often that Naim CD players work best with Naim preamps and the CDX2 is pure case in point.

By the source-first orthodoxy, the “archetypical” CDX2 has a profound influence on flat-earth aspects. My system with the CD5x sounded merely like good “solid state” to my ears. That was with a Nait5i, 122-150 and even 200-202. I couldn’t understand the big deal of this whole flat-earth thing. NOW I UNDERSTAND with the CDX2.

Back to what I was saying about my CD5x context. The CDX2 is more refined, forward, natural and pacey than the CD5x. It is smooth – in the context of the CD5x. Is it smooth in comparison to a Meridian (or even Linn)? Perhaps not, but this is irrelevant to me since I own a Naim system and we’re talking system synergy. I don’t find it harsh at all. I’ve owned a lot of equipment over the years before going Naim (e.g., Rega, Creek, Alchemist, Simaudio, Roksan) and I can say that your typical CD recordings are harsh. This is the true problem. At least Naim players typically aren’t so ruthless like other players.

I bet the Hi-line is critical for achieving the best out of a CDX2 since it’ll reveal the “flaws” in non-Naim interconnects in the same way that non-Naim speaker cables always sacrifice certain musicality aspects in Naim systems to improve on one or two things like soundstaging or resolution.

Sometimes I think even “flat earthers” get too caught up in the audiophile “rat race” whether they realize it or not. Expectations are killer and are often set too high. Witness the arguments on this forum. When we stop listening to the music in preference to listening to the components or the flaws in musical reproduction (which are always BIG compared to live music), all is lost. At least Naim has its priorities in the right place these days. Do crap CD’s sound crap through a CDX2? Yes, I suppose, at least to some degree in my system. But I already know they’re crap since I’ve owned a lot of them for ages and have heard them through other (non-Naim) cd players. At least the CDX2 is able to convey the musical message in spite of the recordings unlike the other players (CD5x included most of the time).

I've had a Linn Majik on loan this week and the comparison with the CDX2 has been quite enlightening. The Majik is brighter and more forward and at first sounded too bright though this turned out to be the Nodost Baldur i/c the dealer supplied which I quickly switched out for a Chrysalis.


The Chrysalis interconnect would seriously hold back a Majik especially where instrument separation is concerned. I found the CDX2 to be dynamically rather flat in comparison and slightly off the pace using Siltech interconnects (Paris and SQ28) with both players.

PhilP and johnfromnorwich:

... it is simply full-on NAIM in presentation (although more refined overall, apparently). By virtue of keeping up with current D/A chip technology, it is also very revealing. All of this means that, like other Naim components, it is sensitive to AC mains quality, placement (equipment racking) and cabling. I own a Hi-line, Naca5, a Cablepro NANA power bar and a Quadraspire Q4 with Neuance isolation platforms. All of these IMO are critical to achieving the best out of Naim gear (especially the mid-level stuff) without the harshness, especially the Q4 with Neuance.



Greg, again I agree with most of what you say. The CDX2 is a sensitive piece of kit and there are significant benefits to be gained by paying attention to cabling, support, mains etc (BTW, I found the Majik to be far less sensitive though there were clear differences between the three i/cs I tried. I'm sure Steve is right that there are better matches than Chrysalis but I wanted to try something fairly neutral).

Anyway, I went Hi-Line, Hydra, Fraim and each made a significant difference. No NACA as I have WB speakers and the combination isn't a happy one. I had some well run-in Chord Epic on trial for a couple of weeks and this worked well in my system - I may well go down that route now I know I'm sticking with the CDX2. (BTW, The Epic didn't work so well with my LP12 sucking some of the life out of the mid-range so this will a difficult choice to make).

Re. expectations. I think a large part of my discontent with my CD playing system was that I'd been expecting a lot more from a £3k CDP. I don't think I would have been happy no matter which player I'd bought. I've now got a better idea of what's possible from the CD format and have accepted that its never going to deliver what I get from vinyl.

PhilP

My findings are kinda the flip side of yours Greg, which I guess only goes to show how many variables are at work. We couldn't make our CDX2 work in our room with Naim amplificatioon, but the CDS3 never sounded better to me than when it was on the front of a Naim set up. I feel for anyone who doesn't have the time or facilities to take equipment home for a good audition.

Cheers

Originally Posted by johnfromnorwich
"Now. Will a CDX2 satisfy me? That is the question."


As I said on page 1 get yourself to AudioFile in Cambridge and find out...

Do it...

Now!

;)

TC

My findings are kinda the flip side of yours Greg, which I guess only goes to show how many variables are at work. We couldn't make our CDX2 work in our room with Naim amplificatioon, but the CDS3 never sounded better to me than when it was on the front of a Naim set up. I feel for anyone who doesn't have the time or facilities to take equipment home for a good audition.

