Uniti 2 upgrade choices

Posted by: Johnell on 11 October 2015

I was forming a reply to Mr Paws recent 'New Unity 2' thread when I realised it was becoming a specific question about upgrades.  I didn't want to hijack his thread so have started this one.

 

My system consists of a Uniti 2, Kudos C10s and NACA5.  

 

I really enjoy the sound of the combination but always had the thought that the C10s were being held back by the amp in the U2.  I had considered changing the speakers to try to find a better sonic match but a few months ago I was able to borrow a NAP200 just to see how much of a difference it made.  Unsurprisingly it was not subtle with more detail and separation between the instruments, wider soundstage and much tighter bass.

 

I'm hoping to have some funds available in the near future so ignoring the lack of CD playback, which of these similarly priced combinations would be the best match for the C10s or is there another option I have missed?  I will of course be speaking to my friendly local Naim emporium, Signals, but I'm very interested to hear the thoughts of the collective.  Unless a miracle happens I very much doubt I will have the funds to upgrade again.

 

 

SuperUniti (£3675)

ND5 XS / NAIT XS 2 (£3960)

NAC-N 172 XS / NAP 200 DR (£3865)  

Posted on: 13 October 2015 by ChrisSU
Zeny, you have a point. As discussed on another thread, I chose NDX/282/200DR in preference to 272/XPS/250DR because, for the same price, I think it's a better sounding system. It wasn't a choice based on future upgrade flexibility, as I only have space for three boxes. I started out thinking I'd probably end up with a 272, and it did sound very good, but I'm glad I took the time to listen cafefully.
So far I've got around to adding a 200DR to my Superuniti, which has improved it significantly, and the other boxes will follow when my bank balance recovers.

Chris

PS apologies for the cheap joke at your expense, I'm sure it was just a typo!
Posted on: 13 October 2015 by Steve GTX

Like any journey.....it depends on where you start and what price you are willing to pay for your ticket!

 

My move got me from where I was (Musical Fidelity A3.2 Pre & 2 x A3.2 Power Amps) and got me much further than I expected at a price I could justify and still allow a path for upgrade if I need to (N272 & 250DR).

 

You can always go further by paying for an upgrade!

 

Also, no two room's acoustics are the same - What works in one may not in another.

 

Steve  

Posted on: 13 October 2015 by Johnell

Zeny, I appreciate your responses.  I only joined the world of Naim about a year ago so I am exactly the sort of customer you say that Naim are making these all-in-one and streaming pre-amps for.  The fact is if they hadn't I very much doubt that I would have been able to get my foot on the ladder.  Also, as good value as they are compared to the classics, they still represent a considerable outlay. 

 

Anyway, after all the extremely useful info given by members, the decision has been made.  I've spoken to Alistaire at Signals and he has ordered me a brand new pre DR 200 from Naim.  It is a significant saving on the DR model and I'm really looking forward to getting it set up and running in.

 

Thanks again for all your help.

Posted on: 17 October 2015 by Johnell

I picked the 200 up today from Signals and it's now connected to the U2 and warming up to Radio Paradise.

 

Frustratingly, serious listening is out of the question for a couple of weeks as we have an unexpected house guest and my music room is full of her clutter.  On a positive note, this means it should have settled down nicely when I get the room back. 

Posted on: 17 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

That's great, I'm sure you'll love it. Maybe you should just snuggle up with your house guest and enjoy the improvements the new 200 brings.

 

Getting a new pre DR version was a cunning plan, and will make saving for a 272 that little bit easier. Don't feel in any way that you 'should' have got better, despite what anyone says - these boxes are jolly expensive and we don't all have such deep pockets. The Uniti2/200, and the 272/200 if you ever go there, are both very fine indeed. 

Posted on: 17 October 2015 by spurrier sucks

Looking forward to your thoughts once you get a chance to take a listen. Congrats!

Posted on: 17 October 2015 by Johnell
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:

That's great, I'm sure you'll love it. Maybe you should just snuggle up with your house guest and enjoy the improvements the new 200 brings.

 

Getting a new pre DR version was a cunning plan, and will make saving for a 272 that little bit easier. Don't feel in any way that you 'should' have got better, despite what anyone says - these boxes are jolly expensive and we don't all have such deep pockets. The Uniti2/200, and the 272/200 if you ever go there, are both very fine indeed. 

Our house guest is my other half's 20 year old daughter.  She's great company and really enjoys her music but I've had to move the speakers right into the corners so it sounds pretty poor and I'm happy to wait to get the room back before I do any serious listening.

 

When I picked the 200 up today I talked to Alistair and Andy about eventually getting the 272 and they both agreed with you that this upgrade path will bring me the best sound for the money so many thanks for your help.

Posted on: 17 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

In that case I'll retract my suggestion of snuggling up with your house guest. It would be somehow inappropriate I think, no matter how good the music. 

Posted on: 17 October 2015 by Johnell

I certainly didn't consider your suggestion to be inappropriate because before she left home last year Beth would often sit and listen to music with us.

Posted on: 18 October 2015 by Penarth Blues

Really looking forward to hearing your impressions of the new amp - especially whether you think the Uniti 2 gains much clarity from turning off its internal amp

Posted on: 18 October 2015 by Johnell
Originally Posted by Penarth Blues:

Really looking forward to hearing your impressions of the new amp - especially whether you think the Uniti 2 gains much clarity from turning off its internal amp

Hopefully the new 200 will please me as much as the demo model did when I tried it a few months ago:

 

.......I really enjoy the sound of the combination but always had the thought that the C10s were being held back by the amp in the U2.  I had considered changing the speakers to try to find a better sonic match but a few months ago I was able to borrow a NAP200 just to see how much of a difference it made.  Unsurprisingly it was not subtle with more detail and separation between the instruments, wider soundstage and much tighter bass.