Hi,
I would like to use the nap 100 to power CM5 speakers in a small living room. However, I am (still) a wondering whether I should invest in the unitiqute2 versus the DAC v1 as a pre-amp.
Has anyone compared the unitiqute2 (solely as a pre-amp, using UPnP or USB) versus the dac V1 using USB?
If there is a difference, do you think this is a "big difference" : in other words, I am not using the most expensive speakers in the world and
-The major advantage of the qute in my situation would be that I could easily hook up a record player, I play about 10% of my music on the record player.
- The major advantage of the DAC v1 is that I could stream using the nicer JRiverMC and the JRemote app via a small fanless HTPC [intel NUC i5 with streacom NC1 case]. Plus of course other potential music sources, being future proof. However, I would need to be creative on how to use the record player then.
Unfortunately don't have a dealer around with the combination above to test so all your experience and advice is very welcome!
Thanks in advance,
Cheers
Posted on: 11 April 2014 by Solid Air
I've done the comparison but only in the store, not at home. I opted to stick with my Qute because of the ease of N-Stream and because I couldn't see any way to hook up the V1 to a turntable or a NAS at the time.
In pure SQ terms I have to vote for the V1. The Qute is very good, and with a NAP100 it's closer, but the V1 Is better IMHO. Of course it's subjective and you should get a demo for sure, but I do think most people would reach the same conclusion.
But if 10% of your listening is vinyl then the V1 isn't really an option, is it? I guess you'd need to get another amp with a phono stage and maybe mess around with speaker cable switches? For that money you could get a Uniti 2 and a Rega phono stage, which would be a simple solution. I haven't done that comparison but maybe it's worth a listen.
Posted on: 11 April 2014 by Brilliant
never heard a DAC V1, but I use a UQ as a preamp and it is top notch, if SQ is all you are worried about. If you read some threads here some say that you give up some 'exciting' quality when you match it with a NAP100 and keep in mind that this amp was made as a match for the DAC V1
Posted on: 11 April 2014 by karlosTT
I would agree with the responses above that V1 is likely to win out on pure SQ as a DAC & pre-amp (leaving aside the merits of network streaming vs computer playback), but it leaves you with a real problem for vinyl playback.
This highlights what I believe to be a fundamental oversight with the V1 design - there is no scope for analog input. Since many people would choose to employ it as a pre-amp, its universal appeal is thus compromised. I wonder if that will ever be addressed, ie when a Mk II eventually appears.....
Posted on: 12 April 2014 by Justin9960
I used all three units on and off for 10 months. The V1 will give you better texture, scale etc, but in my view is not as enjoyable as the Qute. This is where I believe that some people go wrong, there is more than SQ to consider in preferring product A to product B. Consider the presentation of the music as well, I found V1 to be more of a wall of sound, where the Qute gave (to me) a better soundstage. Most importantly of all, put SQ to one side, and consider what makes you smile and get into the music most?
Good luck, I would suggest Qute would suit you better due to turntable listening.
Posted on: 12 April 2014 by Henry2
Thanks! Indeed it seems the cute is the beter option in terms of flexibility with vinyl, because messing around with speaker cables and a different amp would not serve my wife wel... Things need to stay simple to just enjoy the music!
