DAC V1 + Nap 100 vs. UnitiQuote 2

Ok, yes that's exactly as i have tried mine, on Fraim, Powerline, and Chord interconnect. My CDS3/XPS2 is simply way better, and the Qute sounds like very nice background music by comparison.

Both were used with same Sonos flac source into PMCs (looked the the 24s to me) - But I would tend to agree that to my ears at least, Sonos, although extremely versatile with its software, does not represent the best sounding source (it also doesn't support  96k/24bit etc).

Going back to ragman's original question, I would guess you are looking for a cheap(ish) streaming option (rather that the still, imho, better sounding CD transports through a DAC). When comparing the V1 to the UinitiQute2 next time I'd have to find a Naim source for the streaming part..... trouble is which one of the plethora of Naim devices that will do this is best for the job?

Now lets see, UnitiLite, UnitiQute 2, SuperUniti, NaimUniti2, NDS, NDX or  ND5 XS? I see what might be the problem. I'm spoilt for choice personally.

Do you have the Q2 Gary? Also makes me wonder if my CDS3 or XPS2 needs a service then, as seriously anyone would be hard pushed to tell the difference in a blind test. If anything Q2 sounds slightly more fuller vs. S3 slightly thinner more forward, though it is marginal and hard pressed to choose which I prefer.

If you live near portsmuff, you are welcome to listen to my SuperUniti.

No, i have a UQ1, but my dealer assures me the difference is small at best. I do of course have the DacV1, which is blindingly good, but i still would not say it's a match for the S3 to me. May i also assume you are not plugging them in at the same time?

It's a different DAC in the Q2 vs. the Q1, which could make a difference. Plugging both in at the same time seems to make no difference, if anything seems to sound better....maybe my ears need a service! 

I appreciate it is a different Dac but could not account for the difference i am hearing which is huge. Also the DacV1 by all accounts is much better than the one in the Q2, and this does not compare to the CDS3.

Richard Dane could maybe comment on plugging them both in at the same time, it is possible that's ok with the Qute, considering it has the chassis ground switch, but normally it's not recommended and will make both digital sources sound the same'ish.

Why do we think it's a better DAC in the V1? Is that fact or rumour & speculation? They Q2 and V1 are both different products released around about the same time, I can't see any logic in not using the best technology to give each product the best chance in a highly competitive marketplace. To hamstring the Q2 with an inferior DAC in the same class of product doesn't make sense to me.

I have a Qute2 and V1, at their respective prices, and considering the V1 is primarily a DAC, I would be amazed if the Qute2 had the same DAC. Considering what the Qute offers, streaming, amp, DAC, at £100 less, I think it can be taken their is a difference. Also when I plug the Qute into the V1 there is a lift in SQ.

The V1 has the same DAC as SuperUniti and NDX, the Qute2 does not.

my two penneth!!

Couldn't have said it better. Also my dealer says the improvement is incremental as opposed to fundamental in terms of the two Qute's.

So why then isn't the V1 a recommended upgrade to the Q2 (by reason of the better DAC) in a line out to separate pre configuration? I have been told not to bother as it wouldn't offer an upgrade when I asked the question previously. Or maybe in a line out configuration the DACs are more or less on a par?I would love to know the answer as if I could improve what I have already by adding a V1, I would do it tomorrow (well Tuesday actually as dealer shut on Mondays).

Because in fairness, the Qute is really designed as a standalone product.

OK, but there's an avenue worth exploring here in terms of cost effective upgrades if the V1 DAC is better than the Q2 DAC,whatever the design intent.

Rather than adding a V1/100 to a Qute 2, it seems far more sensible to get a SuperUniti. Fewer wires, more power and no redundancy.

True in your case...But I enjoy all the flexibility of a PC to feed into V1/100, rather then to be closed into a predefined box. That's way Naim has different products for different tastes.

I have a 'spare' Qute now, as i see no need for it considering i use the DacV1 into a Nap160 in my second system and a CDS3 in my main system. I could use it with the main system for internet radio but quite honestly i don't want it sat underneath my CDS3, where i have a spare Fraim shelf, as the CDS3 head unit is sensitive to other things. I see no benifit either in combining it with the DacV1/160 as this is plugged via USB directly into a Mac Mini. Am i missing something? I don't think so...

It's all fun comparing A to B and so forth. I have not listened to the V1 but I have a Qute original. I also have other digital components (non Naim) costing a chunk more than the Qute. The DAC in the Qute is excellent, and will favorably compete with anything I own. Sometimes you just have to try something out and make up your own mind as some products will defy logic, by design or by accident-don't matter which!

I totally see your point. I was referring to upgrading a Qute with a V1/100 using the Qute as a streamer. If you want to play files direct from a PC then the V1 is ideal.

In terms of outright SQ, I agree Nigel, although I found the Qute2/V1/100 more open in its presentation. The redundancy of features is total madness, but is worth it to me for the much better headphone output, which I value. The whole lot might go if the SuperUniti2 has the same headphone output. If you fancy bringing your SuperUniti round, I will supply the vino. It would be an interesting comparison.

Regards

Aren't you in sunny Essex?

In your case I don't think so Gary, but in my case I have a 6 level Fraim stack CDS3/252/300. I don't want a 7th Fraim level so the Q2 sits by the side on a Hicap that feeds a Headline/HD800's. If a V1 could add a better DAC I would add it to the Q2/Hicap stack, but I have yet to be convinced that it would, and that the V1 DAC would improve the SQ of my Q2 source, which is on a par to my CDS3 In terms of SQ.

I am indeed, are you in Portsmouth? 

I had a 6 tier Fraim (base plus six) with that very system. Splitting it into two stacks was one of the best upgrades I ever made. You won't believe the difference. Having it all in a big stack is like trying to run with your legs tied together.

Well, Emsworth, about ten miles away. A bit too far to pop round unfortunately.

I am aware of potential benefits of what you suggest HH, but am limited by space and threat of last straw before wife divorces, so stuck with one stack plus Q2/HC unfortunately.