Which Unitiserve and which DAC/Naim remote?

Posted by: stebro on 15 May 2014

Thanks to all who responded to my post about whether to buy a Unitiserve.  I'm going to the store in a few days.  Three decisions I will need to make:  First, whether to get the 2 TB version or the solid state model; Secondly, what to do about a DAC.  I currently use a Dodson Audio DAC which was state of the art about 15-20 years ago.  I'm taking it to the store to compare with newer models.  I don't want to spend a huge amount (the store said they have DACs from $1500-$15,000).  I would appreciate any suggestions. Finally, I see that Naim makes a remote control for the Unitiserve that sells in the $200 range.  Has anyone bought the remote and is it good to have?  I have an iPhone and iPad.  Also, my other components are ProAc Response 3.5 speakers, Audio Research VT130SE Amplifier, Audio Research preamp and phono stage and Well Tempered Turntable (Dynavector cartridge).  Thanks again!

Posted on: 16 May 2014 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
Originally Posted by stebro:

Thanks to all who responded to my post about whether to buy a Unitiserve.  I'm going to the store in a few days.  Three decisions I will need to make:  First, whether to get the 2 TB version or the solid state model;

 

I have the 2 TB version, but have not compared with the SSD. I like the all-in-one idea. Martin Colloms of HiFi Critic has compared the two :

 

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/h...audio_networking.htm

 

Secondly, what to do about a DAC. I currently use a Dodson Audio DAC which was state of the art about 15-20 years ago.  I'm taking it to the store to compare with newer models.  I don't want to spend a huge amount (the store said they have DACs from $1500-$15,000).  I would appreciate any suggestions.

 

Lots of choices here. Firstly, how do you want to transfer your music from the U/S ? You can go either by S/PDIF using a digital cable into the DAC - for example the Naim DAC - or by UPnP using ethernet cable into a DAC with a streaming-client section. In Naim, this will mean the ND5X, NDX or - for the ultimate - the NDS, the latter requiring an external power supply, and a substantial outlay of cash.

 

Finally, I see that Naim makes a remote control for the Unitiserve that sells in the $200 range.  Has anyone bought the remote and is it good to have? 

 

You won't need it if you have an...

 

I have an iPhone and iPad. 

 

That's all you need (one or the other). In fact you can use both simultaneously so that you and a friend can play DJ. 

 

Also, my other components are ProAc Response 3.5 speakers, Audio Research VT130SE Amplifier, Audio Research preamp and phono stage and Well Tempered Turntable (Dynavector cartridge). 

 

Nice !

 

Thanks again!

 

Posted on: 16 May 2014 by Dozey
The Chord Hugo DAC might be an option. I haven't heard it though.