SuperUniti Users, any thoughts?

In my case, very happy indeed.. But I came to Naim for the first time from a very different system, wanting to simplify, reduce number of boxes, enable hi-res streaming whilst retaining high sound quality.

Twenty years ago (I've had highish end systems for a good quarter of a century) I was pretty anti-Naim, preferring the kind of sound imported by Absolute Sounds. But times change, so do my preferences, and the modern Naim sound certainly doesn't suffer from the weaknesses I used to perceive in it years ago.

I'm not now in this to get on an upgrade cycle, but the SU has stunning sound quality for its price, especially when you consider how many different things it does for the money.

Paul

Ecstatic ! (First-time Naim user, so can't compare to the rest of the range).

+1!!!

Long time Naimee since the 80s: started with 62/90 then HC then 82 -SC - 250 - 52-CD5-135s-CDS2/XPS +Nat03 then 2 years ago traded 7 boxes for a Uniti + Stageline (plus a lump of cash which went towards a better motorbike). The Uniti was brilliant most of the time except at very high volumes (I'm a Deadhead with no neighbours within 1/4 mile). The Superuniti arrived on Friday and I'm sitting here loving it even before it's fully run in.

It's way better than a Uniti in every way (apart from powering a Stageline!). I also demmed against a Uniti+Nap 200 and again it was way better to me, sounding great at very high volume. I can't magic back my full olive system for an A/B comparison but unlikely as it seems the SU sounds better to me now than I remember all those boxes sounding. Some of that may be due to streaming being way better than CD and some to wishful thinking but the bottom line is that I am listening to more music and enjoying it more. (OK, some may be due to hearing damage)

Go for the SU - it really is stunning value for money - does everything and has the Naim sound in spades.

I've got a pretty high-end system myself and I've wondered from time to time whether I should just sell it all and get a Uniti (now a SuperUniti).  Out of pure curiosity I listened to the SuperUniti this weekend at my dealer and then to a SuperUniti driven by the ND5xs and the ND5xs was substantially better at streaming/decoding/etc.  While I am unlikely to make the downsize move, if you decide to go for it I recommend you keep the NDX and get a SuperNait (which is already better than the SuperUniti).

Chan

Please explain. What premium?

Thanks

Found the Supernait very bland and nothing special though adding a Hi-cap is supposed to fix that issue. In the US it is simply not a competitive product whereas the lower rung Naim  integrated amps ( i and XS) are excellent value. UnitiQute is excellent as well. SuperUniti seems to generate an affection among owners that was seldom heard for the Supernait, again until a Hi-cap was added.

This is nonsense, if you think the SN is bland, whatever that means, the HC won't fix it. Adding a HiCap doesn't result in night and day differences, the sonic character of the SN remains the same. Adding a HC brings about subtle changes, a bit more grip and tighter bass, a little more resolution, the standard stuff that PSs do. The effect of the HC on the SN is by far less than what it adds to a 202 or 282. In any case I don't see how the SN is bland, it's a great integrated for sure.

Stand by my comment in every way. Do a search and you'll find I'm not alone. Totem, IMO it does all the hi-fi things very well making you want to listen to the sound. Again IMO it does not make you want to listen to disc after disc of music like my humble Nait 5i did. I don't find it musically involving. That's what I call bland. I tested one for long time and it just didn't do it for me. We all hear things differently, maybe it does it for you. As to competitiveness in the US, try listening to a Audio Research DSi 200 if you have a dealer anywhere close. I think it will be a revelation. 

Regards

Very true Clay. I never listened to a 5i but those who own one seem to be very fond on it. Maybe I should buy one 2nd hand one day, just to hear how it presents the music. As for the SN, I like it's drive and verve quite a lot. It's got the sonic signature of a 282/HC/250, just a bit less of everything but the two are not lightyears apart. With a maxed out source it's a good place to settle - IMHO. But as you say you can't really argue with taste.

Best

tp 

SU is listed in UK for $3250 pounds including tax.

Across the Atlantic we have to pay $5995 BEFORE Tax if one wish to own the SU.

Is the import duty that much?

I really want to upgrade to the SU from the Qute but what Naim USA/CA is asking is beyond my reach at this time.

I started my hifi craze in 1993. Since then, numerous systems have come and gone (the AudioNote MEISHU 300B SE was the longest staying, all 10 years before I realised how costly maintenance was to keep it!), McCormacks, Bryston, Krell, LFD, Accuphase. I also had a disinclination for Naim until 2009 when I owned a NaimUniti. This little gem converted me to a Naimee! I loved the Uniti for its simplicity and convenience. But, the upgrading itch bit and I added a 200. This brought me within a whisker from Naim's entry pre/power. With the introduction of the NDX, it did not take longe before 'greed' got the better of me and soon I had 6 Naim boxes staring at me!! Much as the system sounded very good, there were a few quirks which annoyed me. I soon discovered that the 202 volume control was 'noisy' - probably its archilles' heel, and the 200 was too 'polite'. When the SuperUniti made its debut in December 2011, I said to myself that it had EVERYTHING I had ever wished for - the power, the all-in-one FM and streaming, the convenience! I asked for a demo and the SU impressed me so much that I gushed that it is arguably better than the 200/202/NDX. Of course, a few disgreed with me for making such a heretical statement! I demoed a 250.2 with the SU but felt the bare SU was more than enough for my needs.

I am extremely happy with my SuperUniti! The engineers at Salisbury have answered my prayers with this latest offing.

Btw, I listened to the bare SN at the dealers (who also had a bare SU in the showroom) connected to some Neat speakers and I much preferred the SU! It sounded 'better' to my ears! I can't say about the revved up SN.

The SU is 192 compliant and the clock (synced with internet) is just such a cool feature (I synchronise my watch to it). The SU's volume control is something I feel is a great step forward for Naim - it is whisper quiet (unlike the 202's noisy wiper)! There are enough DAC and analog inputs to suit all of my other equipment (Cable TV, DVD player, Sony PS3) and with extra to spare! I only wished the Aux input could power my Stageline! I can live with a 3 box count!

A lot of great feedback guys. Thanks for all the insight. I think I had already made up my mind, before the post was made, but the affirmation (for the most part) has been welcomed.

I will be down sizing my system, dramatically. If for no other reason, than to use the space and resources somewhere else, whilst still enjoying the music.

This is , and has been key to me. It took quite a while to just be able to sit, relax, listen and enjoy. Too much time over analysing things. My venture into streaming has made my journey an exciting and extremely enjoyable one. My 6 box system will soon be down to 2.5 and I am looking forward to it.

All other input is welcome. I will enjoy the read while I await my Superuniti to arrive.

Scot

Chan

Thanks for the heads up. The price difference is about what I expected i.e around 15% but I hadn't realized the British price included tax. You're right, that does make a bigger difference. On the other hand, its not uncommon for US gear going to Britain to be priced in pounds very close to their price in dollars. Now there's a real markup even with the British price including tax!!!

Cheers