Unitiqute 1 vs 2 (sonic improvements)

I wouldn't bother unless the deal was too good to miss. Not sure if your Mk1 plays 192 as this would probably be the only benefit in upgrading but having said that how mush high res material do you play in 96 format

Thank you HiFiman,

My UQ1 is an early version (with the rs232 port on the back) from late 2012 and I don't have any high-res music material.

The UQ2 is from early 2015 and is offered for € 1250,-  (newprice currently is € 1900,- )

I cannot say about SQ benefits -if there is any- of UQ2 over UQ. But apart from Spotify, Tidal integration is also quite good on UQ2 and the current App.

... and soon we will have the new Uniti range available for not so much more than the 1250 you mention. Currently proposed for GBP 1600 if I'm not mistaken for the UnitiQute replacement.

That IS expected to make a difference.

Hi Alco, what about the pending new Atom? Even after recently purchasing a Unitiqute 2, I'm certainly tempted by the new unit.

Thans guys, for your replies!

I'm not interested in using Tidal and I don't like the looks of the new Uniti series. 

Before I bought my SuperNait, I was seriously interested in the UnitiQute as well. What I remember from discussions on this forum is that there are sonic differences, but very small. These sonic differences can be caused by the difference in the streaming module.

Since you have already the UQ1, and use the Sonos for streaming, I assume the sonic differences will be bigger by adding a poweramp to the UQ, or by changing source.

You can get a second hand Nap 100 from the UK for about GBP 500.

"Since you have already the UQ1, and use the Sonos for streaming, I assume the sonic differences will be bigger by adding a poweramp to the UQ, or by changing source."

I'm only using the Sonos for Spotify duties. (and thinking about it, I'm not using Spotify that often)If I'd sell my UQ1 (purchased 2nd hand) I expect my financial loss to be around € 200,- tot € 300,- )

Hmm,... at this moment I think I'll hang on to the UQ1. (also curious what a NAP100 would bring to the party. Not that I feel that the UQ1 lacks any power on its own though, despite my 86db speakers)

Alco posted:

"Since you have already the UQ1, and use the Sonos for streaming, I assume the sonic differences will be bigger by adding a poweramp to the UQ, or by changing source."

I'm only using the Sonos for Spotify duties. (and thinking about it, I'm not using Spotify that often)If I'd sell my UQ1 (purchased 2nd hand) I expect my financial loss to be around € 200,- tot € 300,- )

Hmm,... at this moment I think I'll hang on to the UQ1. (also curious what a NAP100 would bring to the party. Not that I feel that the UQ1 lacks any power on its own though, despite my 86db speakers)

Well, if the loss is € 300 and you have a newer UQ, it's not that bad at all. Depends on your financial situation which I cannot comment on.

On the power of your UQ1, this depends strongly on the speakers you have (which ones, just out of interest?) and the room size. But my impression of Naim is indeed that they are never short of power, even the smallest ones. I love that!

Alco posted:

Hi guys,

I'm stil happy with my Unitiqute1, but...
yesterday i stumbled over an ad from a Dutch Naim dealer, who's offering a mint 2015 demo-model UQ2, for a reasonable price.

Hmm,...temptation, temptation... 

From a technical point of view I like the fact that, with the UQ2 I don't need my Sonos Connect to be able to use Spotify.
(although I prefer the Sonos app over the Naim app)

Sonically I'm wondering if the UQ2 is a significant upgrade over the UQ1.  Any of you Naimees here who experienced the differences ?

Thanks in advance.

If you have a 24/96 Qute you can always have it updated to 24/192 capability which would add Spotify Connect and TIDAL, if you have a 24/192 unit already but are just on older firmware then updating to 4.4 would give you Spotify and TIDAL for zero cost. (For Spotify you use the Spotify app and not the Naim app as that is how their "Connect" functionality works.)

The Qute2 had some changes to PCB layout to improve performance of both the preamp and power amp sections but I have two Qutes at home (one is an original Qute that was originally 24/96 and has been updated to 24/192 and the other is a "2") that I use in minor rooms (kitchen and bathroom) and I don't notice any differences between them that are glaringly obvious in day to day use.

