Unitiqute 2 and MA or Focal Aria 906?

Posted by: Paulq on 02 November 2015

Hi all

 

I am in 'mid save up mode' towards either the SU or a 272/250 early next year.  In the meantime I had sold my Linn gear and am currently running a Marantz setup (NA6005/PM6005) ad interim with some Monitor Audio Silver 1's.  It's actually quite nice for what you pay for it and I have always been a fan of the Marantz sound.

 

However, the app/control support is woeful and it's doing my head in.  So much so that my local store is dragging me off the street to buy an ex-dem Unitiqute 2 which I demo'd with my existing speakers However they are also recommending the Focal Aria 906's for both the UQ2 and also the bigger system I will ultimately get next year.  They are now further reduced.

 

So - a few questions:

 

 1 - Is the UQ2/Aria 906 a good combo? Or would I be better me hanging on to the Silver 1's with the UQ2?

 

2 - Would the Aria 906's do justice to the SU or 272/250 or are they likely to be found wanting if I kept them with that setup?  I had originally planned to get a set of Kudos Cardea Super 10's next year but they are pricey.

 

3 - Power wise the 30 wpc sounded conservaitive - no concerns about the drive capability of the UQ2 in the short term?  It will be relegated to a second room when I get the bigger kit next year.

 

Thanks in advance for the help.

Posted on: 02 November 2015 by ChrisSU
'Early next year' is only a couple of months away. I'd just use your existing MA speakers until then, and choose a complete new system that works for you when the time comes.
Posted on: 02 November 2015 by Paulq

You mean avoid the UQ completely?  Umm I can see your point and it does make sense.  However it's quite a bargain and would be a great second system to have. (And that's not me convincing myself) 

Posted on: 02 November 2015 by hungryhalibut
The SU and, even more so the 272/250 is worthy of more ambitious speakers, so I'd stick with the MAs for now. I'd also be wary of getting a Qute if you don't really need it long term - you are just spending money that delays getting what you really want. If your amp has pre out and power amp in sockets, you could think of adding a 272 sooner rather than later and moving to your goal in stages.
Posted on: 02 November 2015 by ChrisSU
If you want the Qute anyway for a second system, fair enough. What I really meant was choose speakers for your main system when you get it, you might regret it if you 'make do' with speakers that the Qute can drive, as a 250 will open up many more speaker options.
Also, the SU is brilliant, but if you put the price of the Qute in your piggy bank, you're that much closer to affording a 272/250 or NDX based system, either of which are a big step up from the SU.
Posted on: 02 November 2015 by Paulq

Both sensible comments guys thanks.  You have given me something to think about.

 

My thinking was only that I could have a Naim system as a second system for very little cash comparatively (UQ2 + Focals - Marantz/MA sale = c. £900) rather than have the Marantz as a second system in the future.  It wouldn't negate the ability to get the SU or 272/250 next year.

 

Decisions....

Posted on: 02 November 2015 by hafler3o

Is the UQ/906 combo very good? Most definitely yes ...

 

I came by my Qute before the SU (first I bought a UnitiLite without hearing the other all-in-ones demo'd) After a problem with the original I settled on a Qute and liked it even more, then heard the SU and decided to take the 'heady' decision of having TWO systems!! Never before! Once streamed/distributed  music was in the house we enjoyed the freedom, simplicity and lovely sound (price per pound) so we went for another Qute.

 

If I could justify the expenditure I would be looking at going the route of ChrisSU or HungryHalibut, but my right ear is causing trouble so actual 'critical listening' may be a thing of the past. Having music around me wherever I am is possibly more important now than having all my eggs in one basket, so to speak!

 

I've always found saving for a purchase really satisfying (even if funds are merely an internet click or phone call away) so audition at your leisure while you divert all income to your Naim pot. A non Naim system has been tempting but the cost saving has usually been offset by the attendant lack of seamless integration and drop in SQ. Good luck.

Posted on: 02 November 2015 by David Hendon

The great thing about having Naim in both main and backup systems is that you can control either through the Naim app, which is convenient and (non-audio focused) partner-friendly. You can stream the same music through both systems at the same time, which can be convenient, depending how your house is arranged. But whether you go to Naim with one or the other room first and whether or not you use some kit in the "wrong" room for a few months isn't really the issue.  I think the key thing is not to buy kit which you are going to have to re-sell in a few months time, whether it's made by Naim or anyone else. So I suggest think about where you want to end up and then how best to get there without selling anything on the way that you don't already have.

