Naim Uniti Nova paired with Monitor Audio Studio 20's

I have heard the NOVA at a dealer demon day, very nice one box - I did feel at the demo the speakers were not quite right to show the NOVA to its full

the speakers were Dynaudio 20 - priced at just under 5k, i felt the NOVA was underpowered to drive them fully

really to be honest the only true test is in home with source

keirgar posted:

Hello,

After many years of living with an old Meridian 602/606 + Audiolab 8000P/8000A x 2 combination paired with Monitor Audio Studio 20's, I've finally decided to reduce the box count and upgrade to the Uniti Nova.

While I realise the product isn't released yet, I'd like to ask if anyone has any views on whether the MA Studio 20's will sound ok with the Nova as I'd like to keep them ?

Also, is it worth connecting the Nova to the 8000A's ?

I appreciate that I will be able to ask my dealer these questions but would appreciate some constructive opinions while I wait for the Nova's release.

Ultimately I am looking to add a Naim power amp to the mix, either a 250DR or 300DR. Is the 300DR worth the extra money and why ?

Thanks in advance for your comments

Having recently changed from a 250dr to a 300dr I would say it is well worth the extra when used in the right system a dealer demo will easily show the benefits.

If you are serious  about upgrading the Nova with either the 250dr or 300dr I would  listen to a 272 as an alternative just a suggestion as it seems a waste to buy the Nova with amplification then not use it.

I would strongly suggest you spend some time with your dealer to discuss and arrange to listen to the various options it might pay to take your speakers along and compare just take your time and don't rush into a purchase until you are completely satisfied and trialled at home as mistakes can be expensive !!

I am under the impression that there aren't many here using Naim and Monitor Audio -- possibly for good reasons... I auditioned Monitor Audio Gold 100 with Naim amplification, and it didn't work for me.  But I am afraid I don't have a detailed recollection of the Gold 100  -- I listened to too many speakers at that time and quickly ruled out Audio Monitor... 

Timo

I used Monitor Audio GR60s with Naim systems for many years and was very happy with them. I only changed them because they were a bit physically big for my listening room. Systems were: CDS2/XPS/52/SC/135s; then Uniti (which struggled a bit at very high volumes); and now SuperUniti which coped very well.

I have a Nova on order, having it heard it at the factory as well as the Bristol Show, and am very confident it will cope very well with a Monitor Audio speaker. I chose MA after audioning Naim, Spendor, Dynaudio, B&W, and NEAT so they can please some people and are excellent VFM.

Having said that, if you are aiming to move up to a pre/power Naim system, then a 272 would make more sense. Best to dem the Nova vs 272/250 or 300 before you buy. You may find the Nova is all the amp you ever need. I heard this comparison at the factory and whilst the pre/power was better, to my ears it wasn't that much better taking the cost into account. We all have our own take on diminishing returns and it's best to find out before spending the dosh. Of course my happiness with my SU vs my old multi box system may be partly due to age related hearing degeneration, although I can still distinguish FLAC and WAV rips very easily. Use your own ears to decide!

I moved from an Audiolab 8000S to a Nait XS and that was a considerable improvement with a pair of Spendor SP2s.

In my experience a Uniti Nova will out perform any of the Audiolab 8000 series amplifiers.

Many moons ago I used MA GR60s then PL300s to good effect. You can at least give them a try. 

If you know already that you want to add a Naim power amp, the Nova is probably not the place to start. I'd look at the 272 and use it with your existing power amps for a while, if a Naim amp is unaffordable to start with. Both 272 and 250 are available used. Once you have the amp sorted you can look at other speakers at your leisure. As to whether the 300 is worth the extra, that depends on your view after listening with your chosen speakers. A 300 would be unbalanced with a Nova and ok with a 272 if you have added a power supply first. I certainly wouldn't use a 300 with a bare 272. 

A 300DR with a bare 272 won't sound bad or wrong; it just won't properly exploit the abilities of the 300.

272 (bare) & 300DR is slightly better than a 272 (bare) & 250DR.

272 + XPS & 250DR is better than 272 (bare) & 300DR;

272 + XPS & 300DR is better than 272 + XPS & 250DR ;

As HH pointed out the degree of improvement from a 250DR to a 300DR is also dependent on the speakers you have.
If you're looking for improvement from a 272 (bare) & 250DR system, then doing the XPS upgrade first is better vfm.

Thanks all for the very constructive comments received so far.

They're certainly food for thought, and I will now ask my dealer to demo the Nova alongside the 272 with a 250 +/- an XPS

For the speakers I will take my MA's along and demo alongside the dealers speaker brands, and go from there.

Good decision enjoy your time at the dealers.

Let us know how you got on?

I'm also interested in the Nova, but only if it's a big upgrade from my Superuniti. 

I added some Monitor Audio GX 300s to my Uniti 2 a few years back and it struggled a bit so added a NAP 200 which was much better. I eventually ended up with a Naim streamer and pre/power combo but kept the GX 300s (see my profile) and have to say, the 250DR and these speakers work well together.

As others have pointed out, do take the time to demo Naim kit at home if at all possible and maybe think beyond the Nova, particularly if you are already considering a 250 or 300 power amp. Starting with a 272 and a 250 is a very good alternative if funds allow.

Good luck.

antony d posted:

I have heard the NOVA at a dealer demon day,

Is that a Freudian slip?