Considering Naim Superuniti or Uniti 2? Which road?

Posted by: yobeech on 07 February 2013

Hi all I'm fairly new to the audio scene only having gotten in it just the past year.  I seem to have upgraded from my B&W CM1 and Rotel 1520 CD Player / Amp in about 6 months now I am running B&W PM1 with Marantz PM15S2 / SA15S2 SACD player the combo is great.  However I'm curious about Naim gear being paired up with the PM1 so I'm debating keeping my sacd player for now and getting the Naim Superuniti for streaming and testing the difference with that unit or get rid of all the marantz and get naim uniti 2?  My only concern is if I get the uniti 2 i will kick myself for not going more the separate route and have to resell it later.  So I'm leaning more towards superuniti as the specs seem better and maybe better fit.  

 

I went to the naim dealer here in hong kong they told me the streaming music sound is similar for superuniti and uniti 2 so he pushing me towards uniti 2 instead.  I think the sales guy is dumb and told me dont get superuniti says just play it wireless from my notebook says sound is very similar.  Suprised naim dealers not trying to sell their own products I dunno but they dont have b&w speakers to audition only naim.  Any thoughts as I have already lost money selling my cm1 and rotels dont wanna do that too often and not too keen on buying used gear.

 

THanks.

Posted on: 07 February 2013 by jobseeker

I think your question is very difficult to answer and you are likely to get different opinions.

 

Do you need to be able to play SACD's ? Are you short of space and need a one-box solution ? Do you actually want to stream via a network or would you be as happy with your music on a computer fed direct to a DAC ? Do you think your loudspeakers need more power ? Are you likely to want an upgrade path if you go Naim ? Do you have a maximum budget ? There are many other questions to be answered too I think. Depending on the answers, the Superuniti or Uniti 2 need not be your only choices. There are now many ways into the streaming experience with Naim (UnitiQute, NAC172XS plus a power amp, ND5XS plus an integrated or pre/power and more). There is also the new DAC-V1 and NAP100 if you want to go the computer / USB DAC route.

 

Certainly, buying new and then trading in or selling fairly quickly is a way to lose money even though Naim equipment retains a fairly good value. Therefore, I can see that you need to get it right first time. I don't get the impression that you are dissatisfied with your current set-up in any particular way, so it is difficult to suggest what might improve your listening experience. I'm sure that most people would suggest a careful demonstration using your own loudspeakers if you are settled with them, but I know that isn't always easy to achieve.

Posted on: 07 February 2013 by Felix H

Welcome to the hobby!

 

The only way to find gear that you can settle with is by listening to the gear yourself.

Naim is especially good in this respect as its dealers are often happy to demo you the various options. They will also let you compare with your current gear.

 

Nobody else can tell you what you should like or what is the level of performance that is "good enough" for you. Happy listening!

Posted on: 07 February 2013 by yobeech
Originally Posted by jobseeker:

I think your question is very difficult to answer and you are likely to get different opinions.

 

Do you need to be able to play SACD's ? Are you short of space and need a one-box solution ? Do you actually want to stream via a network or would you be as happy with your music on a computer fed direct to a DAC ? Do you think your loudspeakers need more power ? Are you likely to want an upgrade path if you go Naim ? Do you have a maximum budget ? There are many other questions to be answered too I think. Depending on the answers, the Superuniti or Uniti 2 need not be your only choices. There are now many ways into the streaming experience with Naim (UnitiQute, NAC172XS plus a power amp, ND5XS plus an integrated or pre/power and more). There is also the new DAC-V1 and NAP100 if you want to go the computer / USB DAC route.

 

Certainly, buying new and then trading in or selling fairly quickly is a way to lose money even though Naim equipment retains a fairly good value. Therefore, I can see that you need to get it right first time. I don't get the impression that you are dissatisfied with your current set-up in any particular way, so it is difficult to suggest what might improve your listening experience. I'm sure that most people would suggest a careful demonstration using your own loudspeakers if you are settled with them, but I know that isn't always easy to achieve.

Yes maybe I'm unsure about a lot of things as since I am still new not sure which is best path.  As for SACDs I dont have too many sacds or cds in general maybe 20-30 cds in total as I just started buying them due to my system.  I am not short of space so dont need a one box solution but I am more curious I would say in terms of how Naim sounds with my PM1.  I have read many reviews of it working well together with naim gear so I was thinking if I get the Super Uniti and I like it then I can upgrade later and get a separate cd player.  My budget I'm happy with integrated amps not so hardcore where I want to get a pre amp / amp solution yet and yes I think I can go either Super Uniti path or Uniti 2 in terms of budget.  I figure I can start downloading full high res files instead of buying cds and then get a nas like synology and stream from there.  I live in a 700 sq ft apartment so no need to do wireless streaming.

 

My loudspeakers seem fine on power right now the marantz is 90w per channel but I'm itching to try naim now seems once bit by hifi bug I wanna test and see how much better my system can sound.  And if naim works well then I will try and get rid of my marantz int amp for now and just use the sacd with the naim.  

 

Maybe I'm not asking myself the right question in general I was thinking to invest that amount of money into cables but after some more research I think maybe upgrading my electronics would make a bigger difference in sound.  I have listened to the naim uniti 2 with i believe naim bookshelf speakers the sound was very open and with a huge soundstage.  So I guess I wanted more opinions of ppl who have went thru early days of hifi and learn from their experience by saving money but with good results.  

