DVD 5/Unidisc

Posted by: Neil Gilbert on 04 June 2006

My current system is LP12/52/250.2/Obelisks for stereo and Pioneer 757/AV2/175 to provide AV.

I realise that the weak link is the Pioneer and that I do not have a decent source for CD playback.

The obvious solution would be the DVD 5, but I am put off by the absence of SACD playback.

I was wondering if the linn Unidisc SC would solve my problems and how easy it is to incorporate into an otherwise Naim dominated setup.

Thanks
Neil

Posted on: 04 June 2006 by Mr Underhill

Neil,

I was considering the same thing a year or so ago.

The Unidisc has had some good write ups, but being a bit of a hybrid product didn't fit easily into my system; especially as I like the AV2 and wouldn't want to get rid of it.

The Unidisc had some big reliability issues, but I haven't heard if this has been an issue for the SC.

I think the thing to do is audition the players. Maybe it could also replace your AV2!

I compared the top of the range Denon, a 3k Meridian and the DVD5.

Do you own a lot of SA/SACDs? I do wonder whether it will be able to hang on as a speciality format as it has such a small footprint in the market, unlike vinyl.

Assuming that you have far more CDs I think this should probably be the main issue, together with DVD replay!

I use the DVD5 with a Benchmark DAC1 and am a very happy bunny. There are people who have sold their CDS3s and moved to the Benchmark; they DON'T say it's better.....but they can live with what they perceive as a small difference.

In terms of DVD I find the DVD5 is such a musical box. The picture quality is excellent, but so was the Denon & Meridian.

Do post on how you decide to proceed.....and I'd be interested in what you think of the SC; not that I'd change. The DVD5 will be my last SD DVD player......and I'm not convinced HD is going anywhere.

Martin

Posted on: 05 June 2006 by Neil Gilbert

Thanks for the reply Martin.

I do not have a lot of SACDs but they do get played a lot and I enjoy the experience. I do not wish to run a standalone SACD player, which would be my only option should I choose Naim.

If the Unidisc gets anywhere near the quality of the DVD 5 on CD and 5:1 and the processor is near the AV2 it represents an ideal solution.

Do not really wish to talk too much about Linn on a Naim forum but the product I need is not made by Naim, or I would buy it. Same as I would if they had a three channel amp better than the 175.

I will try and find a dealer in the Midlands who does both.

Neil

Posted on: 05 June 2006 by Mr Underhill

Neil,

I can understand your reticence, but I'd like to think that Naim have enough confidence in their products.

When I demoed the Denon and Meridian if my interests had been more toward home cinema and sound steering I would have picked one of them. This is where I think Naim have been particularly brilliant, in developing a machine that is musical!

Your judgement of the SC will be based on your priorities, system and room. If you prefer it then it may spark an interesting thread.

Please report back, I'd be interesred.

M