ND5 XS v's Unitiqute 2 for streaming?

Hi Paul,

Not quite the UnitiQute2, but I have compared a Unity 2 and a SuperUnity with the ND5 XS / Nait XS-2 combination.

Both the Unities gave distinctly less resolution than the ND5 XS: with the ND5 XS more musical detail could be heard particularly in complex passages.  As I have a preference for classical music, in my case, this meant that with a baroque orchestra the harpsichord could still be distinguished in an orchestral tutti.  Neither of the Unities could achieve this.  The ND5 also generally sounded 'cleaner' and rendered delicate timbres better whilst also presenting power when this was needed.

This is my personal experience, however the only real way for you to tell, is to listen to both yourself.

Incidentally for other people who are interested in the comparison to the SuperUnity, the main advantage the SU had was to give a more forceful presentation, more 'in your face'.  However in comparison to the ND5 XS, it did this at the expense of detail and clarity.

Thanks for that and clearly an audition is required.

I've been using a dealer in Kent due to regular visits to an elderly Mother but really could do with someone more local. I'm not far from you so who would you recomend in the area?

Thanks 

Ah! Unfortunately dealer recommendations are strictly against the forum rules.

Also I have only visited one local dealership, so I cannot give an opinion on comparison between themselves and others who may well also give the excellent service I received.

Apologies I didn't realise and I guess it's only fair.

Thanks

No need for an apology, but thank you for the curtsey; it's good to have civil people around.

And for God's sake, mind the Corgis.

C.

Very interesting review of the new SoTM ethernet to USB streamer on Computer Audiophile site today.  It's $450.  Would seem to be exactly what you need and you could keep the Dac V-1.

I love NAIM, but seems like a waste to have something like the 'Qute that includes a pre amp and an amp and only use it for streaming. 

Personally, I'd be in to a NAIM streamer with out a DAC for this same reason.

Thanks for the advice........i will have a read.

Ah, I've just understood this, OK.

Dyslexia lures KO!

+1

Bobby

Hi Paul,

I demoed the UnitiQute and ND5 with both XS and 152/155 combo, the ND5 provided more of clarity and detail with the various genres of music we used.

Like you, I was uncertain of my budget at the time, but once I heard the ND5 I stretched that budget to accommodate it. ND5 + 152/155 is an excellent lower mind range system and will keep you satisfied for many years. If not that, then ND5 + Nait XS will be a great system.

Jason.

I've been thinking about putting a used DAC V1 between my UQ (version1) and NAP 110. I've seen a few opinions on here about the V1 bringing the UQ up to NDX levels but any fresh opinions on here?

I know it wastes many functions of each box, but I'd be at about $4200 all told for the three boxes so still less than a better streamer/all in one and I like the shoebox size and can easily sell or repurpose them elsewhere later on. 

I wanted to buy a Uniti so went to audition one. Then I compared it to the ND5XS with Nait XS and the difference was quite huge. So much more musical and involving and "sing-along" than the Uniti.

I added the Superuniti to the comparison and still came back to the ND5 Nait combo.

So I bought the ND5XS there and then and after delivery I bought the dealership demo Nait XS for a nice discount so it didn't cost me too much more.

One year on and I'm still very plesased with my choice.

Si,

I did the same thing a few months ago: I went to audition a Unity2 and a SuperUnity.

I ended up with a ND5 XS and a Nait XS-2.  I made the same choice for the same reasons (plus the better resolution of that pairing).

Definitely the right thing to go with my Spendor SP2s in a small to mid sized room.