Naim Unitiqute 2

The principle of "source first" would show that there's no limit to the level of turntable with which you can front the Unitiqute.  However, diminishing returns with kick in with ever greater force beyond a certain point.  Think of how many delighted NAIT owners used to front them with TOTR Linn Sondek and Ittok combos.  

Yeah, I used a Planar 3 with a UQ for some time, and it always sounded great; at least as good as the streamed option even with a very basic phono stage. I'm sure you can go above that level and still get some benefit, providing your phono stage is up to it. But Richard's right, of course, and I'm not sure I'd go beyond an RP6 unless I was planning wider upgrades in future. I guess the best thing is to try one out. 

Thanks Richard & solid Air. I'm more than happy with the UQ2 and don't wish to change.  But feel I would like to take a slight step up with the turntable as I find I'm beginning to enjoy it more than the streamer.

As an aside - not quite on topic - but at the Bristol show this year the guys from Neat were using a Rega P3 with Rega stage into a Superuniti with their new baby floorstander and the TT sounded sublime - best in show many said.

Regards,

Lindsay

I'm beginning to have my heart set on a Michell Gyrodec SE and wandering would this be a step too far?

No but the Gyro - although not my choice a slightly dry presentation in my opinion - will happily live with far higher end equipment and therefore will  be from best exploited with the UQ2.  All about balance and in that respect your RP3 would happily live say a Nait XS2.

Many ways to hear sublime music!!!

Artferg20 posted:

I'm beginning to have my heart set on a Michell Gyrodec SE and wandering would this be a step too far?

If your heart is set on the Gyro then by all means do it.  I'm not sure what phono stage you're using but the UQ2 will be fine and should be able to show you much of the difference between Gyro and Rega.

However, as a former Gyro owner (later upgraded to an Orbe) who also fell in love with its gorgeous looks long before I'd ever heard what it could do, it may not bring total audio nirvana.  I loved the Gyro and sometime still hanker for it, especially now I have an SME IV (reputedly an ideal arm match) currently slumming it on a Luxman PD300, even though it never quite moved me emotionally in the same way as some other decks.  But it was an itch that had to be scratched...

Artferg20 posted:

I'm beginning to have my heart set on a Michell Gyrodec SE and wandering would this be a step too far?

I use a Michell GyroDec SE / DV20x2 / Heed phono stage with UQ1 and it sounds wonderful and better then the streaming side even though the streaming section of the UQ is very good.

I would go for it, as Richard mentioned plenty of nait users out there with expensive decks.

Richard Dane posted:

Artferg20 posted:

I'm beginning to have my heart set on a Michell Gyrodec SE and wandering would this be a step too far?

If your heart is set on the Gyro then by all means do it.  I'm not sure what phono stage you're using but the UQ2 will be fine and should be able to show you much of the difference between Gyro and Rega.

However, as a former Gyro owner (later upgraded to an Orbe) who also fell in love with its gorgeous looks long before I'd ever heard what it could do, it may not bring total audio nirvana.  I loved the Gyro and sometime still hanker for it, especially now I have an SME IV (reputedly an ideal arm match) currently slumming it on a Luxman PD300, even though it never quite moved me emotionally in the same way as some other decks.  But it was an itch that had to be scratched...

That's exactly my scenario. It's an itch I need to scratch, I also love it's looks. My head says an RP6 would be a sensible option, but have always admired the Gyrodec. Phono stage I'm currently using is a Graham Slee Gran amp 2, which I will upgrade when funds permit

HiFiman posted:

Artferg20 posted:

I'm beginning to have my heart set on a Michell Gyrodec SE and wandering would this be a step too far?

I use a Michell GyroDec SE / DV20x2 / Heed phono stage with UQ1 and it sounds wonderful and better then the streaming side even though the streaming section of the UQ is very good.

I would go for it, as Richard mentioned plenty of nait users out there with expensive decks.

Thanks Hifiman.

Can I ask what arm you stared out with on the Gyrodec Se? Would I need to Upgrade my Graham Slee gram phono stage at the same time?

thanks

I have a gyro se with SMEiv arm. Currently using an Ortofon quintet bronze cartridge and Rega Aria phonostage all into a Superuniti. I love it. Mine was bought used and came with the ac motor and qc power supply. I would look at second hand as long as the motor and power supply is OK you have very little to worry about.

If I were you I would max that RP3 out and spend the rest on more vinyl.  Throw an Exact 2 cartridge on there and get some GrooveTracer Upgrades.  Rega and Naim have a great synergy.  

Artferg20 posted:

HiFiman posted:

Artferg20 posted:

I'm beginning to have my heart set on a Michell Gyrodec SE and wandering would this be a step too far?

I use a Michell GyroDec SE / DV20x2 / Heed phono stage with UQ1 and it sounds wonderful and better then the streaming side even though the streaming section of the UQ is very good.

I would go for it, as Richard mentioned plenty of nait users out there with expensive decks.

Thanks Hifiman.

Can I ask what arm you stared out with on the Gyrodec Se? Would I need to Upgrade my Graham Slee gram phono stage at the same time?

thanks

 

The arm I use is the basic Rega RB300 this came with the Michell and no plans to change it.

