Hi all
In a bit of a quandary as to where to go with my Hifi, right now I have a UQ into Royd Minstrels with a Rega RP6/Exact PS is a MF XLP/XPSU combo.
Now I think it sounds amazing but cant help thinking what if i add this or that....would it be even better?
So I was thinking about how to upgrade in stages, also I must say I don't really like Hifi shops as I'm not great socially and always feel like there judging me on what I have or what I can't afford! Im sure thats not the case but its just how I feel.
I really like buying secondhand and have bought and sold loads of kit over the years, I also think its great value over new.
To start with I was thinking to add a NAP150 (or 150X) to my UQ then change the UQ for a NAC-N 172XS when I can afford one.
Or! Get a NAIT XS and ND5XS that way I could upgrade the ND5 with a power supply and also try out a Stageline, something I have looked at for a wile but didn't want to mess around with i-supplys Et-al.
I don't mind buying blind as i'm willing to sell on if not liked, and would only really want three big boxes max.
Thanks in advance
Posted on: 11 November 2015 by TOBYJUG
The new Royd Troubadour speakers at just over 1k could be a replacement to your minstrels, these can be had on special order in any colour you like - so to match that lovely fireplace - and the benefit of updated crossovers and drivers.
Posted on: 11 November 2015 by ChrisSU
I think either of your suggestions would work well. 172/150 or ND5XS/NaitXS are both nicely balanced systems, and both will allow future upgrades if you feel the urge. Of course, there are lots of other old Naim amps that regularly crop up on the used market, so who knows where you might end up. For example, if you happen to find an old NAP200 within budget, go for it, BUT be wary of old amps that have had DIY modifications, and budget for a service on anything over 10 years old.
Good luck!
Posted on: 11 November 2015 by feeling_zen
If you love the small shoe boxes then us the UQ as a source into V1 pre NAP100 combo. That would also be a great and cost effective step.
Posted on: 11 November 2015 by hungryhalibut
While the Qute, V1, 100 system looks nice, do you really want two preamps, two DACs and two power amps? I certainly wouldn't.
The two systems would both be excellent. I'm a big fan of streaming preamps, owning a 272/250 as I do. With the 172/155 (the 155 would be my choice rather than the 150) you have a two box setup with no redundancy, which does everything you want. With a Rega desk, a self powered Rega phono stage would fit the bill. The upside (for some) of the 172/155 - it's non upgradeability - may also be a downside of course. With the ND5 and Nait, you can add an XP5xs and a flatcap, and the latter would also power a Stageline. But can you afford that, and do you want to potentially go there anyway?
Posted on: 11 November 2015 by wrc
I recently added a NAP 150x to my UnitiLite with a longer term view of changing the UL for a 172. It's been an amazing upgrade for a relatively small outlay. Highly recommended, but, if you could possibly stretch to a used NAP 200 then do it now because once you hear the difference the 150x makes you'll want a 200.
Posted on: 11 November 2015 by Wishyouwherehere
Thanks for the replys.
All though I do like the shoebox look (I moved to naim from Cyrus) wouldn't go down the Dac v1 nap100 route but thanks for the suggestion.
I know what you mean about not being able to upgrade, would stop a lot of the "what ifs" my main thing with the Nait is the stageline but is that a deal breaker over the two systems? To be fair I like my current phono stage a lot and think the XPSU really helps s the stageline miles ahead or is it a case of wanting to keep the system all Naim when people choose it a a stage?
Posted on: 12 November 2015 by ianrobertm
Who mentioned Royd's...? 
Doublets here - powered by an Olive 82/250 combo, with a CDX2/XPS & LP12.
Keep your Mistrels and start looking at PreLoved Black Boxes.....
Posted on: 13 November 2015 by Wishyouwherehere
Really like that you've all said keep the royds, they really are stunning for there size. I saw them about 10 years ago in a second hand hifi shop and I wanted to try them out ever since, wish I bought them then to be fair.
Gonna try and win a NAP150 on Sunday see how that sounds with the UQ then replace that with a nac-n175xs
Posted on: 13 November 2015 by ChrisSU
I agree that you should keep the Royds, they are more than good enough to match the source and amp upgrades you are looking at. Also, don't forget to set aside some of your budget for speaker cables, rack etc. if you haven't already.
