CD players Naim

10 - 20000 Hz, 10 ohms output, CD, CD-R, Black Extensive research carried out over the last few years has been fully employed in producing the integrated CDX2 CD player. More recently the CDX2 has undergone some performance-enhancing modifications to offer additional flexibility and continue in its offering of as few compromises as possible to ensure complete musical satisfaction, rivalling that of the finest analogue turntables.

Notable among the modifications to the new version are the inclusion of a switchable S/PDIF output for use with external digital to analogue converters and a BNC connector for correct impedance matching, as well as performance-enhancing modifications to the internal boards.

The CDX2 is designed to be the best in its class, incorporating genuine technological advances to provide a thoroughly enjoyable musical experience.

- Ultra-high quality CD player.
- Twenty power regulators make up a fully double-regulated power supply with exceptional dynamic stability.
- User-configurable versatile (DIN/phono) outputs.
- Full infrared remote control.
- RC5 input for wired remote control in complex installations.
- Optional RS232 input/output for use in full home automation systems.
- The optional Naim XPS power supply provides six regulated power supplies; this significantly reduces supply noise for all circuitry.

The CDX2's design was recently updated and includes:

- Redesigned 4-layer (rather than 2) motherboard giving better tracking and a greater copper area.
- New tray board.
- Switchable S/PDIF output - either have analogue or digital, but only one at a time for no compromise. S/PDIF is disabled when using analogue output stage.
- Extra low-noise clock regulation.
- Infrared - takes modulated and demodulated inputs.

Integrity and stability of the RF signals read by the laser were prime design considerations for the CDX2's development. A suspended transport and low mass magnetic clamping system ensures that the disc spins accurately and silently, unhindered by mechanical resonance.

The mass of the custom-made glass reinforced front-loading drawer mechanism has been carefully calculated to optimise rigidity and isolation. The addition of anti-vibration, resonance-controlling feet complement the elegant new cast and extruded anti-magnetic chassis to protect the sensitive internal components from resonance and microphonic vibration. Additionally, the internal shielding has been improved bringing about further upgraded performance and lower noise.

Paths between critical components are as short as possible to preserve delicate signals and each stage of the circuitry is powered by a separate regulated supply. Correct earthing is used throughout and there is no headphone output.

Both the transport and chipset have been upgraded for the CDX2. The HDCD decoder/digital filter is only activated when playing encoded discs. Eight-times over sampled data is then sent to two (one per channel) Burr Brown PCM mono D/A converters.

A separate, fully optimised master clock controls all main digital functions, and the clock configuration and layout are engineered to minimise jitter. A seven-pole analogue filter follows the DAC to remove spurious noise.

The CDX2 has a fully double-regulated power supply with 20 low-noise, regulated power supplies on the main circuit board, plus a separate supply on the servo control board and another on the display board. It is a stand-alone, mains powered machine, which may also be used with the XPS ultra low noise power supply, providing a substantial improvement in sound quality.

Naim research has proved that divorcing the main power supply from a CD player is wholly beneficial and the Naim XPS power supply is extremely sophisticated with six separately regulated, ultra low noise outputs, featuring a toroidal transformer and six power regulators. This ensures complete stability of the ultra-sensitive circuitry in the CDX2. The same external supply is used with the Naim CDS3 CD player, thus providing a further possible upgrade path from one player to the other.

All main control functions are handled by a microprocessor running Naim-written software. Every aspect of the SAA 7324 servo controller/decoder functionality is under software control: Naim-written codes allow maximised performance in all areas. For example, the transport parameters are optimised for each disc as it is loaded.

Special care has been taken to ensure that the CDX2 player/user interface is as logical as possible with extra features such as "display off" (for improved sound quality) and program cancel, where tracks the listener does not want to hear can be quickly selected.

Worthwhile user features have been added: in addition to a clearer layout of the back panel, RC5 and optional RS232 ports have been fitted, allowing seamless integration into even the most complex of home installations.

In common with the flagship CD555 CD player the CDX2 has user-configurable outputs, allowing a choice between the preferred DIN output and RCA phono connections, allowing the CDX2 to be used with a wide range of other manufacturers' cables and components.