NAC-N 172 XS or UnitiQute 2 ?

N-NAC 172 XS is a pre amp with a streamer as declared by naim's own product hirachie.

Have you heard the N-VAC 172 XS?

The 172 will be at a very similar level to the Qute for both streaming and DAC.

It is also an entry level pre-amp so unlikely to be much better at that too.

On that basis and being twice the size, it is hard to justify getting the 172.

I would buy the Qute and just turn off its internal power amp if you want to use an external one.

So you think the internal streamer, dac and pre amp of the UQ2 will be better in terms of SQ than the N-NAC 172XS? Haven't heared the UQ2. Was not so happy with N-NAC 172 XS (Line out on power amp). But from a price point of view it would be supprising. But it depends on the general characteristic of the UQ2. (more ND5 xs like or more N-NAC 172 XS like)

I went from a Qute 1 to NAC172XS and NAP155XS. The Qute was good, but I always felt by being all in one it was a compromise. I auditioned Linn Majik, Super Uniti and Nait XS with ND5XS.

For me the Nait XS/ND5XS was better than all the others. I then auditioned the 172/155 and for me, whilst not as good NaitXS/ND5XS the differences were not so huge to justify the extra expense, however the improvement over the Qute was very marked. I would try to demo the 172XS, it is a lovely piece of kit and in terms of ease of use is no different to the Qute.

No, not better, just very similar.  And given the price difference, not worth the extra.

Found 172xs Not so detailed as ND5XS!

you too?

No, plenty of detail

In comparison to ND5 XS?

Haven't found it in the Demo by using the line out to Nait XS. Maybe related to this circumstand? Wondering .......

Maybe you will if you use it later as a very capable second system, or maybe as part of a multiroom set-up (very swish!)

You don't say what it is you are looking for in the upgrade you plan (convenience, simplicity, ultimate SQ, upgradeability etc.)

The UQ2 is a massively capable machine that gives an amazing sound per pound, and will slot in nicely with your system, maybe those old MA spkrs need pensioning off?

Well , thanks for the views guys - helps a lot in distilling the thoughts

In reply ....

Looking for an upgrade in sound quality . Got a stack of boxes on my HiFi rack already, so not bothered with that . Also , not bragging , but my age and life circumstances mean money is not the object it was when I built my previous system.

I DO want sense in my system together with quality . Has to be upgradable when in a yrs time when there is more cash to "invest".

I have heard the UQ2, and liked it (was gunna buy it ) but was thinking of the upgrade path in a yr might involve ditching it ..... Mrs Epiphany not gunna be too happy on that one .

Haven't heard the 172XS , and obviously gunna have to give it a listen .

My gut feeling ....

Ragmans comment about the all in one being a bit of a compromise .... plus being from Yorkshire .....

Veering towards the 172 XS

(though I have yet to audition it so might well change)

gunna have to address the speakers at somepoint too......

appreciate your input , and will keep you posted.

Cheers guys

As upgrade-ability is a focus, why not aim for something like

ND5XS - NAC 202 - NAP 200 in stages?

I've not heard the 172 the reason being the Naim dealers in my area have and they just aren't smitten by it at all, I personally don't see it as a product with a bright future or high residuals s/h.

Where will you be streaming from? You haven't mentioned where your digital music resides (or am I being blonde!)

I've had the chance to listen to a Nac172/Nap200 recently. Not super impressed by it. The sound got annoying after a while. I was listening to several speakers (ProAcs, Harbeth M30.1s and a few more).

Can you describe the differences in Sound against ND5XS?

That the dealers are not so happy with a product that includes in one not so expensive box 2 is nothing i care about. Differnet to the SQ.

From my point of view the N-NAC 172 xs is from the technical point of view a perfect one box machine if you intend to use active speakers. In this case it is a one box solutuion.

In autum I going to hear Naim equipment with ME Geithain speakers.

N-NAC 172 XS and DAC-V1 would give a perfect one box solution.

Wil also hear Streamer with SN2 (be using the pre amp out).

SN2 would assure that I can use it maybe later as well again with passive speakers.

ND5XS or NDX with SN2 would en in a two box systems.

All other pre amps would need at least a power supply and I would have 3 boxes at the end.

However, would be happy to have just one box but the main requirements is the SQ.

What's "different to the SQ"? Read the post again, they made the decision based on what they heard.

What is your own experience of the NAC-N 172 XS? And in comparison to what? MM's impression of it mirrors the dealers' comments rather well...

Have heared the Streamer section of the N-NAC 172 XS (line out) to Nait XS in comparison to the ND5XS.

Found the ND5XS more detailed. There is a detailed report of my session in this forum.

With Different to SQ I mean that I don't care dealers opinions but I care for SQ!

One would hope so given it's more expensive, and a dedicated streamer 

As for not caring about a dealer's opinion isn't that a little shortsighted and dismissive (especially as the opinion was about SQ!)? Why care about anyone's opinion? The dealers I have spoken to have the opportunity to combine kit in many ways more than the average punter, MangoMonkey being the exception!

So.....

Thanks again for the input .

Gone over the posts recurrently .....

my view on it comes down to .........

The 172 XS - gunna have to listen to it to see if worth it over the UQ2

most don't rate the 172 as a pre-amp or streamer

Gunna have to seriously have a listen to the ND5XS, with a view to an upgrade when funds allow without chucking stuff away .

Gut feeling.... (not having auditioned).... - ND5XS

Gunna cost me more money , but that is ok as long as no one tells Mrs Epiphany ........

will let you know

Why not just get a SuperUniti and ditch all the Audiolab, keeping the CD transport if you still need it. Or if you want something better, get the NDX and later a Supernait 2.

Thanks to all for the opinions expressed.  

The outcome ?

listened to the ND5XS, and am now the proud owner of an ex-demo one. 

Problems ? None with the box - it was easy to setup / connect , and sounds great .

draw back is I'm already thinking of my next upgrade ...... A naim dac would be nice , or a pre-amp, or a totally new power amp , and as for the speakers........

The 172 is a a little gem in naim product range, with a 200 a very good system, much better than the original qute IMO. 

Also tried nd5xs into snait2 , not very impressed with snait 2, yes nd5xs a bit more detailed but enjoyed 172/200 much more.

i am probably alone here in not liking the snait2. 

Bonfire night will be here quicker than you think! It seems those mysterious beauties may be the next sound bottleneck...