PhilP and johnfromnorwich:
After posting my first response I read over all of the previous (and very conflicting) responses in this thread. My curiosity suitably sparked (though I know Naim is often reviled on this forum just for being Naim), I re-read the CDX review on Stereophile.com (theyre useful for something these days) then did searches on the CDX2 on the Naim- and audioasylum forums.
Opinions remain divided across the spectrum.
However, I was able to conclude that the CDX2 is archetypical Naim and thus controversial. Like its predecessor the CDX, it is simply full-on NAIM in presentation (although more refined overall, apparently). By virtue of keeping up with current D/A chip technology, it is also very revealing. All of this means that, like other Naim components, it is sensitive to AC mains quality, placement (equipment racking) and cabling. I own a Hi-line, Naca5, a Cablepro NANA power bar and a Quadraspire Q4 with Neuance isolation platforms. All of these IMO are critical to achieving the best out of Naim gear (especially the mid-level stuff) without the harshness, especially the Q4 with Neuance.
Unlike the lower-end and top tier Naim players (which are respectively easier-going and more organic), the CDX2 I think was designed STRICTLY for a Naim system. Its been said often that Naim CD players work best with Naim preamps and the CDX2 is pure case in point.
By the source-first orthodoxy, the archetypical CDX2 has a profound influence on flat-earth aspects. My system with the CD5x sounded merely like good solid state to my ears. That was with a Nait5i, 122-150 and even 200-202. I couldnt understand the big deal of this whole flat-earth thing. NOW I UNDERSTAND with the CDX2.
Back to what I was saying about my CD5x context. The CDX2 is more refined, forward, natural and pacey than the CD5x. It is smooth in the context of the CD5x. Is it smooth in comparison to a Meridian (or even Linn)? Perhaps not, but this is irrelevant to me since I own a Naim system and were talking system synergy. I dont find it harsh at all. Ive owned a lot of equipment over the years before going Naim (e.g., Rega, Creek, Alchemist, Simaudio, Roksan) and I can say that your typical CD recordings are harsh. This is the true problem. At least Naim players typically arent so ruthless like other players.
I bet the Hi-line is critical for achieving the best out of a CDX2 since itll reveal the flaws in non-Naim interconnects in the same way that non-Naim speaker cables always sacrifice certain musicality aspects in Naim systems to improve on one or two things like soundstaging or resolution.
Sometimes I think even flat earthers get too caught up in the audiophile rat race whether they realize it or not. Expectations are killer and are often set too high. Witness the arguments on this forum. When we stop listening to the music in preference to listening to the components or the flaws in musical reproduction (which are always BIG compared to live music), all is lost. At least Naim has its priorities in the right place these days. Do crap CDs sound crap through a CDX2? Yes, I suppose, at least to some degree in my system. But I already know theyre crap since Ive owned a lot of them for ages and have heard them through other (non-Naim) cd players. At least the CDX2 is able to convey the musical message in spite of the recordings unlike the other players (CD5x included most of the time).