 

I want something that will last for a couple years at a good mid level sound/budget.  Any advice appreciated thxs!

Posted on: 07 February 2013 by jobseeker
Well, I would at least also consider the NAC N172XS / NAP 155XS combination and also the ND5XS / Nait XS combination. I think the various Naim combinations each have subtle differences and only you will know which you prefer. I personally prefer to keep my disc spinner separate and wanted to save space, so I have a Superuniti and UnitiQute, but there are plenty of others who prefer the other solutions. It's not just about the raw power output either - I think any of the combinations will drive your loudspeakers but each will sound a little different.
Posted on: 07 February 2013 by yobeech
Originally Posted by jobseeker:
Well, I would at least also consider the NAC N172XS / NAP 155XS combination and also the ND5XS / Nait XS combination. I think the various Naim combinations each have subtle differences and only you will know which you prefer. I personally prefer to keep my disc spinner separate and wanted to save space, so I have a Superuniti and UnitiQute, but there are plenty of others who prefer the other solutions. It's not just about the raw power output either - I think any of the combinations will drive your loudspeakers but each will sound a little different.

Ok let me look at their website and find out what those product differences are!

Posted on: 07 February 2013 by jobseeker

It can be a bit confusing ith all those letters and number

Posted on: 07 February 2013 by yobeech
Originally Posted by jobseeker:

It can be a bit confusing ith all those letters and number

Hi I'm curious why you would need a uniqute since u have super uniti dont they do the same thing?

 

BTW I checked the combos out there you mentioned i guess the superuniti in terms of level is higher than the nd5xs / nait xs combo correct?

Posted on: 08 February 2013 by jobseeker

One of the main points of streaming is to facilitate multi-room music from the same storage source. I have a Superuniti in my main listening room and a 'Qute in my lounge for more casual listening./ Actually, the lounge is much the larger room, but the 'Qute performs very well even with 4 Ohm /87db loudspeakers. There are those who prefer the sound of the 'Qute to the Superuniti and think that it is the bargain of the range.

 

I think you are right that, in theory, the Superuniti is in a higher range of product than the XS series. However, some prefer the sound of the XS alternatives, which will each have individual power supplies and greater separation of components, plus they can also be upgraded by the addition of external power supplies in some instances. Such differences of opinion also apply with other parts of the range like the power amplifier hierarchy. Everything is room, 'speaker, ear and brain dependent really.

 

As I said before, if you only want to store your music on a computer (and don't need multi-room), you could play direct from that via USB to the new DAC-V1 and NAP100 combo. I can see how this could make it complex in trying out every combination that might apply in your circumstances and budget. I wish I could be more help. Welcome to the world of Naim

Posted on: 09 February 2013 by yobeech
Originally Posted by jobseeker:

One of the main points of streaming is to facilitate multi-room music from the same storage source. I have a Superuniti in my main listening room and a 'Qute in my lounge for more casual listening./ Actually, the lounge is much the larger room, but the 'Qute performs very well even with 4 Ohm /87db loudspeakers. There are those who prefer the sound of the 'Qute to the Superuniti and think that it is the bargain of the range.

 

I think you are right that, in theory, the Superuniti is in a higher range of product than the XS series. However, some prefer the sound of the XS alternatives, which will each have individual power supplies and greater separation of components, plus they can also be upgraded by the addition of external power supplies in some instances. Such differences of opinion also apply with other parts of the range like the power amplifier hierarchy. Everything is room, 'speaker, ear and brain dependent really.

 

As I said before, if you only want to store your music on a computer (and don't need multi-room), you could play direct from that via USB to the new DAC-V1 and NAP100 combo. I can see how this could make it complex in trying out every combination that might apply in your circumstances and budget. I wish I could be more help. Welcome to the world of Naim

Interesting I do like the nd5xs/nait xs combo being able to have more of an upgrade path...i have booked a session for naim dealer for me to audition naim nd5xs/nait xs combo, superuniti, and uniti2 i will bring my usb stick with hires download anything else u think i need to do for the audition?  im just worried the nait xs wont be enuf power for my speakers they are the bw pm1 at 84db so im not so good about that sensitivity stuff and whether or not enuf juice...

Posted on: 09 February 2013 by jobseeker

Perhaps youcan take your 'speakers to the demo then you will know

Posted on: 17 February 2013 by yobeech
Mmmm I listened to both the su and uniti 2 and think I'm leaning towards the su ... Out of curiosity what should I expect on price 20% off msrp??
Posted on: 17 February 2013 by Goon525

In the UK you wouldn't normally get anything off retail from a Naim dealer. But things could be very different in Hong Kong!

Posted on: 17 February 2013 by yobeech
Yeesh that is rough then in Hk they give a little 10-20%
Posted on: 17 February 2013 by naimUnT
yobeech: I am in the SU camp and am very happy with it! Out of curiosity, what were the differences between the two during your demo?
Posted on: 17 February 2013 by yobeech

Oh great actually I only casually listened to both of them at the time no direct comparison a/b playing same songs due to limited time.  I plan to do that the same day I purchase the equipment but honestly I can say I would be happy with either.  Only reason why I am leaning towards the SU is one the specs and I figure its better to shell out a bit more money now than regret later as my main purpose will be streaming from a NAS so I figure I can live without a cd player for now.  I only have about 30 or so cds so i think the money is more well spent on better specs for the streaming purpose.  And if I really have a hard on later I can add a cd player... ;P