UQ2 - NAP200/Nait XS/XS2?

I once had a UQ connected to a nap 150 which didn’t make a huge difference until I put a 122x nac between them using the UQ as just a streamer. 

My advice there fore would be to get the Nait XS and use the UQ and you’ll have a nice sounding system. 

Ps. The ATC SCM 11 will be a difficult drive with either the 200 or the Nait XS and so go with the Kudos or maybe some PMC’s. 

Thanks Bob, appreciate the input. 

X2s are not hard to drive, although they certainly respond well to better amplification. I think you'd be fine with them on a lesser amp that the 200. I believe the SCM11 is a bit more power hungry? Either way, I would be inclined to sort out your from end first, and only then ask your dealer(s) nicely if you can home demo some speakers.

I would recommend getting a decent NAS and aiming for something better than Bluetooth and lossy Spotify streams, as the rest of your system will only show up the inadequacies of this more and more as you improve it. Tidal lossless certainly sounds better than Spotify, although the UI is not as good.

If you want to use a multiroom system, bear in mind that different proprietary systems are not really compatible. You can use a Sonos as a source into Naim gear, but with a NAS and a Naim streamer, I'm not sure there's much point. If you have both, they will operate more or less independently, and will need to use their own separate control apps.

I think the current Yamaha MusicCast devices are worth looking at as an alternative to Sonos. They have support for Hi-Res formats, Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify and Airplay. 

Why not look for a used SuperUniti to upgrade the Qute, this will give you more oomph and you might find you are very pleased with the speakers you currently have and it gives you a path to upgrade them as you so wish.

We use a Muso QB in the kitchen (and study and bedroom) having previously used Sonos including a Sonos into the digital input of the NDX and Sonos into Bose ceiling mounted cube speakers with a subwoofer on top of the fridge powered by a Creek amplifier behind the kickboards .  It's so much nicer it all being Naim and the QB sounds better than the previous arrangement in the kitchen.  It's great being able to control it just from the top control to put the radio on and makes things simpler overall.

If you want to go with Sonos there are 2 models of connect, you want the one without the amplifier (Zone Player)  to connect to a DAC as this has a digital output, the one with an amp doesn't.  Having said this I'd stick with a Muso, they are so much better than the Play series of speakers and will be better than ceiling speakers powered by a Sonos amp.

Thanks all. 

Some interesting points. I hoped to use the qute digital out into a Sonos connect purely to stream my TT and iRadio into the kitchen system with nice hidden ceiling speakers. Sounds like a muso qb might be easier and sound better too just synced with existing setup. Would save me some cash. 

Superuniti - Well, it is an option, certainly. I’ve always assumed it was probably too pricey. However, if I took the s/h nap200 price and my qute, I’m probably at s/h superuniti prices. 

I might try the X2 soonish, if I like them, I could maybe just opt for a nap 100 for now and be done. 

Thanks again

ChrisSU posted:

I would recommend getting a decent NAS and aiming for something better than Bluetooth and lossy Spotify streams, as the rest of your system will only show up the inadequacies of this more and more as you improve it. Tidal lossless certainly sounds better than Spotify, although the UI is not as good. 

+ 1. Lossless files might present the biggest, and VFM, upgrade here...

Are the ceiling speakers already installed? If not, I would consider a QB, and have an Ethernet cable installed for it.

My only reservation is that the Muso and QB have what I would describe as quite a forward sound which is great if you like to 'listen' to music, but perhaps a bit 'in your face' if you just want the radio on in the background. This can be worse if it is sited up against a wall or in a corner. It will give you multiroom performance, all controlled from within the Naim app. Note that Naim multiroom will not work from an analogue source such as your turntable. Not sure if Sonos or others can do this either, so you should check if this is a priority. 

jme posted:

Thanks all. 

 

Since you have the Rega, Another option to consider may be The 172XS/NAP20. It hits well above its weight and the pre-amp section is shockingly good. I’ve used it with both an RP6 and now Xerxes 10.

I got the combo used for quite a bit less than a used Superuniti

Thanks Chrissu, shame about the lack of tt for multiroom via naim but realistically it’ll be 90% iRadio. 

It will definitely be background music so will go listen to a QB asap. The ceiling speakers aren’t installed, only just got footings in so thinking about this in advance. 

Michael, will check it out. I could always add Nap now and 172xs later. 

I have a similar room to yours with Kudos C2's (just been replaced by the X3) and I wouldn't buy the X2 as they're shy of bass. My speakers are easy to drive (had a NAP155XS, now a NAP200) so I'd suggest the Kudos X3s