Streaming and NAC72/NAP140

Cambridge Audio DACMagic for a DAC? Not heard the REGA and up to you what you consider a suitable streamer....

Hi Hector

I have a spare 32.5/hicap/140 for a second system and was looking into the same thing as you.

3 options spring to mind:

1. A Unitiqute, though you would be duplicating the amplifier functions
2. An Apple TV + a Rega DAC
3. Take a look at Simple Audio and their Roomplayer 1

Depending on your budget, would any of these fit the bill?

Best regards, FT

I am using a UnitiQute with a NAC202. It's kinda of a PITA since the Qute does not have line out. It only has preamp out. so you have to find a balance between the Qute's volume control and the NAC volume. Otherwise I can use the AV passthru feature on the NAC202, but then I'm using the Qute pre instead of the NAC. In the end, I decided to trade the Qute in for a ND5, which I am picking up tomorrow. I was going to get the 24/192 upgrade for my Qute, so I just applied that money to the trade in.

Squeezebox Touch?

Hector,

why not just forget the NAC72/NAP140 and go for a Unitiqute.  Same size box (but one fewer) and the streamer is built in.  It's perfect if you want a shoe-box sized Naim streamer and amp as a second (or even primary) system.

Thanks for the responses, the squeezebox touch looks like it would potentially fit the bill.

However, Richard has highlighted what a great product the Unitiqute is and difficult to ignore. 

Hector

Hi there,

I also have an old 72/140 and was thinking of dumping the 72 and just having a unitiqute/140. Do I understand right that that is not possible?

Cheers, David

Oh no, you can definitely do that. I had my UnitiQute and a NAP250-2 until I got my NAC202.

The only thing I was stating is that if you use the Qute as a source into another preamp, be aware it does not have line-level output. Other than digital out, it only has preamp output with variable level that changes with the Qute's volume control.

The Qute is an amazing beast.  My only complaint is the lack of a volume control.  I use my manual volume knob constantly and couldn't live without it.  That said I could live without remote control either as would be the case with the 72.

> The Qute is an amazing beast.

+1 

Yeah, the lack of a physical volume control always bugged me. Now I have my 202 so I'm happy.

Just got my ND5 XS an hour ago. Have it plugged in and streaming the 24/192 FLAC version of Modern Jazz Quartet, "Last Concert" 

Hi,

Just bought a second hand unitiqute with the intention to get started with streaming. Own a CDI/ 72/ Hi/ 140 system since way back. I am curious about how to connect the 140 directly to the unitiqute without the 72 in between. My understanding is this was not possible? naim does not state poweamp as an upgrade for the qute. Could you explain how you had your 250.2 connected to the qute. I really like the cute a lot and am already in to selling the olive boxes and buy a black naim poweramp with the possibility to add preamp at a later state.

/joacim

I had to get a custom cable made. For the 250-2 it's a 2 RCA -> 1 XLR 

For your 140 you'll need a 2 RCA -> DIN (it has a DIN from pre/psu, right?)

Flashback Cables or your Naim dealer can sort you out on that.

You connect to the pre out on the UnitiQute, and in the menu set the speakers to "None"

RaceTripper,

Thank you for the information. When I think about it, it´s quite clear, the "pre out" is post volume control so the qute acts as preamp! I guess I can connect the qute either to my hicapped  72 into 140, or directly into the 140. In the former case I will have two preamps in the signal path, but the hicap will take some load of the 140. On the other hand, the Qute connected directly to the 140 creates a more direct signal path.

That´s all good news, I will have some listening tests to carry out over the weekend!

It´s a bit strange that naim does not mention power amp as an upgrade for the Qute on the website.

Thanks a lot!
Joacim

Curious how your listening tests went with the Qute running a 140.  I am looking at getting a Qute and picking up an ext. power amp 140/180/200.

Thanks

Hi,

Due to heavy work load, I have not been able to dp a proper comparison yet.

I have been doing some casual listening, mainly to the "bare" Unitiqute, and I have to say that the different verdicts and reviews around the net are probably correct. It is a really good thought out product and sound quality is rather good and also entertaining to listen to.
I dont have the neccesary 4pin DIN to RCA to be able to connect the cute to the NAP140, but I have been listening to the cute through my NAC72/ HiCAP / NAP140. All olive units are serviced 10-years ago, so problably need a new service to bring out it´s best.

Connected to the olive ampification I feel there might some thinhs to gain, but I also belive that the qute is rather good and attractive as a stand alone piece of equipment.

If you ask me today, I am tossing with the idea to sell the olive kit (including CDI) and for the same money get a pre - loved NAP200. I think that this can be a quite nice two box system. And further down the road there are good uprade possibilites with adding pre- amplifier, ndac etc.

Since I don not have the correct cabel to connect the qute directly to the NAP140, I will try to find the time to compare the qute with the NAC72/ HiCAP / NAP140 in the next couple of days and post back my findings.

/joacim

Hi Again,

First of all, I have still not been able to find time for an extensive listening comparison between the unitiqute with NAP140 and the qute by itself. However I have been listening a good deal on the bare qute, and from memory I blive it stands up qute well to my old olive system. In the short listenings I did I did not find the NAP to bring to much.

So it seems that qute will stay on its on for a whilw and all the olive (CDI/NAC72/HiCAP/NAP140) will go for sale.

/Joacim