UnitiQute from latest Mac mini.

Posted by: gary yeowell on 30 December 2011

What is the best way, sound quality wise to get my ITunes Wav files played through a Uniti Qute?  I have at my disposal a Wireworld Nova 6 Optical Digital cable which I could use straight from digital out, is this better than Ethernet cable or Wireless from router?
Also has anyone done a comparison of a Rega Dac with Mac mini Optical into a Nait vs into Unitqute standalone?
Sorry for stupid question, I'm new to this stuff.

Cheers,
Gary.
Posted on: 30 December 2011 by badlyread

Hi Gary

 

Wired over wireless if you can (esp. with hi-res files) and compare the wired ethernet with cable. General opinion (could get in trouble here) is that streaming (ethernet cable) is better.

 

Regards

 

Neil

Posted on: 30 December 2011 by Guido Fawkes
Assuming a new Mac Mini (one bought with Lion per-installed) then simply connect your optical cable between it and the UQ. I've used a SuperNova and think it's a superb IC. That'll sound wonderful. If old Mac then use a Hallide Bridge or V-Link (you'll stil need your IC with the latter plus a Wireworld UV USB cable)

Haven't compared UQ DAC with Rega directly, but UQ DAC sounds better than the Chordette Gem to me and the Gem is pretty good. I've heard a Rega DAC in isolation and certainly wouldn't buy one to use with my UQ, but still thought it sounded good. Probably on a par with the Chordette Peach.

Naim makes the best vfm DACs I've heard so much so I no longer feel curious about rivals: if I changed the UQ it would be for a SuperUniti.

If you want to use Ethernet then try putting the Playback Upnp server on your Mac. However for streaming over Ethernet, I prefer the Vortexbox to the Mac. SQ is the same though.

My choice is Ethernet from VB with UQ and new Mac Mini with Naim DAC.

However, give Mac/Nova/UQ a go, as it'll still sound superb.

Technically Ethernet is slightly better as it is the Naim player in the UQ that is rendering directly to its DAC. So with Naim in total control, it is optimal.
Posted on: 30 December 2011 by gary yeowell
Thanks Neil and Guy!

Yes it's a Lion installed latest Mac Mini, presently trying the Nova cable straight into Qute and am pleasantly surprised how nice it sounds. I will try to instal the software on the Mac so I can use the Ethernet for comparison. Not exactly sure what that software is and where I get it though.
Posted on: 30 December 2011 by Guido Fawkes
Gary

Google "yazsoft playback" it turns the Mac into a Naim friendly network media server

All the best, Guy
Posted on: 30 December 2011 by gary yeowell
Cheers Guy.... You certainly know your streaming stuff.
Posted on: 30 December 2011 by Damon

gary y,

 

I also use a UQ and stream from an iMac. I tried Playback, Majestic, and Eye-Connect as UPnP servers. Playback is best of these three, IMO. It is worth the $16.00/ £12.00 or whatever it is. 

 

My experience was that if I went from the computer to the UQ, you do not need UPnP software, n-Stream from Naim (free). Apple's Remote App will be an excellent control interface. 

 

I actually preferred the sound of the wireless connection to the toslink to UQ connection. Not a boutique cable however. Just my 0.02.

Posted on: 30 December 2011 by gary yeowell
Cheers Damon.
Posted on: 31 December 2011 by badlyread

Forgot to ask Gary, is it a new UQ with the hi-res/ALAC board fitted? And what format have you ripped to?

 

Neil 

Posted on: 31 December 2011 by badlyread

WAV. If only I could read..........

Posted on: 31 December 2011 by gary yeowell
Not the new version, it's a demo unit I'm trying in my office with both NSats and SL2's. Do you think the new version will be of any real long term benefit?  Serious question.
Posted on: 31 December 2011 by Steven Shaw

I use majestic on my mac to send files to my unitiqute using upnp. Work fine.

Posted on: 31 December 2011 by badlyread

Hi Gary

 

As you are using WAV then no (perhaps). It depends if you are going to be downloading hi-res files and what the UQ will manage in the various formats (I cannot remember from memory). A lot of downloadable material is in FLAC and you can convert using MAX or something similar.  

 

I had the old UQ/Mini and as all my music is ALAC it was transcoded on the fly and downsized by the uPnP so I decided to get a SuperUniti rather than spend the money upgrading the UQ's board. Could not be happier. Some new speakers in a few years and some larger hard drives....

 

Are you enjoying the UQ? I think it is a very special little box.

 

Neil

Posted on: 01 January 2012 by gary yeowell
Very much so Neil, it has a bit of the Nait 2 magic about it, can't quite put my finger on it but has a rather beguiling sound quality.
Posted on: 01 January 2012 by gary yeowell
But now comes the kicker Neil, just plugged the stone cold Nait 2 with Rega Dac in again, playing same files as before from the Mac via optical, and now sounds quite a lot better than the Qute with optical. (have not got round to trying Ethernet yet).  That Nait's too damn good!
Posted on: 01 January 2012 by badlyread

I know how good the Little Nait is as I had a CB as my system for over 2 years. I sold the CB Nait to get the UQ as I liked the convenience of the UQ (streaming, iRadio etc) and it had a little more power. I used the Nait with a Transporter which was rather good it has to be said. However I thought the UQ just pipped it and I liked the single box solution. Moved up to a SU rather than upgrade the board (it somehow made financial sense - I convinced myself it did anyway) and now I have nowhere to go but I'm very happy.

 

Try ethernet and see what you think. I have always found it better.

 

Neil

Posted on: 02 January 2012 by Andrew Herd
Originally Posted by badlyread:

Forgot to ask Gary, is it a new UQ with the hi-res/ALAC board fitted? And what format have you ripped to?

 

Neil 

Does this mean that a UnitiQute that can transcode ALAC is in the pipeline? I would certainly be in the market for one!

 

Incidentally, I can confirm that Playback is the way to go for uPnP on the Mac - the current version is very reliable.

 

Andrew