Cheers

Harry,

How exactly did the CDX2 sound in your room? Your response suggests it sounded too soft or boring.

Originally Posted by johnfromnorwich
"Now. Will a CDX2 satisfy me? That is the question."


As I said on page 1 get yourself to AudioFile in Cambridge and find out...

Do it...

Now!

;)

TC

Erm. It's a five hour drive from here. I may make it t Sound Organisation in York in the next coupe of weeks though.

Err

I see...

I'm afraid your handle is somewhat misleading

ie John from NORWICH

NORWICH IS 45 MINUTES FROM CAMBRIDGE


nevermind, good luck in arranging a dem: you will be impressed

TC

Err

I see...

I'm afraid your handle is somewhat misleading

ie John from NORWICH

NORWICH IS 45 MINUTES FROM CAMBRIDGE


nevermind, good luck in arranging a dem: you will be impressed

TC

Earlier in the thread

If only. I'm living in North Wales (nr Bangor) at the moment so not I'm not exactly dealer-rich and although I get over to York fairly regularly (and Sound Organisation stock a pretty wide range of Naim kit), I'd be pretty reluctant to make a decision on a dealer demo. I'm pretty sure no Naim dealer would be able to match my system. This would have to be a speculative, 2nd hand, purchase, then sell it on if I don't like it. One advantage of Naim is that the s/h market is pretty stable!

If demoing was easy, I'd have just gone out and done it right away.

The handle is due to having lived all over the place and having a common name....as in This is John...from Norwich. It stuck about 15 years ago - it isn't just an online thing. Actually, I used to live in Cambridge (for 4 years) and I vowed never to return. S.O. might be able to help - friendly peple but the shop is always logjammed at weekends. This is a perennial problem for us audiofools who live out in the styx. I'll sort it out eventually.

Harry,

How exactly did the CDX2 sound in your room? Your response suggests it sounded too soft or boring.

With Naim amplification the sound was lumpy and leaden in the lower registers and quite wonderful in the mid. Very frustrating. We experimented for a few days but in retrospect it was never going to work in our room.

Going down from a 250 to a 200 removed density but still wouldn’t play bass rhythmically. Not the result I was expecting!

Which just goes to show….

Cheers

With Naim amplification the sound was lumpy and leaden in the lower registers and quite wonderful in the mid. Very frustrating. We experimented for a few days but in retrospect it was never going to work in our room.

Going down from a 250 to a 200 removed density but still wouldn’t play bass rhythmically. Not the result I was expecting!

Which just goes to show….

Cheers

Harry,

That is very odd. For me, going from CD5x (with- and without FC2) to the CDX2 was a revelation with respect to timing, bass resolution and coherency. This is with a 200-202 amplification. The CDX2 is a bit "leaner" in the bass than the CD5x. Or, more likely, the CD5x is a bit slow and soggy, at least for my tastes.

Not surprising.

A 250 has a tendency to be phat and happy.
It sort of reminds me of a push-pull valve amp.

Erm. It's a five hour drive from here. I may make it t Sound Organisation in York in the next coupe of weeks though.

Isn't there a Naim dealer in Chester?

Quote:
Don't expect much in terms of soundstage, dynamics or detail resolution and you won't be disappointed.

What DOES it do then?

laurie

John,

There are 2 Naim dealers in Chester, Acoustica and Adventures in HiFi. Go and have a listen to a CDX2 and then come over to Cheadle (about 40mins) and have a listen to the Linn Majik and the Accuphase DP-57. We had a lot of fun recently with a traded in CDX2, almost sad that it had to go... :)

Ed - The AudioWorks, 0161 428 7887.

P.S. The Accuphase is soon to be discontinued, so our dem unit is available if you are looking to save some pennies.

And if you go to Adventures, listen to the Densen too.

There are 2 Naim dealers in Chester, Acoustica and Adventures in HiFi. Go and have a listen to a CDX2 and then come over to Cheadle (about 40mins) and have a listen to the Linn Majik and the Accuphase DP-57. We had a lot of fun recently with a traded in CDX2, almost sad that it had to go...



Fun indeed. Not much fun if the CDX2 is yours though.

Ed,

You really should have kept that CDX2. It would be a bit like dealers who stock brand x because it is well publicised and gets good reviews in order to sell the superior sounding brand y on the back of it.

Harry,

That is very odd. For me, going from CD5x (with- and without FC2) to the CDX2 was a revelation with respect to timing, bass resolution and coherency. This is with a 200-202 amplification. The CDX2 is a bit "leaner" in the bass than the CD5x. Or, more likely, the CD5x is a bit slow and soggy, at least for my tastes.

