Trade up Superuniti to ND5X+Supernait 2?

When I bought my SU, I didn't think the ND5 was a very big improvement, so I stuck with the 1-box solution. For a real step up, I'd want to aim for a (used?) NDX. But....now the 272 is here, I'd ask your dealer if a 272/200 or 272/250 is up for grabs on the same 'trade-up' arrangement. If it's not, that might suggest that he's struggling to shift stock of ND5s because of popularity of the 272???

ChrisSU, Thanks for the comment.

The 272 may be a good choice but adding a 200 to it I'm afraid will be over my budget. Maybe a used 200 would be good consideration.

A ND5X+SN2 is stretching it already but I'm willing to stretch it if the the SQ is justified.

The SU is already sounding real nice though and is still in burning in process. It is a great device but I'm getting curious and greedy

Maybe you should trust your own ears, not mine!! There are plenty of people who like their ND5s, so perhaps you shouldn't rule it out too readily. The 2-box setup is also easier to apply future upgrades to - which could be a good thing, or not?  

The Superuniti seems a well regarded product, and if it's really still warming up, and you're already enjoying the music...Maybe wait just a little while and see how you get on with it, rather than rushing to further line your dealer's pockets; there may be no need to change.  Mind you, the SN2 is wonderful. ;-)   

It seems a bit odd that your dealer offers you this option so soon after you bought the SU from him. Has this combo come in from another customer as a trade in or are the ND5 and SN2 new units? If the latter, you'd wonder why he didn't demo the ND5/SN2 and SU at the time you bought your SU? That would have been a sensible thing to do for you to make up your mind based on a thorough comparison of these two options.  

Ultimately, there are always better combos out there. So where do you stop? I mean, do you feel that your SU is lacking anything? Does it leave you wanting? Or does it convey music in an engaging and wonderful way in your set up? What about your speakers are they up to the quality of the SU? If the answer to both is yes, then why change?

If not, upgrading from your SU can improve things for the better. However, moving to an ND5/SN2 from a SU is a bit of a side step really IMHO. Yes the SN2 is the better amp but coupled with an ND5 you are not making the most of it. So while this combo may suit some, I would not consider it personally unless you were willing to invest in a DAC also in the long term to improve on the ND5. A Chord 2Qute or Hugo could be a nice option. That's another GBP1 - 1.4K though, if bought new. I front my SN1 with a Naim DAC/555PS and love the combo. That's a good option also, if fed by an ND5, but yet more expensive and three boxes. The Chord route is a neat alternative at sensible money. 

I have not heard the N-272 yet but it gets great reviews all around. Considering the above that would be the option I'd look into. A 272 / pre loved 200 ought to be a very satisfying system musically and it's a neat two boxes only.

Whatever you do, don't let your dealer rush you into buying anything. Before investing yet more money take plenty of time to audition your current SU against the ND5/SN2 and 272/200 and/or 250, so you clearly understand what each combo offers and which one you'd like to end up with - now or long term. 

Good luck!

Your dealer has got his upgrade radar on you and it's bleeping like crazy! Plus ChrisSU has it spot on. Do the demo by all means but leave the cheque book at home, it's worth remembering you are not fully familiarised with the sound so better/worse can easily be mistaken for 2 types of different. Wait until you need 'more inky blackness', 'a veil to be removed' or 'soundstage improvement'. Only then will you be able to justify your expenditure to yourself!

Thanks for the suggestion! The SU indeed does not leave me wanting and I am enjoying the sound it makes Of course, I will still check out the 272/200 as a possible option before closing the door and live happily with the SU.

I agree with Wat's comments, but you can't do a DAC upgrade on a Superuniti. (Or can you? Am I missing something here!)

Having been a previous owner (and knocker) of the SuperUniti, it just didn't do it for me first time round, closed in sound etc, etc. However, I'm on my second one now, and I'm actually enjoying it. It certainly offers a lot, and like the Qute2 (which is boxed, but a keeper) the beauty is, just one box. I agree with HH, your dealer is seemingly looking out just for themselves, at your (potential) cost. If you are enjoying the SU, then keep it, trade up only if you feel the urge at some point in the future, although I'm not someone who recommends constantly upgrading. There really is no rush on this should you want more in the future.

I've had my SU for two years now and the only upgrade I've made to it is to add a Powerline and Audioquest Ethernet cables. Swapping to an ND5x and Supernait may give a slightly better sound, but it won't revolutionise things and you'll have two boxes of different sizes. If I ever have the necessary £3,000, which seems unlikely, I will consider adding a 250 and swapping the SU for a 272. 

It's easy in the first weeks of owning something to think 'what if' but once you tell yourself that you've made a decision and will live with it, you just get on with listening to your music. 

Prior to the SU, I was a serial box swapper, which seriously reduced my ability to enjoy the music, as I was always thing 'what if?'  But since having the SU it's just sat on its shelf doing its thing. It's not the ultimate in anything, but it does what it needs to do very well. 

What speaker cable, speakers, rack...power cable?

Currently using DNM Resolution speaker cable and Harbeth SHL 5 speakers.

Just an update, I have settled on a SN2 + Chord 2Qute and the system is running in nicely now.

Presently connecting the 2Qute via a Belden RCA to the SN2. Any recommendation of a good RCA to DIN without breaking the bank? Thanks!

Keep an eye out for used/refurbished HiLines. Since the new Naim interconnects arrived the HiLine has been getting traded in to dealers as part payment.

That's how I got mine @ £375 - sounds perfect between 2Qute & SN2.

G

1. Update your Superuniti to 4.3 firmware. Sound benefits are more than skin deep. There is no apparent difference at start but after a day I noticed that listening fatigue which used to creep in after a while is gone. Also lack of engaging music from firmware 4.1 is gone now.
2. Transcode you music. I use Minimserver now with the option to transcode FLAC:WAV and MP3:WAV. I can even jump to time when playing mp3 files. This option helped with harsh sounding albums.

For the last week I must say that Superuniti never sounded so good. I use hard to drive Thiel CS3.7 with the amp.

It looks like that NAC272 development pays off on the rest of the naim streamer family.