Connecting a UnitiQute to a n-vi/NAP 200

Posted by: meaculpa on 21 September 2010

Looks like I am going to get a UnitiQute to stream from a NAS into my existing n-vi/NAP200.

I know that means that I now have two redundant integrated power amps, but if I want to keep my existing setup, not shell out £3,000 for a NDX and stay with Naim, I have no other option!

The question is, what is the best way to connect the UnitiQute to the n-vi. Initially it looks like pre-amp out on the UnitiQute to the digital co-axial input on the n-vi (RCA to digital coax -is this possible?) or pre-amp out to analogue (RCA to RCA) and finally digital out BNC on the UnitiQute to digital coax input in the n-vi. I would presume the last option to be the best?

On a final point, is the analogue input on the UnitiQute amplified for a MM turntable input, or will I still need a Stageline + NAPSC?

Thanks in advance.

Andrew
Posted on: 21 September 2010 by Occean
Why not try a sonos into the Nvi....I reckon that be ace.
Posted on: 21 September 2010 by garyi
Pretty sure he did not ask that.

I would say that straight digi output is a simple solution but if it has line out then I would hazard a guess that the qutes dac is going to be better than the NVIs.

Digital is obviously the buzz word of hifi right now, but ultimately us naimies got on just fine with the analogue out of CD players for many years, you may just find the same with the qute.
Posted on: 21 September 2010 by David Dever
You'll need DIN-5 180deg to 2 RCA to feed n-Vi front channels into UnitiQute analogue input (set to unity gain), as well as 2 RCA to DIN-4 to feed your NAP200.

This places the UnitiQute smack in the middle, just as a stereo Naim preamp would be inserted and will give you the best results.
Posted on: 22 September 2010 by meaculpa
Occean - garyi

Your right I did not ask about the Sonos, but have considered it. Davids suggestion bears out your thought on the Qute DAC.

David, many thanks for your suggestion, I had not thought of this. The thought of using it this way rather than as a source could be quite good. Thank you.

Andrew
Posted on: 23 September 2010 by meaculpa
Hi Allen,

Picked up on David's suggestion, but still not quite sure why this would be better. Also not sure why you would use the analogue input on the UnitiQute and not a digital one?

I understand where you are both coming from regarding the 200 driving the main speakers (RS8's), because thats how I have the n-vi set up now, with the n-vi just driving surround, centre and sub woofer.

I can see the reason putting the Qute in the middle (if you use the digital input) in that if I use the n-vi as a CD player (with the streamed music, should not need to do this often) and if the Qute has a better DAC than the n-vi.

I am going to go down the Qute route, so if I can borrow some cables from my dealer, I can try both to see if I can hear the difference.

Thank you for taking the time to post

Andrew
Posted on: 23 September 2010 by meaculpa
Hi Allen again,

Just read your post properly and see you suggest analogue for the surround and digital for the CD, so sort of answers one of my questions.

I would then presume that that any input i select on the Qute would still play out through the 200 to the main speakers.

Andrew
Posted on: 24 September 2010 by james n
One issue with the Unitiqute used in this way - Can the unitiqute input be set for uniti gain ? - Ok not too much of an issue but you'll end up with two volume controls rather than just the n-Vi controlling system volume when watching a DVD.

Cheers

James
Posted on: 24 September 2010 by meaculpa
James and Allen,

Going to my dealer tomorrow to buy the Qute and will try with their Dem kit to see, but as you both say for DVD, not much of an issue.

Allen, thank you for all your help, it has been much appreciated.

Andrew