Getting started with NAIM

Posted by: Celt on 23 January 2013

Hi Guys,

 

I'm new to the NAIM forum and a bit of a technophobe; so go easy on me please!  I'm slowing getting to grips with the digital revolution and the impact on Hi-Fi.  I'm looking to ditch my 20 year old Nakamichi kit (receiver & CD player) and I like the look of the Uniti series. At first I was sold on the NaimUniti2 concept as a great all-in-one solution. But the more I look into it all (i.e. the rate of change, esp in Streaming); the more I am thinking that perhaps sticking to "seperates" is the most sensible and practical solution? For example, by purchasing a decent stereo NAIM amp (perhaps with a good DAC included which I can then use in combination with my old CD player acting as a transport mechanism only). Then to combine the new amp with a decent streaming solution. And this is where I start to get lost with all the options feasible. Your help would be welcomed.

 

Once I've rippled my CDs (in a good quality way at the highest resolution possible - but that's another Forum discussion) and have them stored on a NAS; I'd like to able able to stream the files in a straight forward way that will give a great sound. Apart from the Uniti streamer options is it maybe an idea to purchase something like the Cambridge DACmagic 6 (with a NAIM amp)? Or alternatively go for an Airport Express (or Apple TV) device into the amp  - and stream the files that way instead?  I should add that I like the idea of accessing Spotify to compliment my NAS stored files. Any Spotify music I like I can then later arrange to download the track/album file into my NAS at a higher  resolution level.

 

Are there any gurus out there that can help de-mystify the current technology and who can advise on some sensible approaches for me to take in regard to which NAIM products would fit best for what I'm looking to achieve ; and how they might be combined with (initially) non-NAM products in the areas of streaming, ripping, and storage?

 

Thanks in advance. Looking forward to the responses.

 

Celt

Posted on: 20 February 2013 by Goon525

A bit after the event (what did you choose?) but my Spotify Premium route is iPad - Apple TV - SuperUniti. I find it gives pretty good sound, a bit below CD but not bad at all. If Naim ever give us Airplay I will be able to drop the Apple TV box from this particular circuit.

Posted on: 20 February 2013 by Montone

Hello streamers,

 

Having read and been totally confused by the above, I am so happy to be a luddite-very content to take out a CD or Vinyl L.P. and just play it.I am happy with my active system as it is with no wish to put my music collection on yet another format.

Posted on: 20 February 2013 by Jasonf
Originally Posted by Montone:

Hello streamers,

 

Having read and been totally confused by the above, I am so happy to be a luddite-very content to take out a CD or Vinyl L.P. and just play it.I am happy with my active system as it is with no wish to put my music collection on yet another format.

Montone, streaming is harmless if accompanied by an adult.

 

Jason.

Posted on: 20 February 2013 by Montone

Hello Jason,

 

I am a lot older than Jan-Erik so at my time of life I hav'nt got time to waste  I note your comment but to understand streaming I would have to be accompanied by a child!!!

 

Tony.

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 20 February 2013 by Jasonf

Hi Tony, I do understand.

 

It was a cheeky little quip based on all our frustrations sometimes, I am 43 and prefer to listen to the music than mess around with files. But to my surprise it has worked out painlessly...thus far....touch wood...fingers crossed.

 

Jason.

Posted on: 21 February 2013 by Montone

Jason,

 

If I was 43 I would be getting into streaming as I would have plenty of time to transfer my music. However time waits for no man and I am spending as much of my retirement time listening to my LPs and CDs and some tapes on my Walkman Pro(still going strong!)

 

I am not anti-streaming as it is no doubt the way to go for you and wish you all success.

 

Methuselah.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 21 February 2013 by Bart
Originally Posted by Montone:

Jason,

 

If I was 43 I would be getting into streaming as I would have plenty of time to transfer my music. However time waits for no man and I am spending as much of my retirement time listening to my LPs and CDs and some tapes on my Walkman Pro(still going strong!)

 

I am not anti-streaming as it is no doubt the way to go for you and wish you all success.

 

Methuselah.

 

 

 

 

 

I looked at all the time I save by being able to select music without getting up from the couch.  Time saved not putting away cd's, not keeping them tidy, in order, etc. When I added it up, I realized that every day I stream I get .888 minutes younger. So I shall keep on streaming.

 

All the best,

 

Benjamin Button

Posted on: 21 February 2013 by Montone

Hello Benjamin

 

Sounds like you have a time-machine and not a streamer there!,

 

I don't mind getting up and down from the couch to change an LP or CD as SWMBO says any exercise is better than none.

 

Tony.

Posted on: 21 February 2013 by Bart
Originally Posted by Montone:

Hello Benjamin

 

Sounds like you have a time-machine and not a streamer there!,

 

I don't mind getting up and down from the couch to change an LP or CD as SWMBO says any exercise is better than none.

 

Tony.

Hi Tony -- That's what's great about having a variety of technologies.  We each move towards what suits us best.  There is no "best" solution other than what works best for each of us.

 

All the best,

 

Bart

Posted on: 23 February 2013 by Montone

Hello Bart.

 

I agree.

 

Good listening.

 

Tony;