Andrew B. Wrote: > I've owned a CDX, CDX+XPS and CDS2 + XPS. I have run the first two > through a top end Naim active SBL system (52 preamp, 250 etc) and the > last into that system and then into my (much better) ATC active system. > I then replaced the CDS2 with a DAC1 and old Meridian CD player. > > The CDX is a good CD player, even by modern standards. It is > particularly lively and involving, with a punchy sound. Adding the XPS > to it gives you more of the same, with a bit of added weight and > definition. The CDS2 is entirely different in approach: much more > organic and analogue sounding. At first you think it has smoothed > everything over and lost details but then you realise that all the > detail is there, it's just very well integrated. It's a fine CD player > but then it should be since it was over £7k new (and is still around > £3k on the used market). The DAC1 is a more truthful device, especially > in the lower mids which the Naims overemphasise, and is also more > detailed, has a bigger soundstage and is better at the frequency > extremes. It is not in the least thin or flat-sounding to my ears. It > is less warm than the Naims but gives you more of what is on the CD (or > server). > > What's the rest of your system? Are the speakers perhaps to blame? > > Andrew I've owned a CDX and heard the Benchmark and I'd say that you've both expressed the 'differences' I heard. I don't think I'd describe either as 'truthful' though!
The CDX is an exciting rather raw sound, and after owning it for a while, I found I was listening to more and more vinyl. The Benchmark is very clean and clinical. It gives a very detailed sound, but seems to loose some of the texture and body of the music. To me it isn't accurate, because when I go and hear live music, it isn't clea, clinical and somewhat detacted! The Benchmark isn't really to my taste, but I might well take it over the CDX. If I did though, I'm sure I would just end up playing more vinyl again! I don't think it has anything to do with the speakers. YMMV. -- Patrick Dixon www.at-tunes.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Patrick Dixon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=90 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19452 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
