Uniti Nova vs. Star

Well done for trusting you ears, not the price list. Maybe you should demo an Atom!

Thanks Chrissu! I am sure the atom will sound great and similar to the Star.

Would need a core for the atom and therefore the star as a all in one should be the better solution for me.

Unlike earlier I prefer less devices...

I

I wouldn’t consider a Core as a justifiable cost with an Atom, I think a £200 NAS would be just fine. 

100% Chris,  I just don't get it,  why anyone with a laptop or PC & DVD r/w drive & 1/2 an ounce of computer savvy would want a £2000 Core vs a £200 NAS is beyond me.    

Mike,

to begin with, the Core rips, a NAS doesn't. So to the £200 of the NAS please add whatever sum your PC & DVD r/w drive cost. Are we still so far from the Core, also considering the convenience and the excellent sound quality (which I have personally verified)?

Max

Snait39 posted:

Dear Forum,

just had a further interesting  listen session with the new uniti line nova and star.

After hearing the both last week and after ordering the star I've got some doubt if the made decission was really right and the nova would not be the better choice to the star.

It has to be, because the nova should be better due to the ranking of the new line????

At the first listening session I've got the impression that the star was nearer to the music for me. 

So to consolidate my findings from last week a second run was needed and  I heard both in a long session once again.

Both machines I really liked a lot. There are so much soundstage and air I've  never heard from any entry level naims.  Image and realness were top. Also clearness much improved with the new line.

Strange enough I found the musical experience a lot more satisfying  than with my existing SN1.....

In terms of hifi the nova was clearly better than the star, more power, bigger, more colour , more air but somehow more controlled and therefore the star feeled more lively and engaged to me.

It hold my interest to the music more and gave me more joy and fun.

Maybe with other speakers the results would be different.

With my preferred Ascendo loudspeakers the star was the star.

So at the end of the day my ordering of the star will not be changed to the nova.

Once again I'vd made the experience that the supposed better and expensive device would not be the better for myself. Own listening and own findings are always a good  guide.

Now the long wait has begun???? 

Regards

Snait

 

 

 

I've been writing (and speaking to other Naim fanatics) about the Nova's excellence for weeks, but vox clamans in deserto. Anyway, your sixth paragraph explains all: you call the Star and the Nova entry levels, which I would hardly do at, respectively, £3299 and 4099 – in Italy, €4650 and 5900). But the truth is, it's because they are called Uniti, and the army of old farts using Naim since 1768 cannot accept that the Uniti line sounds better than a 282 or a 272 or, for that, a SN1, which is what I have and which has made my music become boring again since I brought back to my dealer the Nova I had borrowed.

So, no one understands you better than me, but please don't call the Star and the Nova (with capitals) entry levels, or you're doomed to become, in a few years, one of those same old farts who will be still building altars to their CBs or 6-box, 2-Fraim systems without realizing that Naim and the world have changed.

Best

Max

Max_B posted:

Mike,

to begin with, the Core rips, a NAS doesn't. So to the £200 of the NAS please add whatever sum your PC & DVD r/w drive cost. Are we still so far from the Core, also considering the convenience and the excellent sound quality (which I have personally verified)?

Max

Ciao Max,  come va ?    my thinking was that most people already have a laptop/PC/DVD drive & in that case I don't understand the point of Core.     I have not heard the Core (I have no need to be interested personally) so I cannot comment on SQ.   However I do read the comments on the Core threads,  these alone make me believe the Core is not for me (for sure) & I continue to question why others need it.   

Ciao Mike, va molto bene, grazie.

I see where you come from, yet not all people have a laptop/iMac/PC, and, ironically enough, just those who buy a Mac today will need a r/w external drive, because last generations of PCs have none. Anyway, it is since the time of HDX and UnitiServe that the discussion is divided between those who choose saving precious money and hose who choose to save precious time. If I may say so. I ignore if and when I'll feel like going streaming, but I will never choose to use my Mac first to rip CDs (even ignoring the number of options about ripping and settings, like XLD or not, iTunes or not, EAC or not, not to mention special Ethernet wires, or not) then to transfer the music to a NAS, just to spare the money that some spend, doubled, for SuperLumina cables.

