What to do with my system ? Considering junking old kit for uniti.

Posted by: Dave Hay on 13 January 2017

Its a LONG time since i have posted here.  I have Old naim kit, Cds1, 72/hicap/140 driving Allaes.

We love the system but its old, and i am shortly being moved by work to the far east and i dont want to send the CDS or my CD collection half way accross the world.  So i am considering buying one of the new Uniti models.  

But, no one has them on demo yet, at least not near me.  Local dealers are not exactly keen to do a part ex and getting quotes and delivery times has not been quick (so far).

I have a Linn Majik DSM on demo with a separate innuos ripper/storer driving my allaes.  It sounds better than expected and has somewhat thrown me.  Its also quite clear to us that not all rippers are made equal as it seems tidal streaming sounds a lot worse than cd rips we have done at home.  The wife doesnt like the linn user interface and to be fair neither do i.

My plan was to buy a uniti star, but these wont be available until after i have left the country (i leave in June).   The Atom should be ok but i have concerns over the match with my Allaes given the lower power output.

has anyone listened to the new kit and can provide some thoughts vs the Majik?  Are there other options out there that i should be considering?  I am naturally concerned to buy kit without listening to it.

is a dedicated naim cd ripper (core) really going to provide a better rip/store than a Nas/software running on my laptop?

I have very little experience with electronicly stored music, other than itunes and an elderly ipod.

any advice appreciated.

 

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by hungryhalibut

If it were me, I'd rip all the CDs to a nas, service the 140 and Hicap at Class A in Sheffield, buy a NDX and take the whole lot with you, other than the CDs themselves. There is a good market in the Far East and you could sell the CDS there. You certainly don't need a Naim ripper - dbpoweramp will do the same thing. 

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by Mr Underhill

Hi Dave,

My immediate thoughts are:

1. Possible electricity differences mean that I would be inclined to not buy here to use there;
2. I would rip all the CDs so that you can take your music with you;
3. When I return I would be tempted to follow HHs advice, with the 72 being replaced by a 272;
4. While in the Far East I would see what is available out there and have fun with that.

In this plan (4) may well temper (3).

M

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by Dave Hay

Thanks for the replies.  I had not comsidered the ndx.

Uk electrical kit is ok where i am going.  There are local naim dealers but i understand the cost will be high.  I will be going for about three years, maybe more  

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by Gazza

I was sent to the U.S many years ago, and was in a similar situation. In the end I paid Naim to change over to 110v and associated cables, considering I was there about 4 years, the amount of many was well worth it. If you have the original naim boxes they travel well. My Sbl,s made it over fine along with cds, nap250/nac82. Don,t give up if you love your system

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by ChrisSU

I'm not sure if I'd want to ship a NAS full of data, weather it's a Unitiserve, Core, Synology or whatever. I'd be tempted to transport the CD rips on a portable USB drive and set up a NAS to transfer them to when you arrive. You'll want a backup anyway, and that way, you'll already have one.

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by Dave Hay

You make a good point Chrissu, Having had a NAS failure in the past, I don't think I'll be trusting a single data store for music.  

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by ChrisSU
Dave Hay posted:

You make a good point Chrissu, Having had a NAS failure in the past, I don't think I'll be trusting a single data store for music.  

I'm thinking a couple of USB drives in your hand luggage would be very easy. 

Posted on: 13 January 2017 by Adam Zielinski

Just have it re-capped, and a streamer or a DAC with Core and enjoy the whole lot.

I'm about to set up my recently re-capped Nad 72/NAP250

Posted on: 14 January 2017 by ayisgroovy

@DaveHay, where in the Far East are you going? Even if you are going beyond Essex (ha ha) you will find most if not all voltages out there are 220-240V - nless you are going to the Americas(N) and Caribbean related areas. Check it out on:

http://www.worldstandards.eu/e...-voltage-by-country/

Further, if you're heading to HK, Singapore you will find a big audiophile following with dealers networks for Naim. If you opt for a NAS, which I highly recommend, you can back up on a portable 2Tb disk and take that out. Buy your NAS and disks out there and copy over.  That's what I'd do though I'm not sympathetic to my silver discs, only their content, and I'd leave the CDs back in the UK.  Best of luck!

Posted on: 14 January 2017 by Dave Hay

I'll be heading to Jakarta, which I understand is 220/240v, the plugs are different. 

Having spoken to Class A about servicing it seems my 20 year old 140 is probably due a service as is the 15 year old hi-cap.  They may be "slightly" holding my system back . I think at the moment *anything* is going to sound better than what I currently have - so my perception of good/bad may be a bit out.  Some very useful advice from them too.

Im still a little overwhelmed with options particularly after having a ring round a few more dealers today there seems to be some differing opinions on everything - especially the front end.  Oh to have the simple life again when the options and upgrades were clear to understand.

I do think I'll buy a NAS and start ripping music using my Mac that does seem to be a bit of a no-brainer thing to do whilst I consider what to do about the player - I have a few months to ponder options which may allow for something to crop up on the 2nd hand market.  Seen an NDX for sale on the net which may be an option but not particularly keen on buying having not heard one. 

Posted on: 14 January 2017 by Dave Hay

Actually I could probably do without the NAS for a few weeks and just rip to portable disc for now.

Posted on: 15 January 2017 by Oldenbroke

FWIW I have heard an Atom driving Focal Sopra 2's and it did a very good job. Seemed plenty powerful enough. Are Allaes power hungry?

Posted on: 15 January 2017 by Dave Hay

To be honest I am not sure if Allaes are a difficult load to drive.  I use a (very old) 140 and it does an acceptable job.