Streamer upgrade

Posted by: DC71 on 14 October 2015

Hi,

 

I'm currently running a Unitiqute 2 & NAP 100 with good results, but am looking for a bit more dynamics and power headroom as my current speakers are fairly low 84dB sensitivity. I will be testing some more powerful amplifiers, but am also thinking of a source upgrade.

 

I need a maximum 2-box system. 272 is out of my price range, so I'm looking at a 172 XS, probably secondhand, and other streamers with pre-amp function, but most likely the Cambridge Azur 851N.

 

Anybody have any experience listening/testing these two streamers who could tell me what differences I can expect between them and compared to my Qute? Also any other recommendations for streamer pre-amps at a comparable level and priced around gbp1200?

 

cheers,
Dylan

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

According to the Wharefale website the Jade 3's sensitivity is 86dB, which is not so bad. I'd have expected the 100 to be ok, so long as you don't need loads of power. The 172/200 is the logical step up, or a SuperUniti for an excellent all in one solution. Both of these options are up to driving much more ambitious speakers than the Jade 3 at a later date if required. 

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by Philim
Try and demo the Cambridge audio. Richer sounds will let you if you push. I have had a number of CA and they can be hit and miss. The new cxn which got good reviews was very poor.
Posted on: 15 October 2015 by Simon-in-Suffolk

DC71, I happen to think the 172XS is a bit of a star.. I have only ever heard it hitting way above its weight. At 86dB speaker sensitivity, I am going to suggest that the best results will be with a regulated amp.. It will give a nice amount of punch, bite and control above 7 o'clock on the volume dial. My advice is, if funds are relatively limited, look for a 'chrome bumper' NAP250 or similar. There seem to be a few around. Better if recently serviced. These are classic Naim amps and have a lineage right back to the first amps Naim produced.. and of course it is a regulated amp. Just ensure you use at least 3.5m of NACA5 speaker cable per channel.

Simon

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by DC71
I'm in Singapore so the secondhand gear, especially the older stuff is very thin on the ground. But I can try to check with the dealer if he sees much on trade in.

There is a Cambridge dealer here too, so I may be able to get an 851 on home demo.

For the Jade 3, wharfedale say 86db but stereophile measured them at 83.5 I think, and my feeling is that they are closer to that figure. They'll definitely benefit from an amp with more grunt and control.
Posted on: 15 October 2015 by hungryhalibut

Remember that UK dealers will be happy to send items to you, so if you like Simon's idea, that's an option for you. If you do buy a used 250, ensure that it has been recently serviced. The other option, of course, is to use more sensitive speakers. I certainly wouldn't put a 250 on the end of a Cambridge though - it demands better than that, and Naim amps need a Naim preamp to provide the correct input signal. 

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by DC71

Thanks for the help guys, good options there. I'll look into contacting some UK dealers to check used availability.

I like the Jade 3s but I'm open to switching out for speakers with higher sensitivity and a flatter response curve.

 

I'm not sure what levels other Qute users need to set, but for my current setup, around 48 on the volume is needed to reach realistic vocal levels, but up above 52 and it starts to sound a touch more harsh.

Posted on: 15 October 2015 by phosphocreatine

A friend recently bought an Azur 851N for a second system. His first system consist of a Supernait and a ND5XS. We did some comparison between the preamp capabilities of the Supernait and the Azur and I can tell you that the Supernait was way better.

 

So I would take the advice of the experienced fellow forum member Simon-in-Suffolk and go for the Naim combination 172XS and 250 Chrome.