Naim Dac or power supply?

Muzikat,

Well it looks like you got me. I don't know how I am going to explain my way out of this one. Let me ask you, though, why would I go out of my way to make something like that up? Unless, of course, I have another motive like trying to get the OP to buy the alternative brand I mentioned, instead of buying a Naim. Come to think of it, I didn't do that either.

The only thing that needs to be addressed then, is who is "them". The only answer I can give is, them is them; or Naim. If you are not that clear, you can dial Them's number at (972) 234-0182. You can ask Them all the questions you want, just like I did.

Lacee,

Welcome to Audiogon. This type of behaviour is common and just has to be tolerated, no matter how well meaning. When you ask for advice and opinions, not every reply will be good. If it were, there would be no point in asking anything. When I make a comment on something, I give a truthful one, good or bad.

It wasn't my intention of bringing brands into this; I just wanted to give you my thoughts on Naim. Given the confusion, its probably best to give you some more info and why I think what I do. A few years back, I had an Arcam FMJ 33. I was happy with it but thought Naim might be a logical upgrade so I went to my local dealer, who is excellent, and spent over 5hrs in the store comparing the Arcam to Naim. I tried all their models and power supplies. The owner of the store was there with me the whole time, giving his opinion and making sure I was setting everything up right. In the end, it turned out that my Arcam was more than competitive. To equal the sound quality with Naim equipment, I would have to spend $5000; more than that if I wanted an improvement. Just to note my Arcam went for $2500. I will admit that this was a subjective judgement, and you may feel different. I did, however, appreciate the owners honesty in his recommendation that I keep my Arcam. For what it's worth, my opinion was exactly the same.

So am I now telling you to get an Arcam? Compared to Naim, yes. Compared to my Ayre 7, no. Should you get an Ayre? Yes over the Arcam, no because my Wadia 861 is even better. -- I just put that last part in to show you why I held off on talking about any other brands that Naim in my earlier posts.

Good luck in your search and I think that I can safely say for the 3rd time, that a PS upgrade will be a noticeable one.

All I can tell you is - yes, the PS upgrade is worth it. I had the advantage of a dealer demo and it was certainly worth it to me. Of course, if you're buying anything used without a demo, there is always the element of faith. Therein lies the problem.

Well faith does have a lot to do with it, but real hands on experiences hold more water for me.

People can speculate about things that can or can't work, I've had my share of those battles, so they're not news to me.
But I do have more "faith" in the posts from the folks who have actually used,or bought the items in question.

I have no doubt that both the Naim XPS2 or the Teddy Pardo unit would be a welcome addition to my Naim CDX2-2.

Do I find that my new CDx2-2 is performing less than satis
factorily?

No, I am quite happy with it, the longer I play it the smoother it is sounding, or I'm becoming more used to it's sound,I replaced an old first version Audio Aero Cap 24/192, which was a very analog sounding player, but didn't have the speed or snap that the Naim has.

From what I've gathered, an upgraded power supply should bring a bit more smootheness back to the sound but keep the speed intact, so that's a win win for me.

Naim also has the new less expensive XP5 XS, about which not much, other than a small review in HFN, is known about it.

Where faith comes into play is how well you will be treated after you purchase the unit.

So this takes us into new territory.

Does anyone have any after purchase service stories they would like to share?

You will be treated splendidly.
Naim gives great service.
Naim digital is superb.
Buy the power supply first, and no, there is no mingling
of supplies. The external one yields way more than the
built-in. That is Naim's way. One either buys into it or looks
elsewhere.
The new XP5 XS is for the newer line of streamers, like the NDX,
or the DAC.

No, the upgraded power supply does not bring a "bit" more smoothness. It is a night and day difference. If you can't listen for yourself, there is nothing else I can tell you. If you don't want to spend the money, then talk yourself out of it by telling yourself it won't be that much better. People do that all the time.