I have just joined this forum after following, and being particularly informed by, some of the discussion about streaming and multi-room. I am reasonably competent with computing but not about Hi Fi.
Background
Briefly, I have an excellent non Naim main system-DAC, CD Player, Blu Ray Player, Sky+ Box, Cassette Deck, Turntable, Analogue Tuner, Amplifier* and Speakers- in the lounge. I am currently immensely happy with this system apart from the- quite old- Tuner. I also have a lovely original, and recently reconditioned, Naim Nait 1 which I have had, and used to use*, from new and wish to keep.
Objective
In addition to the lounge I now wish to listen to music from my CD collection, either ripped to a NAS drive and/or using my CD player, both in the kitchen (a fairly humid atmosphere) and the small study where my router resides.
Solution
Please can you offer some specific advice, possibly incorporating the Naim Nait 1?, to facilitate listening in both kitchen and study. I have tentatively considered Sonus but I have some reservations regarding their speakers and, possibly, cost effectiveness.
*When I changed my ‘speaker/amplifier’ combination at the same time I listened to a new Naim XS but narrowly decided on an alternative
Posted on: 05 September 2014 by Stephen Pritchard
Interesting situation; setting aside the Nait 1 (I gave mine to my brother many years ago), I use Uniti Qutes to provide music in my study and kitchen but the UQs are located under the stairs. OK I was renovating so I put in ceiling speakers and an ethernet network but I am pleased with the system, although I have not tried it wirelessly.
Goodluck with your search for a solution ...
Posted on: 05 September 2014 by NickSeattle
I have tried at least four approaches to doing multi-zone. I recommend a pair of Uniti Qute2's and they will play in sync over your network -- I could never eliminate echo with Sonos.
Insert your Nait 1 in zone 1 and decide if it adds or detracts.
I have wired zones 1 and 2 together and prefer using Analogue-In in zone 2, because it sounds as good, to me, and is more reliable than network play-- but both are good enough to recommend.
BTW: External analogue sources (TT, Tape, Tuner etc.) in zone 1 will not play in zone 2 over your network. Analogue wiring plays it all. I think analogue wiring is well worth the added cost and hassle.
Good luck!
Nick
Posted on: 05 September 2014 by NickSeattle
Originally Posted by DavidDever:
Most important - if synchronized zones or analogue sources are not required, you can choose fairly freely.
Hi, David. Agreed.
I am always surprised at how frequently this fact is called out in the company of so many who sweat the difference a PowerLine or DC-1 makes, or perceive well the benefit of changing a 202 to a 282, 252 or 552.
Why spend all that money if one does not care about echo from out-of-time zones when you do decide to play the same source? I mean, I can see not caring; but it does not seem consistent if one cares about sound and aesthetics in general.
Nick
Posted on: 05 September 2014 by Bart
The OP says nothing about simultaneous playback in more than one room. Multi-room, sans simultaneous playback, is easy. A UPnP server centrally, and a client (player) at each location. Depending on the needs in the kitchen, perhaps a Mu-so for the kitchen and a Qute or ND5XS into the Nait 1 for the study. Seems quite straightforward.
Posted on: 06 September 2014 by NickSeattle
Running Line-Out/Tape-Out from Zone 1 to the Nait 1 in the study could work. Run a second line out from Zone 1 to the kitchen and plug it into a Tivoli, Beolit 12, or whatever you like that fits the damp environment and space you have. When you are ready, top it all off with an ND5XS or Qute into the Zone 1 amp, if you want to rip and stream and all.
If your Zone 1 amp does not have two Line-Outs available, an older modest pre-amp with multiple Tape loops could act as a splitter. This is what I have done; the results are good.
What do you think, oropos123?
Nick
Posted on: 06 September 2014 by NickSeattle
Of course, if there is a streamer made by the maker of your amp, that might integrate better with your system. A benefit of the ND5XS/NDX/NDS streamers is the way they give you iPad control of your Naim amp or pre, all together in the nStream app. Mixing brands, you lose this one-app synergy, I think. Maybe it could be configured to control your amp; I do not know.
Nick