I have used and verified the Core: to my ears, for once convenience has married true quality. Its rips sound better than a good player's optical reading, and than the UnitiServe's. Yet, the Uniti Line is new, it's plug-in and has a different look. And I think that for some people these are three unforgivable flaws. 

Friendly

Max

Mike.  Like you, I didn't really think I needed a Core, or even wanted one.  

And then I got one.  And initially I still didn't think it was something I really needed, but it was nice.

And then with the recent firmware and app functionality having got a lot better, all of a sudden I'm really liking it, and I'm playing less vinyl. Yes, there are one or two niggles that remain.  Main one for me is the error reporting - I have a few CDs with dodgy last tracks that will eventually rip but which play erratically - which should hopefully be updated shortly.

It's working really well controlled via my iPad Mini - this the perfect size controller IMHO. It may (or may not) be for you.  But using one day in and day out is probably the only way to know for sure. I still rip to FLAC on my laptop for DAPs and use the computer for downloads, tidying up met data  etc.. , but I treat it as a kind of messy workshop. The core is kept nice and clean and simple and not asked  to do what it wasn't designed to do.  Most importantly, if it left tomorrow, I'd really miss it. 

As for me, I have no doubt that if I leave CD, it will be for a Core. With NAC A5, and my excellent, £150 Vertere Pulse D-Fi IC.

:-)

M.

Max_B posted:

Snait39 posted:

Dear Forum,

just had a further interesting  listen session with the new uniti line nova and star.

After hearing the both last week and after ordering the star I've got some doubt if the made decission was really right and the nova would not be the better choice to the star.

It has to be, because the nova should be better due to the ranking of the new line????

At the first listening session I've got the impression that the star was nearer to the music for me. 

So to consolidate my findings from last week a second run was needed and  I heard both in a long session once again.

Both machines I really liked a lot. There are so much soundstage and air I've  never heard from any entry level naims.  Image and realness were top. Also clearness much improved with the new line.

Strange enough I found the musical experience a lot more satisfying  than with my existing SN1.....

In terms of hifi the nova was clearly better than the star, more power, bigger, more colour , more air but somehow more controlled and therefore the star feeled more lively and engaged to me.

It hold my interest to the music more and gave me more joy and fun.

Maybe with other speakers the results would be different.

With my preferred Ascendo loudspeakers the star was the star.

So at the end of the day my ordering of the star will not be changed to the nova.

Once again I'vd made the experience that the supposed better and expensive device would not be the better for myself. Own listening and own findings are always a good  guide.

Now the long wait has begun???? 

Regards

Snait

 

 

 

I've been writing (and speaking to other Naim fanatics) about the Nova's excellence for weeks, but vox clamans in deserto. Anyway, your sixth paragraph explains all: you call the Star and the Nova entry levels, which I would hardly do at, respectively, £3299 and 4099 – in Italy, €4650 and 5900). But the truth is, it's because they are called Uniti, and the army of old farts using Naim since 1768 cannot accept that the Uniti line sounds better than a 282 or a 272 or, for that, a SN1, which is what I have and which has made my music become boring again since I brought back to my dealer the Nova I had borrowed.

So, no one understands you better than me, but please don't call the Star and the Nova (with capitals) entry levels, or you're doomed to become, in a few years, one of those same old farts who will be still building altars to their CBs or 6-box, 2-Fraim systems without realizing that Naim and the world have changed.

Best

Max

Uniti line sounds better than a 272 or 282? They are good, but they are not that good. 

It's a subject as old ad Noah, but let's touch it lightly (and shortly, I hope) for the last time. It is about what better means.

