UnitiServe

Naim seem to be investing all their energy in developing new streamers these days, so I guess the official line is going to be to stick with the network connection. That does tie up a significant part of your investment in a streamer, though, so trying a DAC is always worth a listen to see how the results compare. This would limit your functionality, though, as you would control with N-Serve instead of the Naim app and lose web streaming options. As a first step, you could always try an SPDIF connection into your streamer to see how it compares. 

I'm using the serve into Ndac with N-serve. Not that bothered in losing out on web streaming at present.    What is gained somewhat is no worries about wether I have my network optimised to get the best out of a streaming device if I had one. Almost every week something new pops up that's meant to make it all sound better. As long as there's a network connection for functionality, it's fit and forget with SPDIF. More easier to just sit back and enjoy what the serve does best without fretting over Ethernet cables, switches and its power supply etc etc. 

Your only concern is getting the right SPDIF cable for your ears and of course back up.

UnitiServe was designed as a network UPnP server in the first place. It has a digital out, but it’s easily bettered by the likes of NDX (as a digital transport).

I use my UnitServe purely as a network server and ripper.

Hi Danny,

The same question popped into my head when I owned a Userve (which i loved btw) mainly because i was fed up with all of the ethernet cables and flashing lights of the routers etc.

My dealer poo-pooed the idea, stating pretty much what Tobyjug says above, which was good enough for me and i was too lazy to try it.

Ray