Naim streamer in 5i-series wish...

Posted by: Alco on 05 June 2011

Hello there,

 

Yesterday I had the chance to listen to the Uniticute at a Naim dealer.
I was quite impressed with this little unit. (less so with the n-Stream app though)

 

So, now that Naim offers this neat all-in-one unit, in between the 5i and XS pricerange I wonder if there's any chance Naim will come up with a standalone streamer for the 5i series.

 

Like say the first streaming unit to be the ideal partner for the Nait 5i. 

(something like this... let's call it the NS5i for example, controllabe by I-Pod/pad/phone)

 

I like my Nait 5i very much and would like to keep it.
If the Uniticute's amp section is equally good as the Nait 5i, I might be tempted to try/buy the Cute, but I'd prefer a dedicated streamer in the 5i series.

 

So, Naim HQ/guys...whatta ya think... any chance for this to happen ?

 

Best regards,
Alco 

Posted on: 05 June 2011 by Tog

In a word no ...

 

I think it would cannibalise sales of the Qute at a price point of say £800.

 

I also hate the idea of endless boxes and given that the Qute sounds wonderful as it is, can act as a standalone streamer and be upgraded with a power amp; what would be the point?

 

In short sell the 5i and get a Qute.

 

Tog

Posted on: 05 June 2011 by Alco
quote:
I also hate the idea of endless boxes and given that the Qute sounds wonderful as it is, can act as a standalone streamer and be upgraded with a power amp; what would be the point ?

 

I wouldn't exactly call 2 boxes an endless amount.. Imo the point would be to have the ideal (streaming) source partner for the Nait 5i, just like the current CD5i CD-player.

 

Nevertheless, I agree the Qute sounds wonderful as it is and represents great vfm.

Posted on: 05 June 2011 by maze

I think Naim will at some point have to make a 5i streamer, how many 5i CD players are they selling now? Unless they discontinue the 5i series altogether.

I myself am wondering where to go regarding my nait 5i, I like it and don't really want to give it up, I'm not too interested in spending close on a grand for a CD5i so I am holding off purchase to see what unfolds. Currently using a universal player for CD along with Rega P5.

Come later in the year I may be in a position to purchase supernait and unitiserve, but not sure yet.

Posted on: 05 June 2011 by Guido Fawkes

If the Uniticute's amp section is equally good as the Nait 5i,

 

No contest in my opinion - if the Qute was bought simply as an amplifier it would justify its asking price - absolutely amazing little box and a wonderful DAC as well that outperforms all but the very very best. Feed it from a Mac/V-Link and it sounds superb; I prefer it to the CDX2/Nait 5i, I used to run. That said CDX2 just using Qute as an amp sounds stunning. 

 

However a basic Naim streamer to feed the Naim DAC without a ripping engine or an on-board DAC itself would not go amiss especially if it understood Airplay .  However, as such a box looks unlikely then I'm thinking of another option. 

 

All the best, Guy 

Posted on: 05 June 2011 by Guido Fawkes

> Currently using a universal player for CD along with Rega P5.

 

You could uograde your Nait 5i to a UQ - your universal player could send PCM to the UQ DACs so you could enjoy the best of both worlds. The P5 + Fono stage would work nicely with it too, best of three worlds. 

 

All the best, Guy 

Posted on: 06 June 2011 by Alco

quote:
No contest in my opinion - if the Qute was bought simply as an amplifier it would justify its asking price - absolutely amazing little box and a wonderful DAC as well that outperforms all but the very very best. Feed it from a Mac/V-Link and it sounds superb; I prefer it to the CDX2/Nait 5i, I used to run. That said CDX2 just using Qute as an amp sounds stunning.

 

Thanks for you reply Guido,

 

Your experience with the UC sounds very promising and got me more curious.

Posted on: 06 June 2011 by realhifi
Originally Posted by Alco:
quote:
No contest in my opinion - if the Qute was bought simply as an amplifier it would justify its asking price - absolutely amazing little box and a wonderful DAC as well that outperforms all but the very very best. Feed it from a Mac/V-Link and it sounds superb; I prefer it to the CDX2/Nait 5i, I used to run. That said CDX2 just using Qute as an amp sounds stunning.

 

Thanks for you reply Guido,

 

Your experience with the UC sounds very promising and got me more curious.

It's simply a superb little piece.  Guy is right on the money.

Posted on: 06 June 2011 by Devon
Sounds like you need to get rid of the 5i and just get a Uniti.
Posted on: 06 June 2011 by Alco

quote:
Sounds like you need to get rid of the 5i and just get a Uniti

I assume you mean a UnitiCute. (not a Uniti)

Posted on: 06 June 2011 by u6213129461734706

I've never worried about 'numbers' when it came to Naim amps. Always overachievers, especially the Naits.

 

I haven't hear the Qute.

 

I know there is much more to an amp, especially Naim amps, than the wattage specs.

 

That said, isn't 30 watts into 8 ohms (Qute) quite a bit less than the Nait 5i at 50 watts into 8 ohms?

 

I need everything I can get to power my Credos in the 'big' room, and wonder if the Qute would be up to the task under the circumstances. It's a hypothetical question, but I might consider it a few years from now, and was curious about how ballsy the Qute is compared to the Nait?

 

Sincerely,

 

Dave

Posted on: 07 June 2011 by Devon
No, I did mean an Uniti. This guy wants the performance of a 5i but with a streamer. The Uniti amp section is based on the 5i.
Posted on: 07 June 2011 by Alco

quote:
No, I did mean an Uniti. This guy wants the performance of a 5i but with a streamer.
The Uniti amp section is based on the 5i

Ah ok, I see. I think I rather wait for a dedicated streamer then. (or try the Uniticute)

I don't like the looks of the Uniti and it's above my budget.

Posted on: 07 June 2011 by Tog
That rules out an NDX on price and looks then. Really - simple solution - get a Qute , sell the 5i and either stream or dig out. Then if you want to use the Qute as a pre later when funds allow- you can. Tog
Posted on: 07 June 2011 by Steven Shaw

I dont think there is much of a difference between sound levels of 30w and 50w. Unless their is any other difference between the amp sections of the uniti/unitiqute I think the decisions comes down to whether you want a cd player or not.

 

I listened to both and wasn't convinced the uniti was worth the extra since I don't need a cd player, especially given the massive price rise of the uniti.

 

Probably no surprise but I had previously been listening to a airport express into an old cyrus III (50w I think); The unitiqute is clearly better in every respect (and sounds somewhat louder...)