PC to Unitiqute or Atom
Posted by: David Weller on 10 January 2018
I want to connect PC to Atom or Unitiqute
PC has an optical out on Motherboard but I’ve heard the better option would be using asynchronous USB
However the Naim units don’t accept USB B ?
Some suggestions are a Chinese usb to optical converter but I’m dubious about this
Would something like an Arcam Rdac be better than using an optical cable from PC to Naim ?
Naim streamers are really intended to work via UPnP over a network. Depending on what you want to use the computer for, you may be able put a UPnP server software on it. Then it can connect to an Atom/Unitiqute over your network, with no direct connection required. If you can get on optical output from the computer, that would work, too.
The only Naim device really intended to work with a computer over USB is the V1 DAC, which does this rather well, and would just need a power amp such as a NAP100 to give you a nice 2 box system.
I would go with upnp.
But aother option would be to use a USB DAC and then analogue to the Atom or UQ, assuming it's close enough, ie within a couple of metres. A USB DAC I found to be really excellent is the Dragonfly Red. It's very reasonably priced (£169) so a quick way to get going while you plan the longer term approach.
best
David
i compared unitiqute upnp vs arcam irdac -> unitiqute via usb.
imo upnp is clearly better in terms of sq. i think this is primarily due to the unitiqute being designed for upnp. also it is possible than an internal dac of comparable quality/capability is probably better than an external dac.
btw my lan connection to the unitiqute is hardwired and not wifi.
I use a Hiface to convert my PC's USB output to digital in on my Qute. Works pretty well.
(That's just for anything 'on' the PC - I also have Asset upnp to pick up my music files stored elsewhere.)
Thanks all, I can access stored music via UPNP
its random YouTube music and training video and such like that I watch now and then and can’t access via UPNP
i think I will go for using the optical output and save the money to put towards a second Unitiqute or Atom for the TV room !
Hi - It's worth remembering the wireless capabilities of your Atom/Qute. If sound quality isn't of the utmost importance for casual listening (YouTube music and training vids) then you could try a Bluetooth connection (Atom or Qute) or Google Cast (Atom).
In the case of Bluetooth, if you get a lag then your PC software might let you offset this. If you are using the Google Chrome browser then you can Cast the audio directly to the Atom.
I know the OP was interested in getting better sound than the PC motherboard can manage... a google cast stream direct from youtube to the Atom should manage that. In the case of Bluetooth... well at least there's no wiring to mess around with.
David Weller posted:Thanks all, I can access stored music via UPNP
its random YouTube music and training video and such like that I watch now and then and can’t access via UPNP
i think I will go for using the optical output and save the money to put towards a second Unitiqute or Atom for the TV room !
I agree, if sound quality is not a big priority, there seems little point in spending more money on hardware to make it work. Most apps can output to Airplay or Chromecast, or optical cables are a cheap easy solution.
David - sounds like you're in the same position as me. My desktop is close to my Qute. Get a USB - SPDIF converter of some description. A Hiface or Hiface2 can be had for £50-£70. There are plenty of others, and more expensive ones too, but just for the occasional Youtube thing, this is perfect.