 

best

 

David

Posted on: 02 November 2015 by Paulq
Originally Posted by David Hendon:

The great thing about having Naim in both main and backup systems is that you can control either through the Naim app, which is convenient and (non-audio focused) partner-friendly. You can stream the same music through both systems at the same time, which can be convenient, depending how your house is arranged. But whether you go to Naim with one or the other room first and whether or not you use some kit in the "wrong" room for a few months isn't really the issue.  I think the key thing is not to buy kit which you are going to have to re-sell in a few months time, whether it's made by Naim or anyone else. So I suggest think about where you want to end up and then how best to get there without selling anything on the way that you don't already have.

 

 

That's the attraction really.  What I am not prepared to do is pay full price for something which will eventually be in a smaller room in the house once I have bought the SU or other combo next year.  The larger system is what I am saving for and that's the main aim.

 

However this is a relatively small cost to have a second Naim system, with all the flexibility you cite, rather than one from another manufacturer and that I'd be keeping 'forever' - I tend to research, buy what I want and keep it for a long time..  I'm very tempted.

 

I guess I could further minimise outlay by using the UQ with the MA speakers which are also very good I have to say.  I just hear good things about the Focals.

Posted on: 02 November 2015 by ChrisSU
There are an awful lot of speakers out there. If you get the Qute, I'd delay your decision on speakers for it until I'd had the chance to listen to some rather than jump on the first 'deal' that comes your way.
Posted on: 02 November 2015 by Paulq

Hmm. Am gonna demo a few on Weds.

Posted on: 05 November 2015 by Paulq
Well, I demo'd the UQ2 with the Aria 906's and absolutely hated it. To me the sound was cold and lacking pretty much everything I wanted.

Within an hour I was actually ready for leaving and concluding that maybe Naim wasn't for me. However before I did I wanted to check how the UQ sounded with my existing speakers which I rate highly (MA Silver 1's). - just to understand if my dissatisfaction was the UQ or speakers.

The result - astonishing. The sound from the MA's through my budget Marantz system is impressive but the UQ took this up a level. I really can't commend these speakers enough at their price point - amazing combination with the UQ which is everything I hoped it would be.

So - UQ2 ordered and due in a week.

I'm now deliberating over whether to add a NAP100 which the dealer will discount. Not sure I need it though I didn't demo it? Any views?

I was also drooling over the NAC C-272 but that's for next year! Also part of the reason I'm not sure I need the NAP100.

Thanks for all the advice. Naim owner at last! ��
Posted on: 05 November 2015 by Penarth Blues
Originally Posted by Paulq:
Well, I demo'd the UQ2 with the Aria 906's and absolutely hated it. To me the sound was cold and lacking pretty much everything I wanted.

Within an hour I was actually ready for leaving and concluding that maybe Naim wasn't for me. However before I did I wanted to check how the UQ sounded with my existing speakers which I rate highly (MA Silver 1's). - just to understand if my dissatisfaction was the UQ or speakers.

The result - astonishing. The sound from the MA's through my budget Marantz system is impressive but the UQ took this up a level. I really can't commend these speakers enough at their price point - amazing combination with the UQ which is everything I hoped it would be.

So - UQ2 ordered and due in a week.

I'm now deliberating over whether to add a NAP100 which the dealer will discount. Not sure I need it though I didn't demo it? Any views?

I was also drooling over the NAC C-272 but that's for next year! Also part of the reason I'm not sure I need the NAP100.

Thanks for all the advice. Naim owner at last! ��

Good to hear you've got the sound you wanted! I hope you go on to have many years of happy ownership

Posted on: 05 November 2015 by Paulq

Thank you very much it's been quite a journey but worth it.  It's just funny that human nature (well, mine anyway) is either never satisfied or constantly searching for 'what's next'.

 

Today I take the plunge and buy the UQ2 and in addition to the elation I'm still thinking 'is the NAP100 really worth it/necessary'.

