Here’s a couple of quiz questions for the group I trust in these matters - you.
Our much loved Olive CDX/XPS has done it again! Nearly 2 years after Salisbury managed to sort missing DAC channel, it’s lost a channel - again - so do we ask Naim to replace other DAC channel (if parts available) & keep it motoring, when it’s quite likely the 23 year old drive will die in the near future & as far as I’m aware, these drives are no longer available.:
QUESTION ONE-
ARE OLIVE CDXs FIXABLE LONG TERM NOW?
If not, assuming the serviced Olive XPS has reasonable value, I’ve researched a list of possible affordable replacements under here.
Remembering I’m ancient & have lots of physical recordings so only use my lowly MXN10 streamer to browse unknown recordings & still prefer music which makes my foot tap from the elderly midrange LP12 into Olive 82/HC/135s & lean towards jazz/vocals rather then heavy metal or classical (the CDX made most silver discs enjoyable & was ideal for a quick listen):
QUESTION TWO -
WHICH OF THESE DEVICES WOULD SATISFY OUR NEEDS BEST?
I have a much loved CDX/XPS as well and I often think about this too. I am not able to comment on your question 2 but I can offer a view on question 1.
My view is that it is worth repairing the lost channel and worry about the drive failing if or when it happens!
Now, with regard to the drive mechanism failing, simply they are repairable. Now all be it Naim may not be able to provide this service anymore due to non availability of parts. So basically we have 2 choices, we either scrap it and buy a new one or repair it. My view is that I will try to repair it.
Years ago I had a rather good Pioneer CD player which stopped working one day, I hastily scrapped it without even considering repairing it, which I still regret to this day! So I am very reluctant to do the same again! My rational is, here is a CDX in very good condition and all parts working all bar one part, so why scrap it? My lawnmower is pushing towards 50 years old which gets repaired as necessary, by way of an example.
There are after market parts available, OK, so there will be no warranty etc, but at least it will be working again which will be better than the scrap heap or as a rather forlorn costly paperweight!
This is just my view and nothing more than that. To me it would just seems such a waste to scrap it without considering the option of a simple cost effective repair and plenty of TLC.
Thanks, Martin for your thoughts. Seems we have a lot in common - perhaps Neil can confirm if missing channel may be sorted again, & update current state of CDX transport availability - these details would help the decision.
If we’re forced to look for replacement, likely foot tapping suggestions so far seems to be Audiolab 9000CDT + Chord Qtest, Exposure 3510CD or Rega Saturn III in our pensioners budget. Will listen to these if the 25 year old CDX is irreparable.
Ouch! Thanks Neil for prompt reply - think I’ll have to have a listen to that short list of modern CD players now - almost 25 years of regular enjoyment is testimony to original Naim quality…….Klinkhamer
Ps wonder if old CDX working drive & other components might be useful to another?
