I could use some advice, please.
I've been offered a 1999 CDS2 head for £1k, and am really (really really) tempted.
I've already got the XPS powering my CDX, so it would just be a straight swap, right?
Given that it's a 1999 model and probably not serviced, is there anything to be aware (beware) of?

Sounds about what they go for at the moment. Nothing really to be aware of. If it works it works.

Go for it :)

Just make sure it has all the relevant transit screws and original packaging.

Lefty

you can get a better CD player for a little more and you can sell the XPS , you might be quids up;) Its been compare to a CD2/XPS and was similar

you can get a better CD player for a little more and you can sell the XPS , you might be quids up;) Its been compare to a CD2/XPS and was similar

Surely he'll have a CDS2/XPS at the end of the process. It will cost £1K less what he gets for the CDX.

That is incredibly cheap. Buy.

I could use some advice, please.
I've been offered a 1999 CDS2 head for £1k, and am really (really really) tempted.
I've already got the XPS powering my CDX, so it would just be a straight swap, right?
Given that it's a 1999 model and probably not serviced, is there anything to be aware (beware) of?

I was offered a Naim serviced CDS2 last month, £1300 - could be a better offer - not sure about service prices though

- not sure about service prices though

I'm pretty sure Naim won't fit a new plug for £300 so that much extra for one with a recebt factory service is a good deal if you want to stay in the factory service network.

DIY or independent will be a *lot* cheaper though.

Its a good deal, but you can get a better upgrade for a little more money...it you are tempted, then go for it.

I'm pretty sure Naim won't fit a new plug for £300 Of course, the CDS2 doesn't have a plug.;)

Hmm - the seller doesn't seem to be responding to me any more, so I guess they've lost interest.

you blew it with this thread and the "thats incredibly cheap, grab it" replies perhaps? ;)

Certainly worth a punt. But there is a risk.
I think a new laser, should it go, will be £300 approx. A new laser + transport will be about > £500. Somebody correct me if Im wrong. Also, looking a year or three ahead, these spares may not be available. Lastly, it will not have the pic chip mod for cdrs, if you need that of course.
A wonderful player though in its day. I was thinking about one a few years back but eventually decided on a RA Opus 21 due to factors above.

Turns out I had to get a new laser and mech for the 21 I eventualy bought.
Damn !

I suppose all these expensive players carry some risk when you buy out of warranty.

you can get a better CD player for a little more and you can sell the XPS , you might be quids up;) Its been compare to a CD2/XPS and was similar

What's the better CD player?

An Avondaled CD3. I have one and I'm not going to sell it!. Two recenly went on PFM for a song at £750.

The reason? One guy had a fire sale - he was skint with the wolves at the door. The other had to follow suit as he didn't know the value and the tight wads on PFM ripped him off. I wouldn't even think of selling mine for less than £1200. So I won't.

Now that I've really improved my system the ACD3 is even better sounding and outstanding value than its original £1600 price tag. Oh! and Avondale will no longer sell you one unless you collect in person from Chesterfield.

Cheers,

DV