UnitiLite vs Supernait + Bluesound node
Posted by: Erwin on 28 July 2015
I currently have a Naim UnitiLite which i like a lot but i am thinking of upgrading to a separate integrated Naim amplifier and separate streamer.
Since i am able to buy a Supernait for a very good price i was wondering how the Supernait compares with the UnitiLite when combined with a cheaper streamer like a Bluesound Node that is connected digitally to the Superrnait. This would only be a temporary solution.
My current speakers are B&W CM5 S2 and Epos Epic 2.
Erwin, I'll move this to the Streaming Audio Room as you may get more response there.
Thanks
I was also thinking about that solution. But i prefer a non-Naim streaming solution because Naim is really slow supporting new streaming services like Tidal or Qobuz.
I had a Uniti 2 which I've replaced with the 272. While I've been waiting for the 272 to turn up my dealer loaned me a 172 and I must say I've enjoyed every minute with it.
Being an old Linn fanboy I've got to admit you can't go wrong with Naim streamers, they just sound so good IMHO.
Being an old Linn fanboy I've got to admit you can't go wrong with Naim streamers, they just sound so good IMHO.
With that i agree.
I was also thinking about that solution. But i prefer a non-Naim streaming solution because Naim is really slow supporting new streaming services like Tidal or Qobuz.
Fair comment, you're not the only one whose patience is being tested on this issue. All I can say is that Naim have stated that it's their intention to support these services as soon as they can, but only when they are happy that the implementation doesn't compromise sound quality. My gut feeling is that the best option is to hang fire for a bit and see what Naim come up with, but only they know what is really in the pipeline, and when.
I was also thinking about that solution. But i prefer a non-Naim streaming solution because Naim is really slow supporting new streaming services like Tidal or Qobuz.
Fair comment, you're not the only one whose patience is being tested on this issue. All I can say is that Naim have stated that it's their intention to support these services as soon as they can, but only when they are happy that the implementation doesn't compromise sound quality. My gut feeling is that the best option is to hang fire for a bit and see what Naim come up with, but only they know what is really in the pipeline, and when.
That is also the reason why i want a (cheap) flexible streamer. When Naim comes up with steamers/software that support more services, i can still switch to Naim.
But i am afraid that the current streamers will not support more services, at least not for a long time.
I used a Bluesound Node with a SU for some time and I was very happy with it... I had some problems in the beginning to find my NAS and the Bluesound helpdesk offered me really good support!!!
Another way would be to use an Airport and airplay the Tidal or Qobuz app with it to your Naim amplifier, that is if you are prepared to wait until naim supports new streaming services. Nobody was thinking they would support Spotify but hey...
I had a Uniti 2 which I've replaced with the 272. While I've been waiting for the 272 to turn up my dealer loaned me a 172 and I must say I've enjoyed every minute with it.
Was the 172 a good improvement on the Uniti 2?
Do you think adding a NAP 200 to the UnitiLite would give me a decent improvement?
Another solution would be a SU but i don't know what would be best soundwise: a SU or a 172/200 combination? After that the 172 could be replaced by a separate streamer and preamp like you propose.
Do you think adding a NAP 200 to the UnitiLite would give me a decent improvement?
Another solution would be a SU but i don't know what would be best soundwise: a SU or a 172/200 combination? After that the 172 could be replaced by a separate streamer and preamp like you propose.
A 200 should be a big improvement on the power amp section of the Unitilite, but it only makes sense as an interim step followed by a source upgrade as funds permit. Personally, I would hold on for a 272 (or maybe NDX + separate preamp) rather than a 172, but you may not agree. This is the point at which you need a good dealer, who will guide you through the process and let you listen and decide for yourself.
If you want to stick with a one box setup, the Superuniti is brilliant, as long as you don't want a CD player. I would question weather it makes sense for you, though, as you seem to be thinking about upgrade plans into a multi-box Naim system.
Do you think a 200 would be an improvement when using with the B&W CM5 S2 or Epos Epic 2? Both speakers have a relatively high sensitivity and are easy loads.
Do you think a 200 would be an improvement when using with the B&W CM5 S2 or Epos Epic 2? Both speakers have a relatively high sensitivity and are easy loads.
To be honest, I'm not familiar with either of those speakers. I find it hard to believe you wouldn't get an improvement with the 200, although improving the source might normally be a bigger priority.
Do you think a 200 would be an improvement when using with the B&W CM5 S2 or Epos Epic 2? Both speakers have a relatively high sensitivity and are easy loads.
To be honest, I'm not familiar with either of those speakers. I find it hard to believe you wouldn't get an improvement with the 200, although improving the source might normally be a bigger priority.
I guess i will get an improvement already by using the UnitiLite as preamp/streamer. By disabling the power amp section in the UnitiLite, the full power supply will be used only for the preamp and streamer section.
I have been reading a lot on modified Sonos Connect streamers. It seems they are very, very good when used with their (modified) digital output in combination with a DAC.
On a Dutch forum they compared a modified Sonos with the internal streamer of a Devialet D-Premier amp/streamer via a coax input on the Devialet and could only distinguish minor differences between the two. For me that says a lot.
So i am wondering how good a modified Sonos could sound in combination with a Supernait 1 (via coax input). Or perhaps in combination with a Naim DAC and integrated amplifier.
I have been reading a lot on modified Sonos Connect streamers. It seems they are very, very good when used with their (modified) digital output in combination with a DAC.
On a Dutch forum they compared a modified Sonos with the internal streamer of a Devialet D-Premier amp/streamer via a coax input on the Devialet and could only distinguish minor differences between the two. For me that says a lot.
So i am wondering how good a modified Sonos could sound in combination with a Supernait 1 (via coax input). Or perhaps in combination with a Naim DAC and integrated amplifier.
Might be worth a read of this...