Using UnitiQute 2 only as a source to Naim DAC

Posted by: Disposable hero on 14 December 2015

Does anybody use this type of configuration whereby the UnitiQute 2 serves as a source to input to a Naim DAC?

There is a 75 Ohm BNC output on the back of a UnitiQute 2, it will be described in the manual section 2.4.2 for the UnitiQute 2 so potentially feed a Naim DAC. Has anybody found that this is this good for serving the purpose of a streamer/ network play connecting to a Naim DAC 75 Ohm BNC input?  The amplifier will be Nait XS2 and Neat Motive speakers.

The idea is that it is the cheapest Naim- based introduction to streamer/ network players for access to vTuner or iRadio, TIDAL and easy USB media connection.  The other benefit is that its so compact.  Only Wi-Fi can be done and there is no possibility of Ethernet wiring where the system will be located.  I'm not ready to commit to the full size type of streamers like NDX as this type of streamer/ network player world is evolving fast and if Linn and Naim are in head-to-head competition in this particular business there will be various new technologies out there.  With this in mind UnitiQute 2 seems like a good starting point with a get-out clause (easier to reuse as a micro-system or sell on).

Posted on: 14 December 2015 by HiFiman

The UQ works very well into the nDac I used this configuration myself before I sold the nDac for a Hugo, still use UQ into Hugo.

UQ as a streamer is great value for the money and provides a fantastic transport.

Posted on: 14 December 2015 by Brubacca

UQ works very well as a Source to DACs. I have tried it into my Rega DAC just to see what it would sound like.  I was shocked to find that the Rega DAC took on more of a Naim Character with the UQ feeding it.  

Posted on: 14 December 2015 by Skip

I thought UQ2 had a DAC built in.  Why would you buy a DAC for it?

Posted on: 14 December 2015 by charlesphoto

I use mine as a standalone streamer into a V1. Turn everything off that you aren't using on it, and it works a charm. That said, if I ever want to, the UQ can easily find a use elsewhere on its own. The cable makes a difference. Went from an entry level Chord Prodac to an Atlas Opus and big difference. Both terminated in BNC. Audioquest Cinnamon ethernet cable. 

The three Naim half boxes also look a treat sitting together on a shelf. Reason enough?

Posted on: 14 December 2015 by feeling_zen

Yeah this makes perfect sense. The V1 is superior and makes a nice upgrade. Just remember that if you do this you then need to add a power amp. the UQ2 can be used as

  • All-in-one: streamer/DAC/pre/power
  • Streaming preamp: streamer/DAC/pre
  • Source: streamer/DAC
  • Transport: streamer
  • DAC with amp: DAC/pre/power
  • Integrated: pre/power
  • Preamp only: pre

You have to use consecutive stages in the chain. So using it as the Streamer, pre, power, but routing the feed to a DAC and back in again cannot be done.

Posted on: 14 December 2015 by dayjay

I tried my Qute 2 into an Ndac and into a Hugo and it worked well although it was considerably better through the Hugo which I bought.  It certainly sounds much better than the Qute alone and as an added bonus the FM radio is digitised which allows you to retain that as a source.  I later sold my Qute and replaced it with a Mac mini and audirvana which was much better again

Posted on: 15 December 2015 by Ravenswood10

I do and it works very well. I use the Qute for hi def radio streams to give my NAT01 a break from BBC R3 live broadcast duties and also for multi room to a Unitilite in my smaller sitting room. I use a Naim BNC cable between the Qute and nDAC. Sounds even better since the dad upgrade.

Posted on: 15 December 2015 by Zeny

Which is better as transport? Qute or mac with roon?

Posted on: 15 December 2015 by GraemeH
Ravenswood10 posted:

I do and it works very well. I use the Qute for hi def radio streams to give my NAT01 a break from BBC R3 live broadcast duties and also for multi room to a Unitilite in my smaller sitting room. I use a Naim BNC cable between the Qute and nDAC. Sounds even better since the dad upgrade.

Indeed...the father of all upgrades.

G

Posted on: 15 December 2015 by Ravenswood10

Never has a typo sounded so good!

Posted on: 15 December 2015 by Adam Zielinski

I tried the following with my nDac:

UnitiQute, ND5XS, NDX

Thei mprovements in sound quality via the SPDIF were exactly in that order.