Re. Possible UQ2 upgrade

Don't upgrade it - it's beauty is in its integrity. If anything get a PowerLine for it and just plug it into a wall.

Adam Zielinski posted:

Don't upgrade it - it's beauty is in its integrity. If anything get a PowerLine for it and just plug it into a wall.

Thanks Adam, i'll look into this as an option

Adam Zielinski posted:

Don't upgrade it - it's beauty is in its integrity. If anything get a PowerLine for it and just plug it into a wall.

Could you please expand on how the Powerline helps out the UQ2 sound? 
Thanks.

B

Brilliant posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

Don't upgrade it - it's beauty is in its integrity. If anything get a PowerLine for it and just plug it into a wall.

Could you please expand on how the Powerline helps out the UQ2 sound? 
Thanks.

B

Pretty much in the same as for other NAIM components. The sound becomes more 'settled', the famous inky black, becomes more 'inky' and more 'black'. The sound seems to mature, without loosing its energy and timing.

Wrongly chosen power cables can have quite a detrimental effect on NAIM - some of the worst I heard made it sound thin and harsh. Some others bloated and over the top (boosting low and high frequencies for example).

Like with anything NAIM - do experiment and test before buying.

I had tried different power cords on the UQ and always came back to the  Naim supplied one. I never considered the Powerline due to the expense- and the  (misplaced) thought that the UQ may not be transparent enough? I will certainly give it a try at the next opportunity.

We tried this for the first time last week, PowerLine does bring a significant performance step, along with programming both the display and logo to be switched off.  Beyond that - Super Lumina speaker cables, even on the UQ2 is another step worth experiencing if you get a chance.

Jeremy

Three options (to my mind)...

1. keep the UQ2 (maybe add powerline) and enjoy.
2. add a NAP200, knowing that down the line a NAC-N272 will bring another step forward.
3. replace with a SuperUniti.

Agree with Adam, the Qute  is best left alone. If it really struggles with the speakers chosen, you are better to change the speakers or the Qute to a more appropriate unit. A well matched speaker and on song Qute is a joy.

Artferg20 posted:

UQ2 / Sonos connect

Planar 3 / Nagaoka MP200

Guru juniors

 

Hi All,

I'm in two minds about a possible upgrade.? I enjoy my UQ2, but feel I need just a bit more from it. I've thought about adding a S/H NAP 150 / 200 or even if funds permit a S/H uniti 2 or SU2 for simplicity?

I might be not understanding.  Are you thinking of replacing the Qute2 with a SU2? Or somehow using them together?  SU2 is a fine one-box solution and certainly offers much "more" than the Qute.  It should at the price differential!

The Gurus work brilliantly on a Qute 2, there is no speaker mismatch there.  I had the same system at one point and, imho, adding a Nap100 gave an improvement;  a bit more of everything.  I'm sure a Nap200dr would give an even greater improvement and would provide a logical upgrade path further down the line.  If you do upgrade I would strongly suggest keeping the Qute and Gurus for another room as they are a classic combination and I regret not keeping mine for use elsewhere 

Bart posted:

Artferg20 posted:

UQ2 / Sonos connect

Planar 3 / Nagaoka MP200

Guru juniors

 

Hi All,

I'm in two minds about a possible upgrade.? I enjoy my UQ2, but feel I need just a bit more from it. I've thought about adding a S/H NAP 150 / 200 or even if funds permit a S/H uniti 2 or SU2 for simplicity?

I might be not understanding.  Are you thinking of replacing the Qute2 with a SU2? Or somehow using them together?  SU2 is a fine one-box solution and certainly offers much "more" than the Qute.  It should at the price differential!

No replacing the Qute.

I added a NAP100 to my UQ a few days ago, picked up a mint ex demo unit for £500 nice lift in performance and control over my AE301 speakers.

Maybe in a couple of years I will be on the lookout for a 272 but I will still keep the Qute.

gary yeowell posted:

Agree with Adam, the Qute  is best left alone. If it really struggles with the speakers chosen, you are better to change the speakers or the Qute to a more appropriate unit. A well matched speaker and on song Qute is a joy.

Qute works well with the Guru and doesn't struggle with the guru at all. My partner has made it clear to me to get any upgrades out of the way this year, as she's becoming a little fed of my changes over the last year or so.

Then i'd leave well alone, and save your money, or have a nice holiday.

naah, get that 500 setup before next year

TBH get an old serviced 140 or 110 poweramp both betters 150, if new design needed a nap100, to create louder SPL's, the Qute is just fine without it if you need not playing loud, the Qute/poweramp performance is not always win win.

Buing a s/h poweramp usually is free hifi as resale value could be equal

In my small loft space, my Qute2 is at the heart of a VERY enjoyable little system.  I can sit in my Stressless easy chair and listen to it for hours.  If I didn't have a bigger room elsewhere, and thus my bigger 'other' system, I could be happy with this little system as my only system for a long, long time.

+1 for Bart's summary

Adam Zielinski posted:

+1 for Bart's summary

Hi Adam,

in your opinion, would alternative IEC mains cable bring the similar dividends as the Naim powerline?

Artferg20 posted:

Adam Zielinski posted:

+1 for Bart's summary

Hi Adam,

in your opinion, would alternative IEC mains cable bring the similar dividends as the Naim powerline?

Hi

As I wrote earlier on in this thread...

There are many good power supply cables on the market. Many forum members report very good results with some Tellurium Q power supply cables. I have not tried them so cannot comment.

In my systems PowerLines brought back the best balance.

I still use some Enerr and MIT power cables on selected pieces, but none of them NAIM.

Adam