I have a similar set up and i’m also considering how to build on the UQ2. There are options, but as Timo and HiFiman observe, its how far you want to climb on the upgrade path…
1..The obvious answer is add a NAP100 or NAP200 to your UQ2, and then later the Pre / Streamer 272 to the NAP of choice. The 272 is based on the the old streaming platform and a replacement 272 has yet to break cover. Something to consider. Although there are a lot of secondhand units now out there and you could snap up a bargain - but this will define a singular path.
2..An alternative could be to retain the UQ as a streamer only, turning off the amp section and then combine with an integrated - a used Naim XS or Supernait 1 or 2. This opens up the option for the new NDX2 (if budget allows), or the ND5 XS2 to replace the UQ streaming function when out late this summer.
3..As you mention, you could also add a streamer to the UQ now, and at a later date replace the UQ with either a pre / power or an integrated - that is a viable alternative.
With 2 and 3 there is initial UnitiQute redundancy with either streamer or amp, but would only be temporary. The good thing about keeping the streaming box independent of the pre amp allows older tech to be swapped out a little more easily if needed / desired.
Anyway, those are a few options I’ve been mulling over and I’m yet to make a decision. Currently, my little UQ2 is making some rather nice music as a streamer feeding a Nait2, and this approach has fuelled my thought process. As I have a small-ish room (4x4m box), at the moment i’m leaning towards the simplicity of an independent streamer feeding an integrated amp and then in the long term save more to concentrate on both sources (vinyl & streamer). Then the UQ2 can be used in a second system.
Hope that (ramble!) helps in some way.
