UnitiServes & ND?s Oh my!

Hi Naijeru,

Since you have the DAC (Naim?) and a NAS (with UPnP software?) all you are missing is the streaming function. Either of the ND5XS or the UnitiQute will suffice. The DAC sections of these will be made redundant by the Naim DAC. I've not compared the streaming sections of the UnitiQute vs the ND5X, but you can certainly do that at your dealer. Also, you'll need to make sure that your NAS can act as a UPnP server, if so, then you're set.

The UnitiServe is a very stable UPnP server, a simple ripping solution, a very good S/PDIF source and will serve up to six different streams simultaneously. Assuming that you already have a UPnP server on your NAS and a suitable ripping solution, and that you do not need an S/PDIF output, nor multiple streams, then you don't need the UnitiServe. 

As always, a listen at your dealer and a trial at home is the only way to know for sure.

Jan

Hi Naijeru,

Between this 2 Options (ND5 & US) i would take the ND5 XS.

Better SQ, Better Handling (Display etc.)

The ND5 XS as an DAC is also an great Option. (Don´t know wich DAC you use...)

Greetings

With the 5i-2, I recommend the ND5XS over the NDX. Nice boucy sound, lots of fun.

Yes one of my questions is whether the 5i-2 can resolve the difference between the ND5 and the NDX. I'm also curious to hear how UnitiServe rips sound against rips from my computer. I'm skeptical that there's a difference but it doesn't hurt to listen.

What has been throwing me off with the streamers is that they act as DACs but I already have a Naim DAC. A dacless streamer would be ideal, but then that wouldn't make any sense as a standalone product unless it were extremely high-end.

I started with the uServe and Naim Dac, but sold the dac to help fund an NDS.  Yes there is some redundancy when you add a Naim streamer to a system that already includes a Naim Dac.  You might do that because you enjoy the sound of the Naim Dac more than that of the dac built into the streamer.  But the box count does rise.

My Nait XS was clearly able to resolve the differences between Naim Dac + XSP-2 vs. NDS + 555PS.  I would guess that the 5i-2 can resolve the differences you are contemplating.  "Source first" seems to matter even with the integrated amps.

My interest is by serving the music I do not require streaming as such, or is that the definition anyway (in my mind streaming is wifi/wireless)

I would like a NAIT XS with built in DAC please, or the NDS as a DAC minus streaming bits as I can deliver the music already.

Although I do like Barts set-up personally.

Cheers

Dan43

Thanks for the replies. The more I consider it the more I lean towards the UnitiServe. I don't actually need an interface on the device, I control my stereo through my iPad or computer. How well does the UnitiServe stand up to heavy duty ripping though? I've got a few hundred CDs I plan to rip.

Hi Naijeru,

I fully understand... I was trying to be as objective as possible and steer you towards the most logical solution, but... the UnitiServe feeding the Naim DAC is a stunning combination. I doubt that you will regret it.

And yes, it will happily rip hundreds of CDs. I've had my unit for 2.5 years and ripped 837 so far. I've had one boot failure and recently the unit has decided to stop ripping, a problem that a software update will fix, apparently. I've also dropped a speaker on it (don't ask) without issue, for the Serve at least ( the speaker took the fall... it was a Harbeth... one of a review pair...)

Jan

US SSD rips all good so far, only one rip failed a Soundgarden disc, second go it was fine. all CDs ripping well.

Really like the iPad n-serve app (I bought a used iPad) so far so good. Upgrade path for me next is nDAC then PSU then swap nDAC for NDS/Ref DAC in the future.

Cheers

Dan43

Hi Naijeru,

I have a 7 month old 2 tb U-Serve.

I ripped about 600 cd's over a 2 month period and you may find some will take longer than the stipulated average rip of about 6.5 minutes (stipulated in Naims user manual). This is because some cd's don't want to be ripped, there's no real reason for that but it will happen on any ripping device apparently. 

As Jan said, it's a very robust piece of kit, it even streamed to my ND5 over WiFi whilst I was ripping another cd with no adverse affects. In hindsite, it may be better not to do that but I was very enthusiastic and just wanted to get ripping. Its a simple, high quality Naim product that takes care of all the ripping leg work as it is optimised to produce the 'perfect' rip and collect and collate all the art work from one of the online music databases, AMG for example. You may find yourself editing some rips to collect better art work or alter the genre to suit your preferences, but that's part of the fun too.

I am still streaming via WiFi as I am waiting for spring to start doing the Ethernet cable run, but I can say even WiFi streaming is sounding excellent. One downside is that any audio files above Red Book resolution will reduce the buffer in the ND5 below 50% and hense drop out will occure, but that is to be expected over WiFi, this has not yet happened with plain ripped cd's.

Also, one major advantage is its ability to stream to other devices in your home if you wanted networked music and you have IRadio of course.

Happy Hunting.

Jason.