Phil

"if the loss is € 300 and you have a newer UQ, it's not that bad at all. "

In that case it sure would be a good deal, but the € 250 to 300,- loss is only for selling the UQ1. 
After selling the UQ1 I'd still have to pay € 400 to 450,- extra to get the UQ2.

I'm using Penaudio Rebel 3 speakers. My room size is 6 x 4 meters. (speakers agains the 4 meter wall)

"If you have a 24/96 Qute you can always have it updated to 24/192 capability which would add Spotify Connect and TIDAL"

Really ?!?  I thought Spotify Connect was only possible on a UQ2.

" I have two Qutes at home (one is an original Qute that was originally 24/96 and has been updated to 24/192 and the other is a "2") that I use in minor rooms (kitchen and bathroom) and I don't notice any differences between them that are glaringly obvious in day to day use."

I think I'll hang on to my 24/96 Quty for now.

Alco posted:

"if the loss is € 300 and you have a newer UQ, it's not that bad at all. "

In that case it sure would be a good deal, but the € 250 to 300,- loss is only for selling the UQ1. 
After selling the UQ1 I'd still have to pay € 400 to 450,- extra to get the UQ2.

This is a sad approach. Please think in how much joy the UQ1 has given to you for only Eur 300.

Assuming you're a guy, no Wine / Cars / Woman / Beers can compete here.

Go to the shop and buy a Sony.

For those being from different cultures / generations: my post above has a humoristic connotation.

It does?

HH, Assuming that you wrote 'It does?' based on my comment, I need to admit that I forget frequently that this forum is read by people from different cultures and generations. Since I'm used to write things which are quite on the edge and can only be properly understood by people close to me, I should have been more careful in choosing words.

Sorry about that.

The intentions are good.

I learn.

HH, that's what I say. Humor does not always travel.

Alco posted:

"If you have a 24/96 Qute you can always have it updated to 24/192 capability which would add Spotify Connect and TIDAL"

Really ?!?  I thought Spotify Connect was only possible on a UQ2.

Absolutely - Spotify and TIDAL functionality is supported on all versions of the Qute as long as it has the 24/192 hardware fitted.

Check "Tools" -> "Factory Settings" -> "System Status" -> "BC SW" from the IR remote and if the number listed starts "3D" then you have a 24/192 capable unit and simply installing the version 4.4 firmware on it will give you Spotify Connect and TIDAL functionality. If the "BC SW" number starts with "2D" then you have a 24/96 capable unit and it would simply need a 24/192 hardware update.

Phil

Alco, your 300 Euro 'loss' is about the cost of getting your Qute upgraded to the latest boards, which, as Phil says, will give you the same functionality as the newer Qutes.

Gavin B posted:

Alco, your 300 Euro 'loss' is about the cost of getting your Qute upgraded to the latest boards, which, as Phil says, will give you the same functionality as the newer Qutes.

...apart from Bluetooth - that isn't retrofittable.

Phil

Thanks for the advice guys,  I'll stick to my UQ1 for now and think about getting it upgraded with the latest boards.

As others have mentioned how about adding the NAP100 to your UQ I did this a few months back and this made a large noticeable difference driving my AE301 speakers.

Also 3-4 weeks ago I changed the flash back interconnect (RCA to Din) between the UQ and 100 to a Mark Grant HDX1 RCA to RCA cable and over the past few days my UQ/100 has really opened up so much so the urge to change anytime has left my mind.

Adding a NAP100 is indeed an option I'm also curious about. 
(only s/h or demo model though, preferably from a dealer and getting it from the UK is not an option for me, so I'd have to patience)

btw, I just noticed that the ad for the demo UQ2 has been removed by the dealer, so I guess it's already sold.

A lot of people say adding a 100 to a Qute makes it worse. I wouldn't bother. Perhaps try a Superuniti instead. 

I liked the nap 100 on my Qute 2 when I had one but opinions do vary on it.  perhaps it would be worth having a listen to one of the new devices when they come out or, as HH suggests, bite the bullet and move up a rank or two.