UntiQute uPnP versus USB

The USB port is really intended fot iPhones, and will normally play OK from USB memory sticks too. USB hard drives are not supported, though some users have said they can get them to work. Sound quality should be good through either input.

Thx Chris.

To use external hard disk just format the disk using FAT 32 and you are good to go. 

I have found that SQ can be worse via USB than upnp, on the muso QB for example. I started a thread on that a few months ago which you could probably find with a search.  But bottom line is that there was no agreement either way.

best

David

The main issue seems to be one of practicality. If you have thousands of albums it's far easier to have them all on a nas rather than loads of USB sticks. 

I have had a 2 TB or so USB drive attached to my 272's front socket and it worked, but this isn't supported officially. I don't know what drive it was - it wasn't mine - but my WD passport drives that I use to backup from the nas don't work. 

Re SQ,  as David says, the jury is out on that, not disagreeing but my system SQ is same on UPnP as USB.  I've always said USB is a good benchmark & if your UPnP is not as good then something in the NAS, ethernet & switch/wireless hub can be improved.  

The other thing is USB browsing & control with iPad/Android is pants.     

Hungryhalibut is right. Practicality rules with my 272. Fab new world. In addition, I would flag the enormous importance of preserving your precious digital collection (so many hours developing, unique, costly). We all spend big ? bucks on the system so please  do not skimp here. Consider mains wire networking your home and use a quality  NAS with good customer service and history such as QNAP with quality twin mirror hardrives such as Western Digital Red. All not difficult to set up if you use a computer regularly. Total cost under £500

pjb_4465 posted:

Hungryhalibut is right. 

Now that makes a nice change!

The other issue to consider with a USB drive is weather it really gets enough power from the USB socket on the Uniti. For best sound quality, the recommendation is to turn the USB power off, in which case a separately powered drive would be required. Either way, for a long term solution I would look at a NAS with a wired Ethernet connection as the best option.

Chris, how do you turn off the USB power? I don't see any option for that in the setup menu. 

Use the 'spanner' button on the remote and select Inputs; USB/iPod; Charge. Then you can choose between Never or Always. 

Also in the manual - 4.3.5 USB/iPod Input  .........  

The USB input on the UQ2 is a disgrace.  in an earlier exchange on this a year or two ago, the then MD Paul Stephenson claimed it was a "convenience".  My view as a mere consumer is that it is more like a Public Convenience; basicaly, it stinks.

There seems to me no reason why this input could not have similar features to the others, if Naim could be bothered.  But they have devoted their effort into Tidal, Spotify and the rest with, it appears from these fora, mixed results.  I understand the commercial reason why and I appreciate too that the USB is not "sexy". 

But a small effort into the USB would give some of  us a worthwhile alternative input.  But I'm not holding my breath

Hi jhs -

I continue to live in hope, with app features implemented for other inputs to serve as the example for how USB navigation could be done... who knows what we'll see with Uniti firmware updates now that external discs are a key component of the new Uniti design. True convenience isn't that far away, even if we're not there yet. 

Regards alan

JSH posted:

The USB input on the UQ2 is a disgrace.  in an earlier exchange on this a year or two ago, the then MD Paul Stephenson claimed it was a "convenience".  My view as a mere consumer is that it is more like a Public Convenience; basicaly, it stinks.

There seems to me no reason why this input could not have similar features to the others, if Naim could be bothered.  But they have devoted their effort into Tidal, Spotify and the rest with, it appears from these fora, mixed results.  I understand the commercial reason why and I appreciate too that the USB is not "sexy". 

But a small effort into the USB would give some of  us a worthwhile alternative input.  But I'm not holding my breath

How about concisely and succcintly saying what it doesn't do for you?

i plug USB stick into my uq and it does just what i expect. 

Well Naim seem to have upgraded USB to first class status in the new Uniti range - I wonder if this was due to consumer demand? Yes browsing can be a pain, but I think there's a considerable number of people who just want to 'plug and play' so to speak without network faffing.

alan33 posted:

Hi jhs -

I continue to live in hope, with app features implemented for other inputs to serve as the example for how USB navigation could be done... who knows what we'll see with Uniti firmware updates now that external discs are a key component of the new Uniti design. True convenience isn't that far away, even if we're not there yet. 

Regards alan

I don't think much can be done with the existing Uniti range, via firmware or otherwise. Note Naim makes a big deal about the processing power in the new Uniti range - that must be a major factor in USB usability.