Unitiqute 1 vs 2 (Tidal & Spotify Connect)

Has it got the latest firmware?

tidal and Spotify are software additions. 

SJB

It hasn't, it's on 3.15 I think having looked earlier.  Looks like it may have never been updated since purchase.  I can easily update the firmware though.

Outside of the firmware update what are the key differences between the two?  Bluetooth is not a concern of mine

The what hifi magazine review lists the differences, that's probably the simplest place to check. It's not just software, but the board layout itself has been improved apparently.

http://www.whathifi.com/naim/unitiqute-2/review

The very first batch of Qute 2s didn't have Qute 2 on the back. I forget what serial number the Qute 2 started from, Naim support could clear that up for you.

I think the Qute2 has a micro-USB connector on the back, where the original Qute has a serial port.  The USB is a nice feature when it comes time to update the firmware.  There are presumably sound quality differences, but I have not heard a Qute2.

Charlie

Yeah this has the serial port and not the USB. The sound is my main concern but if it's negligible then perhaps less so

As said above a quick email to Naim support with the serial number and they will confirm which it is. If it was me and it was the original qute I'd be forwarding the email and asking for a price reduction refund. AFAIK there is no major sound difference once it has the 192/24 boards. 

SJB

CharlieP posted:

I think the Qute2 has a micro-USB connector on the back, where the original Qute has a serial port.

Yes and no, I have a Qute that is a Qute2 (microUSB) but marked as an original Qute(1) sales invoice is for a 2, serials match. The only way to be sure about 1 or 2 is to check the s/n with Naim in this instance.

As it's the 24/192 version you will be able to update the software to latest spec to run Tidal etc.

Thanks guys that's really useful. I will check that. 

I looked at updates last night and whilst not as straight forward as my old Linn DSM it seems easy enough 

Yes it has the RS port and not micro USB sadly

I too purchased a Qute which was not marked as 2. Naim confirmed that it was indeed a 2, the defining criteria was the Mini USB socket (they did also confirm via serial no.).

Qute 2 has board layout improvements and a slightly different chipset - subjectively, the sound is better that Qute 1. It's not a massive difference, but if you've been sold a 1 claiming to be a 2 you should get a refund.

Quite 1 with the 24/192 board should have the ability to do Tidal/Spotify with the latest firmware. 

I have the 24/192 board. Naim used the serial to confirm it was the UQ2 but with RS232. Can't update it for love nor money and IT is a passion of mine so I'm at a real loss. Think I will need a dealer to take a look with a config they know to work

Solid Air posted:

Qute 2 has board layout improvements and a slightly different chipset - subjectively, the sound is better that Qute 1. It's not a massive difference, but if you've been sold a 1 claiming to be a 2 you should get a refund.

Could you clarify what you mean here...

It was my understanding (from talking with dealer and posts on the forum) that the only differences between the Qute1 and the Qute2 was the "streaming" board and the USB to SPDIF converter built in for upgrades and that a Qute1 with 24/192 upgrade would be identical to the Qute2.

Would be useful if someone from Naim could clarify perhaps.

I believe your dealer is incorrect. The UQ1 and UQ2 use different DAC chips, have a different DAB implementations and a different board layout, as well as the mini usb. For that reason they sound slightly different, with the UQ2 generally thought to sound better.

The confusions on this arise because a) the UQ1 was given a mid-life upgrade (but not the same as a UQ2), and b) a small number were sold as UQ1 when they were, in fact, to UQ2 spec. This was an end-of-life product to avoid a gap in production, and only affected the very few, final UQ1s. Naim can tell you whether yours is one such, but the chances are very small.

I reiterate - if you've been sold a UQ1 as a UQ2, you should seek a refund. There is a hearable difference between the two (excepting the very few, final UQ1s). 

It definitely is 24/192. It's also printed on the box with serial etc. Also have Naim confirm via serial and they said it was UQ2. I'm not overly fussed as the ebayer refunded £150 due to original mix up

Solid Air posted:

 

I reiterate - if you've been sold a UQ1 as a UQ2, you should seek a refund. There is a hearable difference between the two (excepting the very few, final UQ1s).  

Just to clarify mine was sold as a UQ1 with 24/192 upgrade.  I was just unaware there was most than just the streaming board different but thats my problem (my assumptions / misunderstanding) not the dealer miss-selling.  Just would be nice for clarification.

I may be well out of my depth here, but, regarding updating your Qute, I use a Plugable USB serial adapter to download updates to my Uniti with 24/192 upgrade, and download updates from my laptop, and it works fine. The adapter is Windows 7 & 8, 32- & 64- bit compatible, if that helps?