 

Posted on: 07 November 2015 by Walgo
I was interested to see that you hated the combination of UQ2 plus Aria 906s. I have a Uniti 2 and 906s and am loving the sound I'm getting - very detailed, lifelike and large scale. The quality of sound does vary significantly with the quality of the source and recording though. I would also say that The 906s major on accuracy - they won't alter or enhance what has been recorded. This suits me as I tend to listen mainly to classical music and specifically seek out 'good' recordings of the music I love.
 
It just goes to show that people like different things. I wouldn't want others to discount the Focal Arias without giving them a listen, as to some of us they do sound great.
 
I hope you are getting as much pleasure from your new purchase as I am from mine. I just can't get over how good music sounds on my new system. All the best...
Well, I demo'd the UQ2 with the Aria 906's and absolutely hated it. To me the sound was cold and lacking pretty much everything I wanted.

Within an hour I was actually ready for leaving and concluding that maybe Naim wasn't for me. However before I did I wanted to check how the UQ sounded with my existing speakers which I rate highly (MA Silver 1's). - just to understand if my dissatisfaction was the UQ or speakers.

The result - astonishing. The sound from the MA's through my budget Marantz system is impressive but the UQ took this up a level. I really can't commend these speakers enough at their price point - amazing combination with the UQ which is everything I hoped it would be.

So - UQ2 ordered and due in a week.

I'm now deliberating over whether to add a NAP100 which the dealer will discount. Not sure I need it though I didn't demo it? Any views?

I was also drooling over the NAC C-272 but that's for next year! Also part of the reason I'm not sure I need the NAP100.

Thanks for all the advice. Naim owner at last! ��

 

Posted on: 07 November 2015 by Penarth Blues
Originally Posted by Walgo:
I was interested to see that you hated the combination of UQ2 plus Aria 906s. I have a Uniti 2 and 906s and am loving the sound I'm getting - very detailed, lifelike and large scale. The quality of sound does vary significantly with the quality of the source and recording though. I would also say that The 906s major on accuracy - they won't alter or enhance what has been recorded. This suits me as I tend to listen mainly to classical music and specifically seek out 'good' recordings of the music I love.
 
It just goes to show that people like different things. I wouldn't want others to discount the Focal Arias without giving them a listen, as to some of us they do sound great.
 
I hope you are getting as much pleasure from your new purchase as I am from mine. I just can't get over how good music sounds on my new system. All the best...
Well, I demo'd the UQ2 with the Aria 906's and absolutely hated it. To me the sound was cold and lacking pretty much everything I wanted.

Within an hour I was actually ready for leaving and concluding that maybe Naim wasn't for me. However before I did I wanted to check how the UQ sounded with my existing speakers which I rate highly (MA Silver 1's). - just to understand if my dissatisfaction was the UQ or speakers.

The result - astonishing. The sound from the MA's through my budget Marantz system is impressive but the UQ took this up a level. I really can't commend these speakers enough at their price point - amazing combination with the UQ which is everything I hoped it would be.

So - UQ2 ordered and due in a week.

I'm now deliberating over whether to add a NAP100 which the dealer will discount. Not sure I need it though I didn't demo it? Any views?

I was also drooling over the NAC C-272 but that's for next year! Also part of the reason I'm not sure I need the NAP100.

Thanks for all the advice. Naim owner at last! ��

 

I have the Uniti2 and 926's and they also sound superb to me. I think, however, that you get used to a certain sound and it seems Paulq really loves his MA's so all is good. In the end it's what does it for you.

 

I've also got my TV connected optically to the Uniti2 and as a 2.0 system with movies it's superb - I'd recommend it if you don't do this already.

 

As a jack of all trades the system is perfect for my needs at present. If I ever get a windfall I might try a 250DR with it, but I have so many other things I'd prefer to spend money on that I can't see this happening any time soon. I hope you continue to enjoy your system!

Posted on: 08 November 2015 by Paulq

I think that's right and what makes the hobby so engaging - just finding what's right for you.  I haven't actually got it yet but have also since taken the plunge and ordered a new NAP 100 to go with it - that should come at the same time so can't wait.

 

(In the meantime I'll be putting the money raised from the sale of the Marantz to my legal costs for the divorce lawyer: