Supernait 2+DAC vs Super Uniti Nova

Interesting question, not heard the SN2 and NDac, my gut feeling is I would hope the NDac with either SN2 or added to Nova would sound better, than the Nova digital section. Perhaps a passing trade member could pass comment.

The Superuniti is discontinued, and the Nova is it’s replacement, so it depends which model you are referring to. NDAC/Supernait is certainly a significant improvement on a Superuniti, and I’d be surprised if it wasn’t a step up from the Nova too. Bearing in mind, of course, that the NDAC requires a digital transport of some sort, whereas the other devices have streamers built in. 

I believe the n-dac/SN2 will have a slight edge, but considering the extra transport you will need (unless using a computer wire to the n-dac through coax/toslink) there will be no significant improvement that will equal the price difference you will be paying. 

The price/performance value proposition will be significantly in favor of the Nova. 

DAC discussions in this place do suggest SQ really depends on the transport one uses with the Naim DAC (and in fact any other DAC) ... So, in any case, one important "variable" isn't specified...

I'm thinking to replace my SN2+CDX2 and relevant TP power supplies (CAP+XPS) with a NOVA to get an All-in-one system and avoid also lots of cables all around the rack.

Unfortunately I cannot give it a listening but I'm afraid to being disappointed from sound quality. My Kudos C20 are not a difficult load to drive but I do not know if it may be the right choice. Actually after the birth of my son I have very less time to dedicate to "serious listening session" . Music is always ON at home but more like background music.

Tbh  even if there isn’t much difference in the sound the ndac and supernait will still be ticking along nicely in a few years once the Nova has reached the end of its “useful” life and gone the way of the dodo. I wouldn’t go back to an all in one again. Something gose wrong you’ve lost the lot. Not to mention firmware and app support, it has planned obsolescence written all over it. But that’s my very clinical veiw of the Nova/uniti range and I’m sure they’re very fine products. 

Its a side ways move for little gain in functions I say stick with what you have. 

I am also interested to read comments about the sound quality of SN2 vs Uniti Nova. I am thinking about replacing my SN2 + ND5XS by  Uniti Nova + Uniti Core. I mainly use vinyl and 24 bit Flac files for my serious listening sessions . 

I now have a NDX with Supernait2 that I changed from a Nova due to faults and sonically the NDX/Supernait2 blows the Nova away, not Evan close, so I would think the NDAC Evan more so!

Sounds an interesting combination though I guess you are comparing £7000 worth of kit vs £4000 new.   I think you got a good deal ex-demo or used from memory.  It'd be interesting to hear the difference from a standard Nova or Nova+NAP250 I'm currently using.

Alley Cat posted:

Sounds an interesting combination though I guess you are comparing £7000 worth of kit vs £4000 new.   I think you got a good deal ex-demo or used from memory.  It'd be interesting to hear the difference from a standard Nova or Nova+NAP250 I'm currently using.

Exactly I would have been very disappointed if it was anything but at the price difference.

Although, correct my price difference wasn't so great!

Popeye posted:

I now have a NDX with Supernait2 that I changed from a Nova due to faults and sonically the NDX/Supernait2 blows the Nova away, not Evan close,

Good, that's what i was thinking ! So i am better to keep my SN2 and exchange my ND5XS for NDX. With the NDX price drop, the timing is perfect...unless i wait for the new streamers later . Tough decision !!! Do you think new NAIM streamers will be shown at the Bristol Show .

You are always chasing your tail with technology! I went the new route and bought the Nova and I wish I hadn’t as there is a lot said for what’s tried and tested! The fact that the NDX has been around a bit doesn’t mean it’s not an amazing sounding product!

If a new version of it materialisers it may have a fancie display that will show album art but I doubt it will be sonically that different as Naim will still want it to sit under the NDS or whatever the new version of that shall be.

Album arts a waste of time in my opinion and for the limited time I did own the Nova it would drive me mad as it was so bright and dominating, It would light up the room and no way to turn it off!