UnitiQute and Nait 5i to Bi-amp Linn Ninkas

I have heard of other folks on this forum who have upgraded their Qutes in this way, apparently with success.

My own foray into (non Naim) bi-amping suffered a slight hitch.  I didn't have any 'Y'-split interconnects to hand, so instead I ran XLR and RCA interconnects in parallel.  The trouble was that the XLR connection is louder for some reason (presumably it just carries a slightly stronger signal), and the effect of this was to change the tonal balance of the speakers.

Which ever set of binding posts (upper or lower frequencies) the XLR output was ultimately connected to became dominant in the sound, and the resulting tone was either too bass heavy or too bright & thin.  I will probably get myself some proper 'Y'-split XLR interconnects and try the experiment again, but the problem I experienced above prevented any appreciation of other benefits that bi-amping may have brought to the table.

Now you won't have the same root issue to deal with BUT you will have power amp channels with different wattage (I assume - not sure what the 5i is rated at ?), and this could theoretically cause the same problem.  The more powerful amp could become dominant in the sound.  However if others have had success, then its definitely something worth trying, and its a cost free experiment to perform assuming you have a spare interconnect handy, and extra speaker cable runs.

I'd be keen to hear your findings.....

I recently attempted to run my Linn Kabers with a Unitiqute & NAP 100 with an added Sizmik aktiv sub.

It sounded absolutely dreadful. 

The only way I can describe my experience is to say that at volume of about 40, the music started to become a bit confused.

I was running the amp in the qute directly to the tweeters and the Nap 100 to the mid & bass using an F shaped banana plug that I made up myself.

It would be interesting to know what you find so please keep us posted.

Troika,

I wonder if timing issues may creep into play here.  Am thinking in terms of an internal amp vs an external one at the end of, say, a 1m interconnect.  I'd guess its a possibility.  Maybe other factors too.....

 You could be right with that Karlos. I certainly hadn't considered that. 

I was sort of already half sold on the idea that it wouldn't work by all the negative reactions I got when I suggested it and when I actually heard it... Switched it straight off

Thinking about it though, my sub is on a 3 metre lead and the timing with that seems perfect. Would that be because it has a built in power amp?

That's a very good question Troika, and may well discount the timing theory -  as using a sub would seem conceptually similar to adding in another power amp.  I'll be honest and say I just don't know the answer.

However, I think I'm right in saying that Naim themselves don't recommend bi-amping -  for whatever reason.  On the other hand, some manufacturers do.  And judging by the sheer number of loudspeakers with high/low binding posts, it appears many speaker manufacturers do too (though I guess bi-wiring doesn't necessarily imply going the whole hog and bi-amping.....).

You are right about Naim not recommending bi-amping. In fact they advised me against it. I spoke to Audio T today (demo with the superuniti) and they told me I should run the NAP 100 to the bass & mid with the unitiqute running the tweeters. I had it the other way round. They think that would make an improvement. I'm still yet to try it though.

Just a suggestion (which I have tried) but use the Qute as a preamp.

The Qute gets better when it doesn't need to drive the tweeter.