My system is CD3.5/HiCap/72/180/MA Studio 20.
I was planning about upgrading my source, and move the HiCap definitely to the 72 (actually right now it is powering the 72).

I heard several times the CDX (that I could afford new) and don't like it that much (detailed, but somehow boring compared to CD3.5 and, especially, CD5). On the other hand, I was delighted by the sound of the CDS2 (but I can't afford it new, at the moment).

I'm not very confident about a s/h cd player, but I've been offered a s/h CDS1 for a reasonable price.
The point is that I have never heard a CDS1, and I will never hear it until I buy it.

In fact, my dealer (who is also my friend) has been offered the CDS1 from another dealer, who is selling a new CD player to one of his customers, and will take the CDS1 back only if someone else (that is supposed to be me) will buy it.
The CDS comes with guarantee of both dealers of course.

Moreover, the owner says it has been checked and upgraded by Naim 18 months ago (I'll check that as soon as they tell me the s/n).

At a similar price I could by a Linn Ikemi new or save for a CDS2.

Any suggestion?

Finally, will my 72 be enough for the CDS1 or will I be missing much? Will I need another upgrade soon?

Thank you very much.

Stefano

If the price is good, go ahead! I have bought a '92 CDI a couple of months ago. It hasn't been serviced and the transport is an old type CDM4 (it will cost me UKP 450 if it breaks down) but it has been a major upgrade. It sounds really good and you know Naim-quality! I know the CDS1 is much better and it will make the most of your present setup. I wouldn't hesitate, especially since you get guarantee!

Regards, Bas

I have both the CDS1 and CDS2. In some respects I think the CDS1 is a better player. If you can get a good deal on it and are comfortable about the condition, I would go for it. There's not that much difference, to my ears, between the 1 and the 2. The CDS2 is better as it clearly has a more analog sound, but the CDS1 is hardly a slouch.

You can always upgrade later as well. Right now the upgrade of a CDS1 to a CDS2 is about $4kUS

Both of these players have a more analog sound than the CDX. They offer the detail of the CDX without the brightess and also a better bottom end.

In the worst event you can likely sell the CDS1 for the same money you bought for anyhow.

Arthur Bye

I have a friend with a CDS-I / 82 / 135 / Isobarik system and that sounds superb.

You could also consider the CDS-I as saving for the CDS-II.

At UK prices you can buy a CDS-I now and have the head upgraded (at a later date) to an absolutely identical CDS-II spec. The combined cost is less than a new CDS-II head, but also includes a CDPS to run it off as well.

Only the metal case and interconnect are left unchanged during the upgrade. I have this combo, I can certainly testify that it sounds superb.

If you ultimately feel the need to ugrade to an XPS then the CDPS can be sold to a CDX (or prospective CDS-II) owner for a reasonable trade-in.

I also second the comment that the CDS-I should be easy to re-sell if you don't get on with it. Of course, this all presumes that the price you've been offered is reasonable.

cheers, Martin

I disagree that the 2 is better than the 1 .Different yes but not better.That can,t be bad as its that close.A new CDS2 is an aweful lot of money to consider.My self I couldn,t justify the cost vs returnIts down to you and I wish you every sucess.Never mind about your 72 just enjoy the music.Upgrade when a bargin comes along.I ran an 82(secondhand) for a couple of years before a 52 came up at cost.

You,ll get there hooch

****

Zob

I found myself in a similar situation some time ago. I had a CD 3 and I knew I should really be upgrading the CD player first, but I just didn't want to spend the money on the CDX, although I had the money. When a used CDS with guarantee (!) turned up, I didn't need to think about it much. I hesitated a bit because of the price, but I decided to do it and I didn't regret it a second. I'm enjoying my system much more now. The CDS really is a special player.

Good luck!

Willem

P.S. The fact that Naim now offers the possibility to upgrade to CDS II, makes it only more interesting.

If I buy the CDS1, what should I check? Which interconnects should be included? Should I check the suspension system? How can I verify if everything is OK? Any tip?

I still have a few days to decide.

By the way.... anyone interested in my s/h mint CD3.5?

Stefano.

PS
Simon
I can't tell you the price I've been asked exactly (I don't know it yet). I will let you know.

[This message was edited by Stefano Rosati on TUESDAY 14 November 2000 at 22:14.]

I recently bought a CDS after much deliberation and have been absolutely blown away! The new lavender cable is still not burned-in as I can hear the sound changing almost daily. But the music is incredible.

Previously, I had heard the CDX is a full boat Naim system and was very disappointed. I even thought for awhile that Naim was not for me.

I sincerely doubt you will be disappointed. And,

1.) the resale value will not fall
2.) the unit can be upgraded in steps to a CDSII

But, be careful... I stayed up almost all night when I first got my CDS.

Yikes,

John

32.5/SCap/250/CDS/Spendor 1/

good luck.

O/W the CDS is a wonderful machine. I use mine with a 500/DBLs without any real desire to change. Some actually prefer it to a CDS2.

Hockman.

Brand new these suckers cost in the United Kingdom £25.00.

Its still a bloody good player hooch

This may be a dumb question but I can't see any reason why the ring would ever wear out. Why would it?

quote:

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I have a vague memory from the old forum of someone saying that the Nextel ring could be replaced. Is this not true? It would seem to be rather silly that something like this could nix an entire transport.

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It was true, according to Archideee Philips discontinued the product which could be used as a replacement.

quote:

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This may be a dumb question but I can't see any reason why the ring would ever wear out. Why would it?

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Because of the attritus, I guess: indeed, it does wear out. I can testify this. Maybe a photograph of my cherished CDS would help here.

But, the amout of wear which begins to cause tracking problems (other than those whic are notoriously embedded in the CDS/Puck 1 design - the CDS/Puck 2 sounds somewhat worse, but I have never had a tracking problem with the Puck 2) is disputable.

Regards
Igor

The retail price in the UK for a CDS1 clamp is £17.62 inc vat, not £25.00.

In most cases we've supplied owners with replacements free of charge, even for secondhand units.

Stackowax

The nextel ring cannot be replaced I'm afraid.

It wears over time because of friction between it and the discs or more usually because it has been incorrectly maintained; despite warnings in the owners manual many people insist on using cleaning fluids on the platter which disolve the adhesives in the nextel.

[This message was edited by Mark Tucker on TUESDAY 21 November 2000 at 13:07.]

quote:

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In most cases we've supplied owners with replacements free of charge, even for seconhand units.

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I am probably the most recent such beneficiary as mine arrived this afternoon along with a manual.

How many other companies would do this?

Thanks again, Mark.

JonM

Go for the CDS; It is a great player; the CDX in my opinion has not the class of a CDS...

BTW, what is the price bracket for a CDS on the 2nd hand market? close to that of a brand new CDX?

what is the price of a servicing by naim?

regards

JChristophe