Upgrade path for new media room

Posted by: Mike Sullivan on 08 June 2018

I’m looking to upgrade my audio set ups for a new media room setup in my home office. I currently run my main audio setup in the lounge using a UnitiQute 2, NAP100 and Totem Hawks. In the media room I have my old system, an A&R Cambridge A60, Rega Planar turntable and Acoustic Research 22BX speakers. My 4K bluray and Apple TV is connected to a Panasonic 65inch OLED, with an optical audio out to the A60 via an adapter. For both systems I also use Sennheiser HD800 headphones.

 So, I am looking to upgrade those systems to run Naim to both the lounge (as main audio) and the media room (main movie viewing and second audio room/headphone room). I’ve settled on going with a stereo setup for movies at this stage rather than surround sound, as the room is 20 sq.m and not ideal for rear speakers when viewing a screen. I also watch a lot of music bluray concerts.

 Currently I rip and stream from a Mac.

I’m looking for views on the best options with the new NAIM streamers to upgrade the media room setup, either by going with something like an Atom and Core and keeping the main lounge system as it is. Or, going with moving the UnitiQute 2 and NAP100 to the media room and running a Star or Nova with the Hawks in the lounge. Or any better combination of these, and the best path to upgrading over time (best money for audio return). What are peoples’ thoughts on this?

Posted on: 08 June 2018 by Perol

Really depends on budget and how many boxes accepted in main setup

Hawks like power

Posted on: 08 June 2018 by Mike Sullivan

Thanks Perol, probably similar box setup as the current system (2 in each rom?). I’m networked, so a core could be in either room. Budget around $10K NZ, £5K.

Posted on: 08 June 2018 by Perol

No personal experience but guess Hawks need a SN2 or Nova as minimum.

OTOH you allready run them on the little Nap 100.

I have used my UQ with or witout Nap upstairs, I can easy live with these boxes for TV duties, internet radio and a turntable or CD for occasionally use.

Looking at the many threads with new range Uniti issues I would personally not put megabucks money into these, at least not before people have solved their issues. New Naim dedicated streamers are going to be introduced this year making old range redundant and possible a cheap s/h purchase.