If I hear more things from a recording I know, the 'air' among instruments is more perceptible, if the 'flow is more flowing and the dynamics good; if I take an amp home and for the next three days I listen to more CDs, and more gladly, than with my own amp, the new one is better. The world of audio once relied entirely on measurements, then Naim has completely erased from the face of the Earth the notion of measure, starting with the Nait: avoiding graphics, datas, technical info beyond a very basic level, apt to impress buyers who believe they know but unable to fully inform those who know actually. So it's down to impressions, and to marketing-induced preferences. Or else, it is my ears vs yours, which brings us to the beginning, and your last (and only) sentence is not valid. Thank god, there is also logic on this Earth, not only Naim.

I have an impression of the SN, of the 282, of the 250: I owned them. I don't know the 272 but I am sure that it's owned by a large number of Naim fans who, up to 10 years ago, would have rejected the idea of a Naim preamp containing its own power supply in despise.

You confirmed my idea: you called them 'the Uniti line': an inferior category. If Naim had called them Statement Lite – which, in my opinion, would have been a good idea – I don't say you'd already had one, but I think you'd have taken the pain to listen to them, as accurately and bias-free as I did.

Still very friendly,

Max

I have a SN2 with its PSU and an idea flashed through me to replace it with the Nova. I was evaluating to add a streamer to my system, but after the coming out of NOVA I can combine both in only one device. I can reduce from 3 boxes (SN2+PSU+Stremer) to only one. Unfortunately I cannot compare the quality sound of them but a change at blind way could make me repent the SN2+PSU.

I compared the Nova to the SN2. The only thing they have in common is the weight (around 13 kg.). Different is an insuperable barrier, as a word or as a concept; there will always be someone who finds more weight, authority, control in the SN2 (I don't know the impact of the PSU, but having DR regs for the preamp the way I see it is that the difference with/without is lesser than on a SN1), and those who will find the greater agility, airiness, the better articulated and less heavyweight bass of the Nova very refreshing. I have owned, once, a SuperUniti, and I sold it after less than one week (to a perfect a**hole, I hope he's reading this now, I made a promise reach his ears that the first time we'd meet again he better change sidewalk) and after having heard a Nova for three days I wouldn't want a SU for free.

This is not promotion: it's my humble work to lend a hand to a very deserving product that is encountering hesitation and resistance to become a hit because it belongs to a 'son of a lesser God' line of products.

Best

max

Thank you Max_B for your feedback, SN2 was my dream when I bought it and now I'm quite scared to do a blinded changing, This may lead to a complete re-asset of my system. Probably also my CDX2.2 + PSU may remain on the shelf to take dust if the NOVA take the place of my SN2. 

Mike-B posted:

100% Chris,  I just don't get it,  why anyone with a laptop or PC & DVD r/w drive & 1/2 an ounce of computer savvy would want a £2000 Core vs a £200 NAS is beyond me.    

Because I would really like to have the core in the rack for his haptic and style also for convenience, not to mention that the core sounds better than the NAS at my dealers place.

Costwise I would agree but if I am in searching for a budget solution I would not with Naim.....

 

 

So, no one understands you better than me, but please don't call the Star and the Nova (with capitals) entry levels, or you're doomed to become, in a few years, one of those same old farts who will be still building altars to their CBs or 6-box, 2-Fraim systems without realizing that Naim and the world have changed.

Best

Max

When I compare the all in one solution with separate Naim amp, CD, streamer, cables ect. it will be entry level! Costwise!????

Soundwise never ever.

The star costs 4.000 EUR here in Germany.

Alone for the Supernait 4.198 EUR..and I really like the voicing of Star and Nova better and therefore a really good value for money in my opinion.

Regards

Christian

Snait39 posted:

Mike-B posted:

100% Chris,  I just don't get it,  why anyone with a laptop or PC & DVD r/w drive & 1/2 an ounce of computer savvy would want a £2000 Core vs a £200 NAS is beyond me.    

Because I would really like to have the core in the rack for his haptic and style also for convenience, not to mention that the core sounds better than the NAS at my dealers place.

Costwise I would agree but if I am in searching for a budget solution I would not with Naim.....

