New Icon Audio valve CD player: the CDX2 Leicester-based valve specialists Icon Audio have launched their second CD player, the CDX2. Replacing Icon’s earlier, more expensive CDX1, the CDX2 has been specifically designed to deliver comparable sonics but at a lower, mid-range price.
The aim, says Icon’s founder and chief designer David Shaw, was “to craft a CD player with real warmth and dexterity. With that magical ‘vinyl sound’, in other words.” The CDX2 features the latest 192kHz 24bit upsampling technology for high resolution. But more than this, Shaw has focused a keen eye on the product’s allimportant output stage in order to avoid what he refers to as the “mechanical and soulless presentation” that some CD players have.
“I wanted a more musical presentation, with more warmth and colour. Something incredible easy to listen to,” he adds.
To that end, the CDX2 uses an all triode valve class A output stage using special quality T J Full Music or original Mullard valves. Special attention has been paid to the construction which makes it a hefty 9kg. The digital and analogue circuitry is hand-wired using full sized high quality components.
Externally, the CDX2 features a top-loading mechanism, avoiding the usual slide-out drawer and thereby improving rigidity. A heavier alloy clamp also acts as a flywheel to increase rotational stability during playback.
In keeping with Icon’s ‘built to last’ philosophy, everything in the CDX2 is serviceable and replaceable and, as with all Icon products, the company is keeps an extensive bank of spare parts, ensuring a reliable product with a long life.
As each CD player is finished in the UK, Icon can offer a range of ‘David Shaw Signature’ upgrades including superb Jensen copper foil oil-in-paper capacitors and premium ‘new old stock’ valves.
Icon Audio CDX2 key features
Audiophile-grade components; no ‘surface mount’ parts used to ensure superior sound quality.
Sanyo CD transport mechanism.
CD-R compatible.
Class A, all triode valve output stage.
Latest 192kHz 24bit upsampling technology.
Coaxial digital output.
Gold-plated RCA sockets.
‘David Shaw Signature’ upgrade options including Jensen copper foil oil-in-paper capacitors and premium ‘new old stock’ valves.
Parts easily maintained and upgraded (valves, capacitors, resistors, etc). Icon Audio CDX2 technical specifications
Output level 2v (0db reference standard)
Signal to noise ratio -105dB
Frequency response > 20hz-20kHz +0 – 5db
THD 0.005%
Dynamic range 110dB
Power consumption 70w
Digital outputs 1 x coaxial (RCA)
Dimensions 41cm (w) x 35cm (d) x 12cm (h)
44cm (w) x 40cm (d) x 18cm (h) packaged
Shipping weight 9 kg
Pricing & availability
The Icon Audio CDX2 is available now, priced at £995 (including VAT).
For ‘David Shaw Signature’ custom upgrade options, including superb Jensen copper foil oil-in-paper capacitors and premium ‘new old stock’ valves, please contact Icon Audio for a quote.
About Icon Audio
The Icon Audio philosophy is to create audiophile products that sound good, look good, are affordable and will last a lifetime.
Each Icon Audio component is designed in Leicester, UK, by the company’s founder, David Shaw. The chassis is then typically manufactured in China, with production and quality control closely managed by Shaw himself who regularly travels to China to ensure that the performance and quality on which Icon Audio have built their reputation are fully maintained. Final product assembly, custom modifications and extensive testing then take place in Icon’s premises in Leicester, UK.
Everything in an Icon Audio component is serviceable and replaceable, from the valves themselves to substantial components such as the transformers. All Icon Audio products are available for demonstration by appointment in Leicester and also via a selected dealer network.
