A few questions about Uniti Star

I think the sound quality issue is one you can only answer for yourself. I would happily buy a demo unit from a Naim dealer. 

There is an RCA pre out which you can use to run a sub, or, if it has a high level input, run it from your speaker input terminals. 

You can get countless radio stations, including all BBC stations, via iRadio. Personally I wouldn’t bother with the FM/DAB module (is this now available?)

If you want the same functionality with an integrated, you need to go up the range. For a similar price you would be limited to the ND5 XS2 and would sacrifice the display panel and sexy volume control. You also wouldn’t be able to play or rip CDs. You would need to compare units for sound quality, but the Uniti range has the latest architecture across the range. 

The Naim "amps at a similar price bracket" would be the SuperNait 2, which does sound better than the Nova but with way, way less functionality. You only get an amp, so as always with Naim you get what you pay for. Do check you want to rip with the Nova or set up ripping on your computer. If the latter then the Nova is an even better purchase. Take a breath and carefully choose what is best for you with your dealers help. 

The FM/DAB module isn't available yet. Naim haven't confirmed how it would be retrofitted, but I suspect it will be available for dealers to do it, but not on a diy basis.

best

David

What about when the streamer section in Star/Nova become old hat ?

Think a few years ahead, will it be upgradeable ?

Who will buy old Superuniti etc..nowadays 

I'd personally get an amp only - streaming, cd player or whatever source - get it separately

I have just "downsized" from CDX, 202/200, Hicap, Headline, FM Tuner to Unitistar (7 boxes to 1 box). Yes there is a compromise on sound quality, but not one which IMHO is enough to offset all that the Unitistar offers. I asked Naim about the FM/DAB tuner, and they confirmed that it will be retro-fittable and they estimate second quarter 2019 for rollout. You can get 100s of internet radio stations, including the BBC ones, and also including some broadcast at better quality. No, it's not as good as FM, but it is acceptable. I will consider the FM/DAB upgrade in due course. You get a free 3 month trial subscription to TIDAL, which I am enjoying - my first venture into streaming and a great way to audition loads of new music.

I guess most forum members would encourage you towards the separates route, but just my two pennyworth from someone who's gone the opposite way.

Cheers, Steve

Perol posted:

What about when the streamer section in Star/Nova become old hat ?

Think a few years ahead, will it be upgradeable ?

Who will buy old Superuniti etc..nowadays 

I'd personally get an amp only - streaming, cd player or whatever source - get it separately

 

I cant predict the future however I would have thought that streaming is here to stay for at least for the next decade. If that wasnt the case I doubt Naim would have invested as heavily in developing these products. And if I can get enjoyment out of the Star for that long I'm more than happy. Even if and when the streaming becomes old news I can still enjoy playing CDs and stored tracks on the Star and furthermore still be able to use it as a stereo amp. So from that point of view I am more than happy to invest on the product. My main attraction to Star is the fact that it is a one box solution which replaces up to 7 boxes. So as long as the Star produces a quality of sound which is not drastically different from the separates route then I will go for the Star. With a 5 year warranty who can complain.

steved posted:

I have just "downsized" from CDX, 202/200, Hicap, Headline, FM Tuner to Unitistar (7 boxes to 1 box). Yes there is a compromise on sound quality, but not one which IMHO is enough to offset all that the Unitistar offers. I asked Naim about the FM/DAB tuner, and they confirmed that it will be retro-fittable and they estimate second quarter 2019 for rollout. You can get 100s of internet radio stations, including the BBC ones, and also including some broadcast at better quality. No, it's not as good as FM, but it is acceptable. I will consider the FM/DAB upgrade in due course. You get a free 3 month trial subscription to TIDAL, which I am enjoying - my first venture into streaming and a great way to audition loads of new music.

I guess most forum members would encourage you towards the separates route, but just my two pennyworth from someone who's gone the opposite way.

Cheers, Steve

 

That sounds like a good compromise to me Steve. I'll have to make a decision on the DAB/FM tuner module once I have listened to internet radio and seen what price the module will be sold for. Listening to radio will be the least used function of this unit so I am not too fussed about sound quality being CD quality.

So far I have used AppleMusic and I wasnt impressed. The app was a nightmare to use (as clumsy as iTunes) and song/album availability was poor. In comparison, Spotify has been brilliant. Especially its algorithms which Apple covets so much. I have never tried any other streaming services so the 3 months trial of Tidal is very welcome.

Right, thanks to your kind replies guys I have pulled the plug and splashed on a Star. Ex-demo unit from Sevenoaks Sound and Vision. Immaculate condition with 5 year warranty. £2700 saving me a tidy £800. Couldnt resist that. Eagerly anticipating its arrival tomorrow.

Now, i realise that with the follwoign question I am probably in danger of going down of a very slippery slope but I have mustered the courage to ask: do I need to look at getting a power supply or mains conditioner?

Furthermore I intend to connect my Rega P3 turntable to the Star. The phono stage I am currently using with the Rega is Graham Slee Era Gold Reflex. I assume I won't need to upgrade to a Naim one, do I?

Currently my set up includes an Anthem MRX300 avr feeding a 5.1 set up. The fronts are Focal Chorus 714 front floorstanders, Focal Chorus CC700V centre, B&W M1 rear satellites and a BK XXLS400 sub. I intend to keep the 5.1 set up for movies which raises the question: can the Anthem avr and the Star share the fronts and sub? The sub allows for both Phono to phono and high level connections.

Full fat powerline and your done.. I put one on my nova (used powerline) and the benefits are worthwhile..

No, you don't need to look at getting a power supply or mains conditioner unless you have a problem with your house wiring, and most people don't have (or notice) any issues with theirs.

Yes, you can continue to use the Gold Reflex - you don't need to replace it unless you want to.

I can't answer your speaker question from a point of experience, but I'd expect you couldn't keep both the Star and Anthem connected to the speakers at the same time if that's what you're asking.

And congratualtions on your saving

TallGuy posted:

No, you don't need to look at getting a power supply or mains conditioner unless you have a problem with your house wiring, and most people don't have (or notice) any issues with theirs.

Yes, you can continue to use the Gold Reflex - you don't need to replace it unless you want to.

I can't answer your speaker question from a point of experience, but I'd expect you couldn't keep both the Star and Anthem connected to the speakers at the same time if that's what you're asking.

And congratualtions on your saving

Thank you . I was a bit comprehensive at first buying an exdemo but considering it is a reputable retailer and the hefty saving I went ahead. It has just arrived and it is spotless and a thing of beauty.

I was hoping that I could keep the speakers connected to both Star and Anthem at the same through the use of some sort of switching device but that doesnt seem possible. I might buy a set of bookshelf fronts to use with Anthem for movie purposes and use the Focals with the Star and then swap the sub cable to each device as and when needed.

hifi-dog posted:

Full fat powerline and your done.. I put one on my nova (used powerline) and the benefits are worthwhile..

If i manage to get a used one for cheap i might replace but until then I'll enjoy the "skimmed" one

Buying ex-demo from a proper Naim dealer is never a risk because Naim treats that warranty-wise as if you had bought it from new yourself and you've got the dealer's own warranty to cover any dead on arrival isssues.

best

David