Naim
CDS 3
Top-Loading Integrated CD player
+
XPS Power Supply
(Made In England)
(New was RM45000.00)

Overview

The Naim CDS3 + XPS is one of Naim’s classic high-end CD replay system. Rather than putting the CD transport, DAC and power supply in one chassis, Naim separated the CD player and power supply into two boxes. This was a key part of its design philosophy.

Overview
The CDS3 was Naim’s flagship CD player before the arrival of the CD555. It is a dedicated, high-end top-loading CD player with the transport mechanism and audio circuitry isolated using multiple suspension systems.

The important point is that the CDS3 is designed to operate with an external Naim power supply. The standard matching supply was the XPS, while the later CD555PS could also be used as an upgrade.

The result is a very serious two-box digital source with a reputation for excellent timing, rhythm, dynamics, transparency and natural musicality. What Hi-Fi’s contemporary review called the CDS3/XPS combination one of the world’s great CD players, particularly praising its detail, dynamics and refinement.

CDS3 CD Player …..
-High-end top-loading CD transport
-Philips VAM1250 mechanism
-Multiple mechanically isolated/suspended sections
-Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC architecture
-24-bit / 96kHz digital processing
-HDCD decoding
-Discrete analogue output stage
-Separate external power supply
-DIN and RCA analogue outputs
-Optional communications interface
-Display-off function
Naim’s proprietary low-noise power-supply architecture…..
The CDS3 uses a 24-bit Burr-Brown DAC, with published specifications of 10Hz–20kHz frequency response and a maximum output impedance of 10Ω.

XPS Power Supply …..
The XPS is not simply an optional accessory for the CDS3. It is an integral part of the CDS3 system.

Naim deliberately puts the power-supply circuitry in a separate chassis to keep transformer vibration, electrical noise and high-current power-supply activity away from the sensitive CD transport and analogue circuitry.

The XPS uses a large toroidal transformer and multiple separately regulated, low-noise power supplies. 

Why the two-box design matters
The CDS3/XPS is different from a conventional CD player.

CDS3
→ transport + DAC + analogue audio circuitry

XPS
→ dedicated high-quality power supply

Burndy cable
→ connects the XPS to the CDS3

The idea is that the CDS3 can concentrate on reading the disc and processing the music, while the XPS provides cleaner, more stable power away from the sensitive audio circuitry.

XPS can power the CDS3, while the CD555PS can also be used with the CDS3.

Sound character…..
The CDS3 is particularly interesting today because it does not sound like a typical “old CD player.”

Its strengths are generally described as:
-Excellent timing and rhythm
-Very strong musical flow
-Natural vocals
-Excellent midrange
-Strong dynamics
-Detailed but not clinical
-Excellent sense of musical expression
-Very good bass control
-Smooth and refined treble

The Naim CDS3 + XPS remains a highly respected classic CD source. Its greatest attraction is not simply its 24-bit DAC or transport specification, but the whole engineering approach—mechanical isolation, separate power supply, low-noise regulation and Naim’s emphasis on timing and musicality.

• Contact : Dicky Ng 012-3308893
• Contact : John Yew 016-2861000
• Email    : [email protected]