Advantages of a good dealer
Posted by: Richard Lord on 21 February 2011
I very nearly added this to my previous thread, questioning the best source for the UnityQute. However, as that one is now well down in the mix, I thought it better to start afresh.
I collected my UnityQute and the NAP 250.2 from Ross at UHES on Friday 11th Feb. I did the basic install myself. The principles of UHES, Norman and Ian returned from holiday on the 14th. Norman called me immediately on his return and arranged for them both to motor down and do the install properly. I know he would have preferred me to have left it all to them, but I was impatient.
They arrived last Friday at around 3PM. Both are qualified engineers and it showed. They were meticulous. Norman had already cut and prepared the A5 speaker cable. They took ages checking, cleaning contacts, adjusting the speakers (PMC OB1i's).
What a difference! If I am honest, I was not expecting too much improvement. But it was truly significant. J.N. was in attendance and kindly added his ears to the checks. All were eventually satisfied that the system was performing at its best. But without proper supports, I am aware there is yet more available, so I ordered a five shelf Fraim. Might as well do things properly. Ian will be coming back to install that. If he does the same meticulous job as he did on Friday, I am going to end up with a mighty big grin on my face.
I am not suggesting that other dealers could not do as thorough a job, but I speak as I find and UHES did a very thorough job indeed. As evidence of their thoroughness, they did not leave until around 11PM! Yes we did break for a bite to eat at my local pub, but that helped improve our ability to appreciate these small incremental improvements. Small individually, but huge when added together. That is my point, it takes a lot of care and knowledge to get the best form a system.
So thank you both and of course also, a big thank you to John (J.N.) as well.
John stayed over for a couple of nights and helped me enjoy the new sound from the system.
Oh yes, a big thank you to all that responded to my requests for help in the other threads. Here is (hopefully, if the tagging works) the system.
Richard
I collected my UnityQute and the NAP 250.2 from Ross at UHES on Friday 11th Feb. I did the basic install myself. The principles of UHES, Norman and Ian returned from holiday on the 14th. Norman called me immediately on his return and arranged for them both to motor down and do the install properly. I know he would have preferred me to have left it all to them, but I was impatient.
They arrived last Friday at around 3PM. Both are qualified engineers and it showed. They were meticulous. Norman had already cut and prepared the A5 speaker cable. They took ages checking, cleaning contacts, adjusting the speakers (PMC OB1i's).
What a difference! If I am honest, I was not expecting too much improvement. But it was truly significant. J.N. was in attendance and kindly added his ears to the checks. All were eventually satisfied that the system was performing at its best. But without proper supports, I am aware there is yet more available, so I ordered a five shelf Fraim. Might as well do things properly. Ian will be coming back to install that. If he does the same meticulous job as he did on Friday, I am going to end up with a mighty big grin on my face.
I am not suggesting that other dealers could not do as thorough a job, but I speak as I find and UHES did a very thorough job indeed. As evidence of their thoroughness, they did not leave until around 11PM! Yes we did break for a bite to eat at my local pub, but that helped improve our ability to appreciate these small incremental improvements. Small individually, but huge when added together. That is my point, it takes a lot of care and knowledge to get the best form a system.
So thank you both and of course also, a big thank you to John (J.N.) as well.
John stayed over for a couple of nights and helped me enjoy the new sound from the system.
Oh yes, a big thank you to all that responded to my requests for help in the other threads. Here is (hopefully, if the tagging works) the system.
Richard
Thanks to both for responding.
"One question: what are those small (plastic/rubber) thingees below your UnitiQute? "
They are very special breathed on high tech sound/vibration/heat dispensers.
Seriously, they are plastic hooks I got from somewhere. I believe originally they fitted into cupboards or similar as shelf supports or hangers, but I cannot for the life of me remember where they came from - sorry.
The reason was to ensure a larger air gap between the units as I was concerned at the heat generated by both the Qute and the ATV. Not that they were likely to fail, but just as a precaution.
This is why I intend to fit the Fraim.
BTW, thanks for the tip about the iTeleport. I witnessed that in use by one of the Apple guys in the Bristol store. However, he was using it on his iPhone and the screen size would have been too small for me. But an iPad is an entirely different matter.
Richard
"One question: what are those small (plastic/rubber) thingees below your UnitiQute? "
They are very special breathed on high tech sound/vibration/heat dispensers.
Seriously, they are plastic hooks I got from somewhere. I believe originally they fitted into cupboards or similar as shelf supports or hangers, but I cannot for the life of me remember where they came from - sorry.
The reason was to ensure a larger air gap between the units as I was concerned at the heat generated by both the Qute and the ATV. Not that they were likely to fail, but just as a precaution.
This is why I intend to fit the Fraim.
BTW, thanks for the tip about the iTeleport. I witnessed that in use by one of the Apple guys in the Bristol store. However, he was using it on his iPhone and the screen size would have been too small for me. But an iPad is an entirely different matter.
Richard
Originally Posted by Richard Lord:
They are very special breathed on high tech sound/vibration/heat dispensers.
Seriously, they are plastic hooks I got from somewhere.
Seriously, they are plastic hooks I got from somewhere.
High Tech meets ... Ikea?Thanks for addressing the question, Richard. And it is good to know that I'm not alone in using whatever looks like it would do the trick to solve a problem. Airflow is not a concern for me, but rather the fact that I have to put the Naim boxes on top of each other. I would like to be able to separate them a bit more mechanically/physically (whatever the correct term is).
Best wishes,
Peter
I have just realised that the shot of me relaxing whilst the others do all the hard work is not especially flattering. Also, I am surprised nobody jumped on me for actually using a mobile in the listening room.
There was a lull in the music just then, honest!
Regarding the separation of the Qute and ATV from the 250, I did consider using something as simple as pencils. Or visiting my local hardware store for ideas. But these simple plastic triangle thingies were found in the shed and seemed ideal.
Hopefully these simple low tech separators will shortly be replaced by a high tech five shelf Fraim in cherry with black uprights - to match my PMC speakers.
The pussy's name is Missy. Affectionate only on her terms. My other cat is a tom and very affectionate indeed.
I ought to emphasise I am using the Qute simply as a digital preamp. If or perhaps when, Naim introduce a dedicated digital preamp I may upgrade.
There was a lull in the music just then, honest!
Regarding the separation of the Qute and ATV from the 250, I did consider using something as simple as pencils. Or visiting my local hardware store for ideas. But these simple plastic triangle thingies were found in the shed and seemed ideal.
Hopefully these simple low tech separators will shortly be replaced by a high tech five shelf Fraim in cherry with black uprights - to match my PMC speakers.
The pussy's name is Missy. Affectionate only on her terms. My other cat is a tom and very affectionate indeed.
I ought to emphasise I am using the Qute simply as a digital preamp. If or perhaps when, Naim introduce a dedicated digital preamp I may upgrade.