System Pics 2021

How are you finding the Audiolab 6000 CDT, the reviews were outstanding -

I have a CDX2 and am wondering about the internal DAC in the Nova against the almost 20 year old DAC in the CDX2

Hi @Ian2001

If like me you are sticking with the CDX2 as a source, I can highly recommend the addition of an XPSDR for your CDX2. I added mine in the last couple of years and it was like having a new CD collection. Certainly try to get one on loan from a dealer if you can to demonstrate what it will do in your system.

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Hi Ian, in truth I am streaming 90% but am very pleased indeed with the 6000 CDT. It sounds perfect to me, works perfectly, built well, and is inexpensive. I did blind testing comparing with Qobuz hires on good recordings (especially Miles Davis "Kind of Blue) with listeners with younger ears than mine and they found no discernable difference - good enough for my old cloth ears!

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That’s interesting as I am finding the Nova better at streaming than with external sources and I am thinking of the DAC being the cause. The Audiolab is so inexpensive I am just starting to give some thought .

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Thanks Geoff, it may be overkill with my system - my Nova is producing a cracking sound when fed by streaming but the CD replay has gone slightly back, a little lacklustre in comparison to the previous Aethos . Not vast, just a bit . The CDX2 has been an all time favourite - so just doing some thinking

I had a seven box Naim system , but that was very awkward to deal with - so have been de-boxing - but improving the power supply via a Power Line may be an option-

Again thx for tip

In theory I don’t need the NAT03 (kept as internet here is as reliable as a second hand Lada) but that too needs a service -by Naim

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This is my system :grin: (the speakers are just out of view).

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No boxes or wires. Just music…
Love it :two_hearts:

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The general rule of thumb is to only service tuners if they go wrong and/or can’t hold a station. If it works, save your money. It may be worth getting a Grahams Hydra for your three Naim boxes. They work well.

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Ls50 Metas now in the main system in the house connected to the Naim/Rega system.

Addition of the custom Kef stands has been well worth it, speakers bolted to the stands and nice cable runs built in.

Can’t do much for the spaghetti behind it though.

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Cabin system now has the R2 monster stands under the gurus. Bring a whole new meaning to heavyweight stands.

Nearly forgot, Mx-Dac now has upgraded power supply, sat below the Yam, that was a saga but have to thank Brent at Fidelity Audio for sticking with it for the connector size. 3 months been waiting to plug it in, will see how / if it makes a difference.

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I’ve been reorganising the boxes following suggestions from @Xanthe It doesn’t take long when you don’t have many.

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Thanks, the NAT 03 is thirty years old and being outperformed by the Nova

No rush , the Hydra looks interesting

Best wishes

Ian

Hopefully the third item down doesn’t cause any admin reprimands or tutting.

My kit has lived in a old, rickety IKEA MDF av unit for the last 10+ years. Finally put it on a decent rack this week and a) it looks a lot better and b) the bass response is a lot stronger - have had to move speakers forward by a few inches to nullify some weird resonance.

Being piano black, the speakers are hard to photograph without picking up reflections. That and I’m a rubbish photographer

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You are alright. On my screen, there’s absolutely nothing on the third shelf. It’s looks empty…

:grinning:

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The narrow depth of field, showing the cone structure in focus and rest of the cabinet out of focus, is pretty neat. I know some phones help create that effect, whatever, looks nice! Nice setup too, bet it sounds lovely!

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If only cause I could and a tribute of sorts to Tim De Paravicini and his inspiration for the idea.

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Not to mention that fancy pants remote as well!

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Weird.

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I’m very happy with my new setup, the 272 was a great bit of kit but it’s DAC is no match for the NDX2/XPSDR.

System sits in my studio like it was meant to and Mrs Pete hardly notices the extra Fraim levels.

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