Pretty much agree with the differences in CDPs but as stated, but couldn't make Naim amps work in the room with the resident CDX2 front end. Mind you, that was nothing compared to the fun and games we had later in finding new speakers that would play a tune. Like some have said in the "is Naim harsh?" thread, most good systems will sound decent in any listening room but for the perfect "click" you have to work for the right match with some rooms - with both room tuning and component selection. So it is with ours.

Cheers

Quote:
Don't expect much in terms of soundstage, dynamics or detail resolution and you won't be disappointed.

What DOES it do then?

laurie

Laurie,

To be clear, I was referring to the CDX2's performance compared to that of a good quality vinyl source i.e. going back to Johnfromnorwich's original question. I would make the same comments about every CDP that I've heard...

PhilP

I notice you have a Bryston amp. I have the BP25 and 4NRB ST. I use it with Shahinion Arcs and a Krell KPS20i. I'm looking for something to speed the pace and timing up.
Do you still use a CDX2?
Regards,
Mike,

Hi, This might be a bit late for John, but I was looking for a better CD player than my CD5 when I heard a DS player. After two listening session with a 200/250/hi-cap I rated them:

Linn Klimax - the best that I have heard but too expensive at £9000.
Linn Akurate relaxed and enjoyable with a lot of detail, miles away from Linn CD players, brought old recording to life
CD5 with flat-cap, relaxed and enjoyable, notes not well separated
CDX2/XPS -detailed but bright and hard

Regards,
RD

CD is something I accomodate - I have about 2000 of them but rarely buy them new unless there is no altenative. I have yet to find a CD player that does alow me to just enjoy the music - hence this thread!
When I had a Naim system, I never felt CD sounded anywhere as convincing as LP. Even with a CDS2/XPS, I'd always look for vinyl copies wherever possible. Since getting my Densen system (still with a top flight LP12 front end), I've felt far more satisfied with the music-making capabilities of CD to stop looking for new release vinyl these days.

The Densen B-400XS is a superbly analogue-sounding CDP. Highly recommended.

James

When I had a Naim system, I never felt CD sounded anywhere as convincing as LP. Even with a CDS2/XPS, I'd always look for vinyl copies wherever possible. Since getting my Densen system (still with a top flight LP12 front end), I've felt far more satisfied with the music-making capabilities of CD to stop looking for new release vinyl these days.

The Densen B-400XS is a superbly analogue-sounding CDP. Highly recommended.

James
I would agree with your observation - I have owned several Naim CD players and never felt totally comfortable, but Naim amps with a good vinyl front end can really deliver and Naim speakers such as the SBL can also sound great.

I find the Naim CD sound too harsh in the upper mid region.

Try 47 Labs or the new Bel Canto CD players, they seem to combine the best bits of the Naim sound with none of the harshness.

When I had a Naim system, I never felt CD sounded anywhere as convincing as LP. Even with a CDS2/XPS, I'd always look for vinyl copies wherever possible. Since getting my Densen system (still with a top flight LP12 front end), I've felt far more satisfied with the music-making capabilities of CD to stop looking for new release vinyl these days.

The Densen B-400XS is a superbly analogue-sounding CDP. Highly recommended.

James



This is very usual with many makes. They just lower the LP12 results down and suddenly, a CDP sounds better comparatively.

Oz

This is very usual with many makes. They just lower the LP12 results down and suddenly, a CDP sounds better comparatively.

Oz
If that was the case, I'd have kept the CDS2. It was the last to go. Nice try, though.

James

I have a Naim CDi, circa 1992. It's about the only player other than the same vintage Naim CDS that doesn't sound digital. I think it sounds like a good LP12 which is no bad thing. Thinking of a replacement down the road and talking to others with the same goals as you the player keep getting recommened id the CDX2.

I have a Naim CDi, circa 1992. It's about the only player other than the same vintage Naim CDS that doesn't sound digital. I think it sounds like a good LP12 which is no bad thing. Thinking of a replacement down the road and talking to others with the same goals as you the player keep getting recommened id the CDX2.

I've never had the pleasure of hearing one myself but anyone who has ever owned one of those thinks they're brilliant which must say something!

If the transports were still available I'm sure they'd selling like hotcakes on the used market.

Unpopular opinion but I'll take a CDS or CDS2 over any turntable I've heard...gladly.

Unpopular opinion but I'll take a CDS or CDS2 over any turntable I've heard...gladly.


I'll share your flame tent on this one Dave, though I would choose a different source. No way would I bother with vinyl.

:-)

Cheers Steve! ;-)

I've seen it suggested that only older ears like the CDX(2). What many do not realise with CD players, is that they are very sensitive to mains quality, much more so than TT's. I was amazed at the performance increase I had when I switched on the dedicated line for my system with the CD player and how it hadn't made anywhere near as much difference to LP playback.