Fair enough, but in terms of cost, Core + Atom = Nova, and I don’t believe for one moment that it could compete on sound quality with a Nova fed from a regular NAS. 

ChrisSU posted:

Snait39 posted:

Mike-B posted:

100% Chris,  I just don't get it,  why anyone with a laptop or PC & DVD r/w drive & 1/2 an ounce of computer savvy would want a £2000 Core vs a £200 NAS is beyond me.    

Because I would really like to have the core in the rack for his haptic and style also for convenience, not to mention that the core sounds better than the NAS at my dealers place.

Costwise I would agree but if I am in searching for a budget solution I would not with Naim.....

Fair enough, but in terms of cost, Core + Atom = Nova, and I don’t believe for one moment that it could compete on sound quality with a Nova fed from a regular NAS. 

This may be.

I am really happy decided for the star and looking forward to receive it mid of January.

So no more thoughts and headache which version or combination would be better 

Snait39 posted:

 

 

 

 

This may be.

I am really happy decided for the star and looking forward to receive it mid of January.

So no more thoughts which version or combination would be better 

Enjoy the music!

Thanks! 

That really matters

Max_B posted:

Mike,

to begin with, the Core rips, a NAS doesn't. So to the £200 of the NAS please add whatever sum your PC & DVD r/w drive cost. Are we still so far from the Core, also considering the convenience and the excellent sound quality (which I have personally verified)?

Max

I agree Max with all your points about the Core,I own one,and also own a computer with ripping capabilities.The thing is,my computer resides in my bedroom,and my Core sits on my Naim Fraim,next to my speakers,listening chair etc.Who wants to walk in and out of the bedroom every time I want to rip a new CD?The whole ripping my CDs process was quite enjoyable to me,listening to the new rips as they finish,filing them away in a box,all the while,sat in front of my System,people do not have their computers in their listening room do they?

No quarter posted:

Max_B posted:

Mike,

to begin with, the Core rips, a NAS doesn't. So to the £200 of the NAS please add whatever sum your PC & DVD r/w drive cost. Are we still so far from the Core, also considering the convenience and the excellent sound quality (which I have personally verified)?

Max

I agree Max with all your points about the Core,I own one,and also own a computer with ripping capabilities.The thing is,my computer resides in my bedroom,and my Core sits on my Naim Fraim,next to my speakers,listening chair etc.Who wants to walk in and out of the bedroom every time I want to rip a new CD?The whole ripping my CDs process was quite enjoyable to me,listening to the new rips as they finish,filing them away in a box,all the while,sat in front of my System[b],people do not have their computers in their listening room do they?[/b]

I have a laptop or two that I can take into any room then transfer the files to my NAS via my network. I can understand the no fuss approach of the Core but I don't have an issue with ripping to a NAS. Both ways work and having a choice is always nice. 

Max_B posted: 

 

 

I've been writing (and speaking to other Naim fanatics) about the Nova's excellence for weeks, but vox clamans in deserto. Anyway, your sixth paragraph explains all: you call the Star and the Nova entry levels, which I would hardly do at, respectively, £3299 and 4099 – in Italy, €4650 and 5900). But the truth is, it's because they are called Uniti, and the army of old farts using Naim since 1768 cannot accept that the Uniti line sounds better than a 282 or a 272 or, for that, a SN1, which is what I have and which has made my music become boring again since I brought back to my dealer the Nova I had borrowed.

So, no one understands you better than me, but please don't call the Star and the Nova (with capitals) entry levels, or you're doomed to become, in a few years, one of those same old farts who will be still building altars to their CBs or 6-box, 2-Fraim systems without realizing that Naim and the world have changed.

Best

Max

Max,

I'm a bit loathe to call myself an old fart yet at 48 I may have a few tendencies but not hifi.  I appreciate that you probably have more experience in system swapping than anyone else on this forum and I have read about most of your system changes myself and respect your findings.  But I fail to see how a STAR or a NOVA could sound better than a powerful computer connected to a decent DAC connected to 282 or 272/250 connected to the same speakers.

I do however see the attraction of having one box.