Qute vs XS with rDAC?
Posted by: RogerRoger on 17 May 2011
Hi guys
I'd really appreciate your views on what's likely to sound best.
I have a WD NAS with Apple Lossless rips over ethernet and I'm thinking of changing to one of the following setups.
-> UnitiQute
or
-> Apple TV -> Arcam rDAC -> Nait XS amp
Then out to Dynaudio Audience 52SEs.
As I already have an rDAC & ATV (into my Nait5i), the cost would be about the same. I'm guessing the Qute would give me more to play with but would the XS route be much better sound quality?
Many thanks
But I am planning to add a NAP200 into the mix later this year.
That's very interesting. I'm going to to try and demo both on Friday.
However, my local Audio T has just (in the last couple of days!) completed its morph into a SevenOaks so I have a nasty feeling they may stop stocking Naim.
Did you audition any other speakers? Those seem a big step up price-wise from the 52SEs? Did you try the Excite 32s? I'm toying with the idea of floorstanders, but only once the amplification side is sorted.
I've arranged the demo for 4:30 pm this Friday. Very excited, will report back...
That's very interesting. I'm going to to try and demo both on Friday.
However, my local Audio T has just (in the last couple of days!) completed its morph into a SevenOaks so I have a nasty feeling they may stop stocking Naim.
Did you audition any other speakers? Those seem a big step up price-wise from the 52SEs? Did you try the Excite 32s? I'm toying with the idea of floorstanders, but only once the amplification side is sorted.
I did all my auditioning at home. I already own a pair of Linn Sara Isobariks and Audience 52SEs. I wasn't planning to get new speakers. I auditioned the Naim Uniti, UnitiQute, Nait XS, Moon 3.3i, and T+A Powerplant+Musicplayer. I uses a Rega P3-24 with a Dynavector 20x2H and P75. Mostly Jazz and Classical (I have 3500+ LPs)
In the end I preferred the Uniti and 52SEs over everything else. The T+A sounded like it had a blanket over it compared to the Uniti. The Moon didn't have as much detail and presence as Naim. The Nait XS sounded excellent, but I thought the Qute sounded just a bit more refined and detailed. The Nait XS was a tad warmer. Just goes to show how amplifier power isn't everything when I settled for the lowest power as having the best sound.
I bought the Qute. It was easier on my wallet, I didn't need the CD transport of the Uniti, and I still plan to get a NAP200 later. I was going to get a REL sub to support the 52SEs, but instead I got a pair of Contour S1.4 which I took delivery of yesterday. They beg even more for a NAP200, but the Qute is very adequate for my listening room (11'x18').
Well I had a demo last Friday and sadly left the shop empty handed.
I agree with you RaceTripper that the UnitiQute is better than the XS. In fact, I was stunned at how marginal the difference is between the Nait5i and XS. The XS gave a bit more body on the vocals and that's about it. Really dissapointing I thought, considering it's almost twice the price.
The UnitiQute is truly amazing. However, it doesn't sound any better than my current Nait5i with rDAC so not worth spending the money.
I did try a pair of Dynaudio Excite X32 speakers. Very nice, but again, I'm not sure spending such a lot of money for only a marginal improvement is worth it.
Not sure where to go now. I'm starting to think the jump in quality I'm looking for just isn't within my current budget.
Not sure where to go now. I'm starting to think the jump in quality I'm looking for just isn't within my current budget.
That pretty much sums it up. You have such a nice slice of what Naim has to offer with the sweet little 5i that in order to move up you may need to save your pennies and look to seperates or the Supernait.
I disagree a bit about the differences between the 5i and the XS though. To me it's where naim starts as far as expansion and being able to experience the external power supplies which is so much a part of Naim.
I disagree a bit about the differences between the 5i and the XS though.
Well yes, it surprised me, but that's just going on what I heard.
I disagree a bit about the differences between the 5i and the XS though.
Well yes, it surprised me, but that's just going on what I heard.
If you would read (or quote) the whole of the paragraph you will see a bit more in depth why
I disagree. Yes they can sound somewhat close (especially in a back and forth demo) but there is much more on offer ultimately with the XS if you want to expand or improve it. It's a smoking good piece.