UnitiQute 2 versus Nait 5i plus DAC for streaming from iMac

Posted by: Esther on 16 December 2013

Hi, this is my first post but I have been a Naim user for 11 years and currently own a CD5, a Nait 5i and a pair of 25 year old B&W DM220i speakers. I have a very large cd collection and after recently moving house and as yet to unpack the Naim system I have found that I am currently listening to my music by streaming iTunes and Spotify from my iMac via an Apple TV to a temporary set up in my lounge  (Cambridge Audio amplifier and small bookshelf speakers next to the TV).

I am really enjoying the ease of streaming and also not having my home cluttered up with CD's but I am obviously missing the much better sound of my CD5 and Nait 5i but am now thinking of either selling these two and buying a UnitiQute or keeping the Nait 5i and adding a DAC which would allow me to continue to stream via the Apple TV and Airplay. I note that the Unitiqute won't stream either Apple Lossless files which would mean me having to rip a lot of cd's again, or Spotify (why!!?)

If I didn't need to buy the UnitiQute and could achieve a decent streaming set up with the Nait 5i I could put the money towards new speakers.. the B&W's are huge and I am sure could be bettered now... so I would be very grateful for any thoughts on the pro's and cons of both solutions. Also.. what DAC? ( I know the answer is the Naim DAC V1 but I can't afford it right now so a good alternative please). 

thanks

Posted on: 17 December 2013 by DomTomLondon

I'm listening to my UnitiQute right now streaming Apple AIFF 24/96 files... It does work.

The UnitiQute 2 will also do AIFF and ALAC files.

 

You could try and sell your CD5 and Nait 5i, and get the Qute + NAP100.

I have this setup and it sounds very good indeed. But I can't tell you if it's better than the CD5 and Nait 5i as I've never owned either one.

Posted on: 22 April 2014 by Fergi

Hi Esther, I use a Beresford Bushmaster Mk1 through to my Nait 5i Mk2, to good effect and is only around £180. Make sure you earth the DAC or you will have an earth loop as I did.