Naim Unitiserv psu

Posted by: MangoMonkey on 18 August 2014

I'd like it to power both the unitiserv as well as a network switch.

Either that, or it should also act as a network switch - 5 ports would suffice.

:-)
Posted on: 25 August 2014 by Huge
Originally Posted by Fused:
...
As an "outsider", I had long held the view that Naim designs a product, then immediately hobbles it with a sub-standard power section to encourage purchase of the correct power section at a price which often seems to double the component's cost.
...
replace it.

in most cases, I don't think that's a fair view - just look at the size of the transformers and reservoir capacitors in most Naim equipment - they're not small or under specified.

 

No the advantage of external power supplies comes in other ways.

 

In many cases, the internal power supply is still used to power one part of the circuitry, and the external powers another part.  This allows the use of two separate transformers that are still connected to the same 0V point.  This wouldn't be practical in the base level product.

 

Another use is to separate the power supply from the EMI sensitive components in the main box.  For most products again a separate power supply wouldn't be practical in the base level product.

 

In most cases the base level product works well, but can still be enhanced by additional power supply circuitry that's not in the same box as the electronics.

Posted on: 25 August 2014 by gav111n
Originally Posted by Jan-Erik Nordoen:
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
Given that the Serve costs so much, you'd think that it would come with a linear supply in a napsc sized case, rather than the piece of crap currently provided.

Hang on to that piece of crap. I'm finding it quite useful since my PS from the promised land quit on me... apparently a first. Shipping charges to Israel are nearly a third of the price of the PSU. Ouch.

Jan, definitely not a first. Mine failed just over a year ago now. It was replaced and the new one has been trouble free. However I ended up carrying the cost of shipping the failed unit back.

 

Gav

Posted on: 25 August 2014 by Fused
Originally Posted by Huge:
Originally Posted by Fused:
...
As an "outsider", I had long held the view that Naim designs a product, then immediately hobbles it with a sub-standard power section to encourage purchase of the correct power section at a price which often seems to double the component's cost.
...
replace it.

in most cases, I don't think that's a fair view - just look at the size of the transformers and reservoir capacitors in most Naim equipment - they're not small or under specified.

 

No the advantage of external power supplies comes in other ways.

 

In many cases, the internal power supply is still used to power one part of the circuitry, and the external powers another part.  This allows the use of two separate transformers that are still connected to the same 0V point.  This wouldn't be practical in the base level product.

 

Another use is to separate the power supply from the EMI sensitive components in the main box.  For most products again a separate power supply wouldn't be practical in the base level product.

 

In most cases the base level product works well, but can still be enhanced by additional power supply circuitry that's not in the same box as the electronics.

There is some logic to this with integrated products. Some of my other components have separate power supplies, some do not. But as I said, my first Naim experience is the US, and the supplied power supply is just not good enough at even a baseline level. So it makes me wary of proceeding in other Naim directions despite the pleasure I am getting from the US.

Posted on: 25 August 2014 by Bart
Originally Posted by Fused:
As an "outsider", I had long held the view that Naim designs a product, then immediately hobbles it with a sub-standard power section to encourage purchase of the correct power section at a price which often seems to double the component's cost.

You're entitled to your opinion, but in my experience it's not supported by any facts whatsoever.

 

Originally Posted by Fused:
But as I said, my first Naim experience is the US, and the supplied power supply is just not good enough at even a baseline level. So it makes me wary of proceeding in other Naim directions despite the pleasure I am getting from the US.

Again, make your own choices.  The large number of pleased owners of Naim equipment notwithstanding.  This is an argument you're having with yourself that no one will win

Posted on: 25 August 2014 by Fused

It is an observation, not an argument.

Posted on: 25 August 2014 by TN

I am a "pleased owner of Naim equipment" (for close to 25 years) but I have to agree with Fused.  The US power supply is just not good enough.

Posted on: 26 August 2014 by Fused

I should hasten to add that I am surprised just how good the UnitiServe is - I will likely buy another. So I am a pleased owner too, but only for 2 months.

 

The point I was trying to make, and have done so clumsily, is that it would have been easy to write this product off as a rather over-priced alternative to a Mac Mini or equivalent. 

 

It is a universal product, and so offers Naim the potential to attract new customers to the brand who might otherwise have dismissed Naim. Just like me. 

Posted on: 26 August 2014 by Leatherneck

Creating a power supply for the UServe that wouldn't add significantly to the cost isn't easy.  The UServe takes a lot of power and it's much easier and cheaper to supply it with a switching supply.

 

At twice the cost of the supply from Israel is this one. http://www.coreaudiotechnology...for-naim-unitiserve/  It was recommended to me over the one from Israel.

 

I'm waiting to see what Naim does before doing anything.

 

Bud