Naim CD5x versus CDX2

I agree with musicat and perfectionist cd5x very good but cdx2 noticeably better. XPS takes it to new level, more open and detailed. CDX and xps can be found used.

Well, I've always isolated all my cdp's. I currently use Aurios Pro and Pro-Max bearings under all my gear, including amps. But I really never noticed the Naim cdp's being any worse than others w/o isolation. I'm a firm believer in isolation thru my own trial and error...

Again, check here:

http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums?a=search&reqWords=CDX2+isolation

You can find every question about Naim that you can think up on the Naim forum.

Naim players in my experience are really good. If you read the Naim forum you will find the members are somewhat split as to which is better between the CDX5 (or CD5) and the CDX2. I owned both the CD5 and CDX2 at the same time with each on a shelf in my stand. I compared many, many times trying to choose the CDX2 which I slightly prefered the look. On some days I would just listen to one or the other. Ultimately the CDX2 was too aggressive or bright compared to the CD5. The CD5 has a laid back analog qualtiy about it in comparison. It gives up very little in detail and does not have the shouty quality the CDX2 has. Adding a separate power supply to the CDX2 alleviates the issues with the CDX2 but puts it in a whole new price category. I currently have the CD5x and it does not have the aggresive qualities of the CDX2. Some may argue they like the aggressiveness of the CDX2. It does exhibit great control but I would guess they have not directly compared with the CD5 or 5x.

Thanks to all for the help. After much research and contemplation I've decided to go with the CDX2. I was also considering the ARC CD3 and the Ayre CX7e but the Naim seems best suited to my system and needs. I've also had a chance to hear the CDX2 (with an XPS) in an all Naim system driving Harbeth SHL5's a year or so ago and I was duly impressed with the sound--some of the best I've ever heard. This, combined with the fact that I'm an old Naim user (62/HiCap/140) gives me confidence in the decision. I appreciate all the help and will post after I've had a chance to hook her up.