NAIMUniti vs. Naimnet NP001

Posted by: Cjones on 03 October 2010

I know the NP001 is a pretty rare piece, but was wondering how the NaimUniti and NP001 compare in sound quality, assuming both are used primarily as streaming devices. I believe I have read the 001 is comparable to the NAP200. Is a similar comparison accurate for the NaimUniti.

I ask as I originally had a naimnet server, to serve as a source, which plugged into a Pass D/A (with analog volume control) and then into a set of Pass amps. Well, I really don't listen to the setup that often now and part of the reason is that the Pass amps take forever to warm up. I considered switching out the amps, but now I am just thinking of REALLY simplifying things, moving the server to the sever rack, and just having a streaming amp and speakers. So, just trying to gauge what I am giving up, if anything.

Thanks
Posted on: 03 October 2010 by David Dever
Why not wait for the NDX?
Posted on: 04 October 2010 by Phil Harris
Do you mean an NNP01? The NaimNet amplifier?

Phil
Posted on: 04 October 2010 by David Dever
The Naim Audio NDX is a high-performance two-channel networked source component with advanced DSP filtering and an upgradable high-performance analogue output stage, optimized for sound quality when used within a specialist two-channel hi-fi system.

On the other hand, the NaimNet NNP01 and NNP02 room amplifiers are designed for custom-integration use within NetStreams'
DigiLinX™ audio/video distribution and control systems, with additional RS-232 control connectivity.

The NDX supports 96kHz / 24-bit WAV / AIFF / FLAC (gapless), MP3, AAC, WMA (320 kbps), Ogg Vorbis, etc., and also features Internet Radio playback, Apple-authenticated iPod digital streaming, USB thumbdrive file playback, and UPnP™ / DLNA rendering and control.

The NNP01 natively supports 44.1kHz / 16-bit WAV + MP3, but can also play other file types transcoded by your NS01 server. It also functions as a streaming proxy server (streaming onto the network), room controller and network renderer (under external control) with a built-in web server.

Hopefully this gives you a bit to consider - and do remember that it IS possible to use both StreamNet and UPnP players to source music from the server.
Posted on: 04 October 2010 by Cjones
Does the NDX have volume control? Can I use it as a preamp, direct into an amp?

Thanks
Posted on: 05 October 2010 by David Dever
Back to the NaimUniti, then....
Posted on: 05 October 2010 by Cjones
You sound disappointed! I take it then, that the NaimUniti is a bit of step down. How does it compare, in your opinion, to the Naimnet amps?
Posted on: 05 October 2010 by David Dever
Clearly the NDX into a proper preamp + amp will sound best.