HiFiman posted:

Artferg20 posted:

HiFiman posted:

Artferg20 posted:

I'm beginning to have my heart set on a Michell Gyrodec SE and wandering would this be a step too far?

I use a Michell GyroDec SE / DV20x2 / Heed phono stage with UQ1 and it sounds wonderful and better then the streaming side even though the streaming section of the UQ is very good.

I would go for it, as Richard mentioned plenty of nait users out there with expensive decks.

Thanks Hifiman.

Can I ask what arm you stared out with on the Gyrodec Se? Would I need to Upgrade my Graham Slee gram phono stage at the same time?

thanks

 

The arm I use is the basic Rega RB300 this came with the Michell and no plans to change it.

 

nice...

(photo/system)

mrCardoso posted:

HiFiman posted:

Artferg20 posted:

HiFiman posted:

Artferg20 posted:

I'm beginning to have my heart set on a Michell Gyrodec SE and wandering would this be a step too far?

I use a Michell GyroDec SE / DV20x2 / Heed phono stage with UQ1 and it sounds wonderful and better then the streaming side even though the streaming section of the UQ is very good.

I would go for it, as Richard mentioned plenty of nait users out there with expensive decks.

Thanks Hifiman.

Can I ask what arm you stared out with on the Gyrodec Se? Would I need to Upgrade my Graham Slee gram phono stage at the same time?

thanks

 

The arm I use is the basic Rega RB300 this came with the Michell and no plans to change it.

 

nice...

(photo/system)

 

Looks great!  

Finally had a demo today with the Gyrodec SE in comparison with a Rega RP8. Initially listening to the Gyrodec SE, I was amazed by the sound and particularly loved its looks which I was very much drawn to from the start.

After a couple of records, we switched over to the Rega RP8 using the same records as played on the Gyrodec.

I was completely blown away from the sound of the RP8, its energy, space between instruments and a solid bass.

Wow! I want one. Unfortunately my dealer didn't have a UQ2, but used an equivalent to the UQ2. Would it advisable to make the purchase on that basis?

I'd be interested as to what your dealer called an 'equivalent' to a Qute? I can see no reason not to use an RP8 with a Qute, in fact i think it makes a stunningly simple and blindingly good system. I would rather hear the intended combination before pulling the trigger though.

Define equivalent to the UQ2? I would be wary of auditioning items at this price in places other than my own system  

 I would say for that outlay you at talking about should see if the dealer would bring the RP8 to your home for a demo. 

It depends what this 'equivalent to a UQ2' is. It's a lot of money to get an RP8 and if it were me I'd feel a lot happier having a home dem for a few days. It's easy to be wowed in the shop, and things can sound very different at home. That said, it's highly unlikely that you'd be disappointed if you just go for it. 

Snap! I started my reply (slowly) before seeing Brubacca's post. At least we agree...

We used an Arcam A29 amplifier and kef LS50 speakers. For both turntables we used an Exact cartridge. I'd also heard the RP6 briefly, there was a marginal improvement in quality over my RP3, but not enough in my opinion to spend £500.

I will follow the advise given here and see if I can have a home dem.

Do you use an Exact on your table now?  That is a lot of money to spend on a table to only put the Exact cartridge on it.  Maybe buy the exact first, put it on the RP-3.  This is reportedly a large upgrade to the RP-3.  If you still want  more go for the RP8.  

Sorry that I am projecting my own financial inclinations on you, since I don't know  (or need to know) your financial situation.  It just seems that the RP-8 should have a higher end cartridge on it.  Don'the get me wrong, I'don't love to have an Exact for my own table.  

I used with good results an all Rega set-up Rp3/elys2 phono with the UQ.

I then plugged my LP12 and immediately reckoned the naturalness and bass extension previously missed but it was when I got the 202/200 that I realized how the Linn (a very basic one)could sing ie. its intrinsic goodness.

So I'd say, if Rega, any up the RP6 would give good to very good results.

Brubacca posted:

Do you use an Exact on your table now?  That is a lot of money to spend on a table to only put the Exact cartridge on it.  Maybe buy the exact first, put it on the RP-3.  This is reportedly a large upgrade to the RP-3.  If you still want  more go for the RP8.  

Sorry that I am projecting my own financial inclinations on you, since I don't know  (or need to know) your financial situation.  It just seems that the RP-8 should have a higher end cartridge on it.  Don'the get me wrong, I'don't love to have an Exact for my own table.  

I don't have an Exact, at the moment I'm using a Ortofon 2M blue. 

My plan for cartridge upgrade regardless of turntable is to Nagaoka MP200 series or Goldring 1042.

If you like RP8 it should really come with an Apheta.

If you liked what the ExactII did, RP6 is a perfect deck for it. I used to own one for a few years and only recently traded it for an RP10. Like with any upgrade a law of diminishing returns was setting in Rega's own phono stage would be perfect for the RP6.

Altenratively - LP12 in the Majik specs. Will set you back a similar amount to an RP8. LP12 can then grow with you if your system progresses.