Naim Unitiqute 2 - Streaming to it??

Glad it made sense, I'm aware that this can seem confusing stuff. But it's not so bad once you get used to it.

I'm not familiar with the CDX, but a quick look at some photos makes it seem like it didn't have a digital out, as this was introduced with the CDX 2. So no, it seems you probably couldn't connect it to the qute other than via a DIN-RCA lead. But obviously the qute only has one RCA analogue input, so you'd have to choose between CDP and turntable.

It's also worth bearing in mind that using a digital out from a CDP means the qute will be handling the digital-analogue conversion, not the CDP. This means two things. First, you'll probably get decent results from a modest CDP as it will only be handling the spinning and reading work without getting involved in making the sound. So as long as long as it can read & output the data properly it'll sound very similar to any other digital source playing through the qute. Second, it means that a really good/expensive player is wasted, as all its posh conversion and output circuitry will be bypassed. In my case I already had an Arcam CD73 and thought it sounded great via RCA in my previous setup. But running a digital out into the qute was an upgrade. With a CDX it might be a downgrade, I don't know.

So depending on what you were looking for in terms of results, you could potentially sell the CDX and replace it with a cheap CDP with an optical out. This may seem like sacrilege, but as you said you were considering abandoning CDs, it could mean you'd have a comparatively cheap way of retaining CD playback capability at roughly the same level as if your CDX did have a digital output.

As for Spotify, yes, technically current models are *capable* of supporting Spotify connect. It's just that at the moment, they DON'T. There is a firmware update coming in a few weeks' time* which will enable Spotify connect on existing models. It won't add Bluetooth support to old models, but it will add spotify connect. That's what we're told. And after all, the new models must be running firmware which supports it.

And I sympathise about the AE. Mine sat gathering dust after I spent a ridiculous amount of time trying and failing to get it to work properly via WiFi. Once I moved house and was able to use it via cable it worked fine. Bloody thing. For what it's worth, a rooted Android device can stream spotify to a networked UQ using a 4 quid app without having to use an AE. Probably adds more complication than is useful for you, given the imminent arrival of spotify connect. But I wish I'd known back when I was wrestling with the little white bugger!

I've not heard a classic Nait, but the UQ2 I'm listening to internet radio on at the moment is a lovely piece of kit, certainly worthy of a bit of obsession.

*Naim time estimate - take with a pinch of salt. But it does seem likely to happen fairly soon.

Thanks again Dave.

Ok, so next question is this.  Connecting an iPod to the UQ.  I know you can plug it in at the front, but is there a way to do it at the back too?  Also is there a better cable one can use rather than the standard white apple one?

There's no USB (for input) on the back of a Qute.

You may try Audioquest carbon or cinnamon usb cable between your iPod and UQ.

i've found airport express just a bit shit really and there are 2 in a drawer somewhere

I put a sonos connect in and its a doddle. I'd never heard radio6 and its brilliant

Thanks fellas.

Yes, I had an AE and found it to be complete cack.  Did my head in.  When it worked it was perfect but it just dropped off teh network constantly and no matter how much research I did online/trying of various fixes it remained poo, so I got rid of it.  I have to rely on a wireless connection downstairs you see that's the problemo.

Believe me I did plenty of research and there were/are loads of people with the same problem who have given up on the AE also.