My Impression on Qute into Nap 100 and Nait XS
Posted by: Brian G on 25 July 2013
Since I have read/learned lots from others who have contributed to the forum, I thought that I would post my thoughts on the Qute with added power amp. I demoed a NAP 100 and used the Qute as the source via preamp out (RCA Chord Cobra 3) and setting speakers to NONE on the Unitiqute. My general impression was not completely favorable, but I think the "magic" of the Qute was lost when adding the power. The system was a bit more laid back and veiled. The NAP was likely not broken in and I didn't have too long of a demo (4 days I think). In any case, I decided not to purchase the NAP100.
This got me to thinking about the Qute into my Nait XS-2. Using basically the same set up as above, i utilized the AV Bypass and sent the Qute Pre out into the AV Input. The sound is more QUTE which was closer to the XS sound anyway. I have only been running this for a few hours, but I am really enjoying what I hear so far. The XS power adds a bit more control of the low end on my Vienna Bachs.
I have run the Nait XS - Flatcap XS - ND5XS combo recently (borrowed ND5XS from MangoMonkey) and while the DAC portion of Qute isn't quite as good as the ND5XS the combo is very close in overall rythm and control.
I'm getting addicted to iRadio as well.
Brian G.
Posted on: 28 July 2013 by jobseeker
I have to say that I think a NAP100 has added a little something to my Qute, although I would hardly say the Qute was desperate for it
Posted on: 28 July 2013 by Justin9960
I have to agree js, I disconnected my 100 from the Qute yesterday to check the difference. It sounded a lot thinner and a tad "shouty" on occasions.
Still got your SuperUniti? Thought I saw it advertised recently. Apologies for asking a question on your thread Brian.
Regards
Posted on: 28 July 2013 by hafler3o
Originally Posted by Justin9960:
+1, the NAP definitely gelled well with the PMCs (you don't mention speakers Brian)
I would expect the NAP to 'do well' as it's primarily intended for the DAC-V1 which has superior DtoA over the Qute (2?) so should be capable of resolving whatever the Qute throws at it with aplomb. Going back to 'just' the Qute 2 (as I will do soon as I'm financing an upgrade) makes me realise I need some slightly more efficient speakers with some 'sparkle' that goes when the NAP is removed. They also need to be sub £600!
Posted on: 28 July 2013 by Justin9960
Brian, +1 re iRadio, it is all I use the Qute/100 for, with serious listening done via headphones on Dac-V1.
Posted on: 28 July 2013 by jobseeker
I do still have the SU but will be selling ony return from hols. I no longer the need the pre or power so it would be wasted. The question is what to replace it with ? Apologies for OT
Posted on: 29 July 2013 by hafler3o
Originally Posted by jobseeker:
I do still have the SU but will be selling ony return from hols
Darnit! Just bought mine, c'est la vie! How difficult are you going to find parting with it (soundwise) out of interest?
Posted on: 29 July 2013 by jobseeker
I'm anxious not to derail this thread, but I'm extremely pleased with it in every way. I could just hang on to it but it seems pointless to have money tied up in pre and power sections which i don't need. I suppose an ND5XS would be the spiritual replacement, though Meridian Sooloos MC200 is also a possibility. Actually I haven't ruled out another Qute using just the digital-out.
Posted on: 30 July 2013 by Brian G
No worries on hijacking my thread 
From conversations with others, it sounds like the nap100 with cute is Supernait-ish sounding as opposed to Nait Xs sounding. I guess I prefer the XS sound.
Posted on: 31 July 2013 by JedT
Recently I've been using my UQ into NAP180 while I wait for a SU to arrive. Previously I'd been using Majik DS into 102/HC/NAPSC 180 but I'm selling the DS/pre. Pretty clear to me that the UQ/180 is better - very impressive. Tad nervous that the SU may not be a big improvement. We'll see...
Posted on: 31 July 2013 by Tog
Really like the idea of a Qute 2 into Dac V1 with my NAP 200 - very flexible
Tog
