Mesmerising Mahler from a super Nova
Posted by: Stephen_C on 04 September 2017
Mahler, symphony no. 3 - Ivàn Fischer, Budapest Festival Orchestra: Channel Classics 24/192 download
3 day old Uniti Nova playing from QNAP TS-251+ into in-wall B&W Signature 8NT speakers with back boxes
I am not qualified to talk about PRAT—and, indeed, had no idea what it was until I started reading this forum some months ago (in the hope of treating my impatience after ordering my Nova). Neither will what I say help those trying to compare the Nova to other equipment. However, I do know when spell-binding music sends shivers down my spine. So, if you want facts rather than emotion, don’t read any more!
While listening to the Mahler I found myself frequently involuntarily holding my breath—gripped by a huge, luminous sound stage and breathtaking dynamic range. The precision and beauty of the sound exacted an intense emotional involvement with the music. I can describe the music only as “sound suspended freely in space”, unconstrained and unleashed.
I am at the start of a major journey of rediscovery through my classical music collection. It’s hard to stop grinning. I'm so sorry if this appears as wishy-washy emotional nonsense! :-)
Stephen
It would be churlish of me not to say how much I appreciated all the kind responses: thanks to all of you.
I was going to add to the original post an equally emotional response to playing a 24/192 downloaded version of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" with Teodor Currentzis and Musica Aeterna. However, although it played correctly on the Mu-so using UPnP I could not for the life of me get it to sequence tracks in the correct order when playing on the Nova. After ages reviewing metadata (in both Metadatics and Jaikoz), to no avail, I reluctantly sent a support email to Naim.
Of course, the rest of you immediately know what was the problem. It's rather too easy to press the "shuffle" button in the iOS app and when you're not at all used to using it (I mean, for classical music?)...well, you know what happens. I de-shuffled and then shuffled off to draft a mortified and extremely embarrassed second email to poor old Naim support. <Sigh>
However, if any of you are looking for a thoroughly visceral and stunning "Rite of Spring"—and can avoid shuffling 
—I can highly recommend it.
Stephen