Looking for some advice.
I am very much one of the lifestyle demographic than Naim has been targeting, purchased a Muso followed by Uniti Star 12 months later and now getting ‘upgraditis’ for a Nova or Naim separates.
Over a 2 week period the cd drive on the Star has been intermittently failing - not reading cd, not spinning cd, not ejecting cd. Each time this has required a full power cycle to eject the cd. This has happened with multiple different cds, some old, some brand new. To date I have ripped 464 CDs, I don’t use the drive to play CDs as these are streamed locally once ripped
Today I was presented with a warning triangle telling me “CD drive connection lost”, this has happened twice resulting in multiple power cycles
I have called the dealer and been told to bring the unit to the store and they will send back to Naim for repair, they have estimated a 3-4 week turnaround time. I enquired about the possibility of a loaner unit to tide me over until it’s returned, I was told that they don’t offer this facility.
Questions
1) I have bought all my recent kit (Star, B&W CM9, Chord Odyssey 2 cable) from the same dealer, almost £6k, should they really be that reluctant to loan me a unit (not necessarily like for like) until the Star is fixed?
2) Should I stick with the Star once repaired, or seriously consider a part ex on a Nova/separates?
3) Are there any thoughts on the lifespan of the CD drive within the Star, is it likely I could see another failed drive sometime soon after repair?
Any responses much appreciated.
Garry
Posted on: 08 June 2018 by seakayaker
On the couple of occasions that I have had an issue, my dealer has offered a solution, i.e, loan of gear (not necessarily the same item) to insure that music would be available while the item to be repaired was away. I would suggest you speak to the dealer to see if there is any used gear in the shop or other demo gear that you could borrow for the loan period besides another Star. If no reasonable offer is made from the dealer then perhaps it is time to move on the down road and find another business to meet your needs in the future.
Posted on: 08 June 2018 by David Hendon
I agree with other comments on your first question. Answering questions (2) and (3)
(2) if you like the sound of the Star then I would keep it. If you move to a Nova or separates you are going to need to find another way to rip. It depends why you are thinking of changing already.
(3) The CD drive Naim uses is a good quality version of the drive used in PCs etc. It should last for several years and certainly not wear out in the first few months. The drive is faulty and should be replaced. You would be unlucky to have another fail prematurely.
best
David
Posted on: 09 June 2018 by GarryGee
Thank you very much for the responses, like you have all mentioned I’m seriously considering moving away from my current dealer.
With regard to the sound from the Star, not sure if it’s just me but the sound is feeling a little too laid back and slow at the moment. The Muso sounds tighter and brighter with more control across the frequency range, hence the hankering for the Nova or separates.
Good to know that I’ve just been unlucky with the CD drive, these things happen especially with new products.
Posted on: 09 June 2018 by Perol
Second hand hifi is available very cheap, I purchased a complete amp, cd and speakers (good sound but not exceptionel) for reserve and bedroom duties, cost around €250-300, amp is Arcam from the late eighties still going strong, some old Kefs speakers, not bad on the cheapskate.
If your dealer had just the slightest customer understanding he would have offered such a setup loan, now he might loose a customer, how silly and stupid, most dealers get old stuff in exchange for next to nothing.
