Similar to a post back in April. I lost the left channel of my CDS3 in June. It was sent back to Naim and was repaired. Last week the same thing happened again, and I’ve now been told that Naim are not supporting the any repairs…I stress the Transport is fine.
Is that really the end for my CDS3?
If it is what would be a good replacement?
I also run a Innuos streamer on my CDS3 / XPS2/NAC202/hi-cap/ NAP250 on system. Should I think about selling that and upgrading to an NDX2…as I can reuse the XPS2 from the CDS3.
As always I welcome the considered thoughts of this forum.
I haven’t heard the latest Stream series from Innuos but seems interesting if you want to stay with Innuos, NDX2 also seems like a solid choice, all depending on your budget but I think upgrading your preamp before making any source changes will bring bigger gains.
The repair Naim did was fine for one channel then the unrepaired channel went on mine. Naim have now stopped repairing CDs and the part required is obsolete.
@osbornesfamily i went from a Naim ND5XS2 streamer to an NDX2 and then to a 333. Each upgrade yielded better SQ. I also replaced a SN3 with a 332 and NC250. This required new racks to accommodate two NPX300 units and a Naim NVCTT. I am a big fan of series 300. You might also consider a 222/300/NC250 combination. I suspect the 222/250/300 option will provide great sound with relatively reduced cost. Had I not already had an NDX2, I would probably have gone with the 222/300/250 approach. Lastly, cost was not an issue. That might not be so for others which gives rise to a variety of options.
Partly because you changed the entire system at once - so you can’t attribute the improvement to the 333. Forum readers need to treat your posts with high levels of caution.
@CrazyRiver In another thread I made it clear that I could not attribute it to the 333 or 332. I could say some things more definitely. My NVCTT was way better than the phono stage in my SN3. The NC250, as an amp, significantly bested the SN3 amp section How much this had to do with the 332,I can’t definitely say. When I started out, I made incremental changes, so the effects were easier to see. I now favor a wholesale system change approach. Since I buy new, it is more cost effective in the long run, even though I got good trade in from my dealer. With the addition of a Rega P10 and Apheta, I am finished upgrading.
It’s very important to make this clear every time you post .. (You’ve received this type of advice from a few different forum members over several months now). You should understand that the wholesale change of an entire system in one fell swoop - whilst undoubtedly an effective route for you - isn’t relevant to most members’ upgrade decisions.
I’ve had CDS3 and moved on to Rega Isis (which is fully supported now and in a far future), once it was clear that Naim CD players sooner or later to become doorstops.
What a pity these lovely Naim CD machines no longer can be repaired. As I understand only their entry level CD5Si still supported - for how long ? In the old days Naim was known for a solid purchase with full customer back up - I’m thinking JV era.
I’ve heard a few alternative places can help with CD repair, but have zero experience myself.
BTW, as others mention, your preamp seem to be the weakest link overall.
A NDX2 is fine but no way on level with CDS3 performance. Personally I’d put money against a flagship CD player that is supported, and supply with a cheaper streamer/DAC, tech seem to move fast.
People point to Rega lifetime support. Maybe that is the case for the UK? I have not found that to be the case for the USA. My Rega Saturn refused to initialize CDs after a fee months . Happened twice. First time CD player replaced after six months of use. Second time after a short time, not. There would have been shipping and repair costs. I gave up. Gear fails. I just replaced my P9, which was 12 years old with a P10. The tonearm wire disintegrated (lost insulation). I felt that although I could have paid to repair it (no lifetime warranty), that tech moves on.