DAC V1 + Nap 100 vs. UnitiQuote 2

They are not really the same type of product, nor priced similarly, so why do you ask?

I know, but both could be within what I'm looking for be interesting.

Well ok, as the Qute2 is 'all-in-one' I'd expect the DAC-V1 to be a better DAC, the NAP 100 is a better amp. than the power stage of the Qute2 (I know as I own a Qute2 & NAP 100) but this result needs a little salt applied as the signal electronics in the Qute2 probably receive an 'upgrade' when the internal power amp. is disabled (so a two-fold upgrade if adding an external amp to the Qute).

The DAC-V1 has no streaming capabilities or analogue preamp input, nor can it be 'party moded'(!) so in that respect the DAC-V1/NAP combo is inferior, also it costs more (nearly double)

If you have the money buy them all and use it as a Qute streamer / classy DAC / sassy amp. Later all the components can be used in different configurations with other kit (UnitiServe DAC-V1 NAP 200) AND Qute2 / NAP 100 as a very capable 2nd system.

hafler3o what cable do you use to conect the qute with the nap100?

thanks

Chord Cobra VEE 3 stereo RCA interconnect (0.5m).

They are sold as a pair, I've not tried any others but Chord cables traditionally work well with Naim, the two companies are actually based close to each other!

Thanks, I consider myself to upgrade my qute2 with nap 100, I feel my AE 301 need more power.

But I need to finish first with the speaker position problem/situation.

Also in Spain I have no chance to try at home before buy...

Is it possible to use the UQ2 as a pure streamer without pre and power amp?

Yes, BNC 75Ω output on rear (ah, got beaten to it, ^^ sorry)

The NAP will not yield much more 'loudness' but it will do the same SPL without the strain, think of power in amplifiers more as a 'credit limit' on a card, it is musical and has reserves but I think if you need lots more volume in your listening space you may have to get used to having the volume numbers up high or get some larger (more efficient) speakers.

Yes I know, I search for more "body" to the sound, I also have that big head singer feeling. Maybe speaker cables??

Do you mean the sounds are out of proportion (big head / small body)? I had this problem with music, disproportionate, certain genres sounding good and presented large (acoustic / electronic / classical), switch to rock and everything went weedy and sounding like coming from next door! Solution was to ditch the speakers which had a peaky emphasis in the upper-midrange. Got some proper nearfield monitors now, what a relief...

thats exactly whats happens with me, 100% that sensation, I can get more "dimension" space from a movie then with rock music, pink floyd its a terrible experience for example. what speakers do you use?

I went from using Mordaunt-Short Mezzo 2's (cost probably Euro450) which certain hi-fi mags said needed careful matching to PMC DB1i. They are utterly neutral by comparison, do nothing 'showy' but  allow music to flow easily into the ear with no irritation or artifice, they have just been discontinued but you can still get them reasonably easily. They take some running in as they are made for use in recording studios, 24hrs a day music monitoring!

Yes, at the moment of buy the qute I get general recommendation to par it with pmc speakers, specialy with twenty series, but the price its out of my range for the moment. for sure when upgrading the speakers pmc its my first choice

Don't be too down-heartened as IMO the least expensive Twenty series is not as good as the DB1s/TB2s so look for secondhand... also definitely worth considering is the Neat Iota if on a tight budget, Leema Xero, Dynaudios, Kef LS50 etc, it's worth just being patient and getting the right speaker for the Qute2 as it really is rather good!

I recently heard at Audio-T, Portsmouth, Sonos + V1 + 250, Sonos + Qute 2 + 250, both sounded the same, standard DAC harshness (bright ish) to my ears, however Qute 2 as a streamer + 250  was silky smooth and incredibly easy to listen to. Changing the digital source prior to the dac altered everything. Not logical to me at all.

Are you sure the file types (quality) was the same?

Connecting Sonos to V1 is almost like connecting CD5 to NAC52+NAP135's, wasting time nothing else. V1 fed with right source will challenge some much higher rated Naim boxes than Q2.

Just out of interest what speakers were you using? I'm currently using the DAC-V1 with the NAP100 (it's natural partner?) but trying other Naim PA's had crossed my mind. Could be dangerous I know.

P.S. Nice people at audio-T, Portsmouth and Southampton.

A half width case ND5 XS/NDX, minus the DAC (to keep the cost down), would be nice!

And this als input into DAC-V1

Certainly FAR from my experience. As good as the Qute is as a source, my CDS3 puts it squarely in its place. In fact for the moment my Qute is sitting idle as it cannot compete in either system i have as a DACV1 sits in one and CDS3 in the other.

How are you connecting your Qute out of interest? 

The Q2 is a serious source and must have a serious DAC on board, I am running it via a 252/300 into Shahinian Obelisks and it sounds awesome, matching my CDS3 source for SQ at a fraction of the price, which I would not have expected.

I have it connected to the 252 via. Chord interconnect, Q2 volume set to 90, replaced standard power cable with Powerline, and have the Q2 sat on a makeshift half width Fraim that I constructed myself out of glass, MDF like shelving and super spikes. So, much care and attention to set up, but also the CDS3 is powered by an XPS2. At the moment my CDS3 is sat idle as the convenience of the Q2 wins out on choice.