UnitiQute; logical and sane upgrade advice

Well, Damon, you've peen pondering for a couple of months now, and if you are still thinking of the same preferred direction, it's likely to be the right one. Coupled with the Serve, it just works. So often people buy mismatched or poorly thought out systems and within five minutes are thinking 'what next'? I've been there and done that, and it's not a good place. That's why I now have a non-upgradable system, which just pootles along playing music. Just decide whether you want upgradeability or not. When I got my SU the alternative was the nd5xs and Nait XS, but I knew I'd be getting a power supply for each unit very quickly and I didn't want four boxes and loads of wires again. If I had a Qute, I certainly wouldn't add amps to it - if I wanted separates I'd buy separates. I think I'm just rambling, so I'll shut up.

I'd like to stop at the UQ because I have 3 systems (Cary single ended 300b and PASS LABS XP10/250). Each system type gives me a slightly different perspective of the music. The digital center for all three systems is the Unitiserve. 

Unfortunately I just purchased a new pair of the sensational Dynaudio X14's and the UQ just doesn't have enough power. I will either need to find a unity, or a supernait with the internal DAC with the UQ as the streamer. I don't think the new NAIM NAP100 Slim line amp will be enough power. Just for anyone who is interested, the X14's are outrageously musical regardless of  price. Think of classic Proac Tablette 50 signature good. They just need more than the 30 WPC in the UQ (85dB/spl at 8 ohms). 

Thanks Yeast.  I was just looking at the X14's online this morning!  I am quite happy with my X12's, and the Qute2 definitely has enough to power them suitably for me. 

The sensitivity of the X12's is rated at 86, and the X14's only slightly lower at 85.  I wonder if there is more going on.  But I am not trying to fill a room with music; mine are in a small loft space.

The Qute won't drive X14s at any volume in a big room, and furthermore its lack of power may show up as a lack of control.

The old SN with a DAC maybe an answer, but not all reports of it are good and you may find it doesn't do justice to the X14s. A Uniti 2 has enough power, or you could go to a SU with even more. Both expensive options.

I do recommend trying a NAP100 with the Qute first. I use one with ATC SCM11s which have the same (lack of) sensitivity as the X14s. No problem at all with volume or control - sounds wonderful.

Alex

I've also added a NAP100 to my UnitiQute 1 and am very happy with the results for the price. I'm sure a SU would be better.

But just as Damon, I don't have a dedicated listening room. My main system is in a 4x6m lounge/Kitchen (open concept) and my KEF R100s are standing on a IKEA wall unit. Not ideal for critical listening.

I don't see a point in spending more money on a better system when really the most important aspect would be to get the speakers away from walls and on proper stands first. This would improve the overall sound, soundstage, bass (I know, as I've tried the setup at a mate's place).

One of the things I like about the Qute is that you can only add so much. Really just a separate amp - which if a half width one is really elegant looking and takes the same space as one rectangular box - and a hiline or powerline but both of those would be a waste of $ (my dealer agrees). Many already have amps so that's another plus. I bought my UQ (v1) as new dealer overstock out of state (so no tax) this fall for $1800. Combined that with a beautifully rebuilt/recapped 110 for $600 (not much more power than the UQ but opens things up really nicely). Add to that another $400 in cables (ethernet cinnamon, Chord Cobra RCA-DIN) and a very nice cracking sounding system for $2800 for an 11'X15' room. Both the UQ and 110 have really great prat. The 100 I'm sure would be equally as good if not better but twice the price. And I love the look of the chrome bumper next to the UQ. 

My speakers (Tannoy DC6 demos for a great price) are now the weak point. Great for some stuff but fall apart for other. Best for low night listening which I do a lot of. Good enough for now and would need to wait until Xmas or so to even bring it up with you know who. 

I agree about the simplicity of the Qute and the relative lack of the typical Naim separates upgrade path.  While I have swapped a bit into and out of my main system over the past 2 1/2 years, such does not even occur to me with my Qute 2nd system.  It just "is," and it definitely pleases.

my UQ (V1) is fine driving my Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M's and my trusty Proac Tablette 50 Signatures (86dB). Not so for the X14's which I just purchased and like very much. I could use my +$20K Pass Labs system with the X14's and the +$1800 UQ with the $7K Sonus Faber's but…you get the idea. This has been a life's journey for me and I don't see any end in sight, except the bank part.

I purchased the UQ and x14's to move around the house as needed, but if I start hanging boxes off, that defeats the purpose. Incidently, the preamp out on the UQ must have limited voltage gain, because I hooked up a 120 wpc non-Naim amp and the gain was not there so I couldn't drive the amp to higher volume. I guess a NAP100 or a 155x wouldn't have this problem, but if I add that I might as well search for a used unity which are hard to find. Remember, the center of my three systems is the Unitiserve.

Yeast I have a similar setup, with a Unitiserve serving music to an NDS for the main system, and a Qute2/ Excite X12's in my loft space.  If the NAP100 will drive the X14's, that'd be a pretty elegant solution.  A stack of 2 shoeboxes.  I'd audition a NAP100. 

Bart, I've taken the plunge and conditionally purchased the NAP100. The dealer said Naim amps have Headroom rather than incremental power. If the UQ has 30 wPC and the NAP100 has 50 wpc, there is a good chance the NAP100 has considerable headroom and will drive the x14's with great control and power, especially since it has its own power supply. I'll let you know in a few weeks when it arrives.

i rceently added a nap200 to my old qute and found it tightened things up well but there was always the feeling i needed more power to drive the allae's. so i also changed to a SU and the grip is just outstanding in comparison, and lots of power and openess. i havent got a powerline so maybe i will eventually if it really makes a difference.

In discussing the NAP100 with the dealer and reading the literature, the circuit in the NAP100 is derived from the SU. I presume the difference has to do with current availability and output device ratings. I also had an SU and found it powerful. The SU amp section is said to be a cross between the NAP200 and NAP250. If the NAP 100 is of the same circuit and has its own dedicated power supply when used with the UQ, then I believe it can drive my Dynaudio x14's. At least that is my hope. For me, I felt the SU was good for its price, but not the raving bargain (IMHO) I was hoping for. I've not heard there is a SU2 coming either.

You'll bet getting a powerline on day 7,