Opinions on Speaker Upgrade for Uniti Nova

Posted by: Dreamblademyth on 19 January 2018

Hi Folks,

I upgraded to the Uniti Nova about two months ago and find it an amazing system that I am very happy to listen to for around six hours each evening. The system is paired with Monitor Audio GS 20 floor stander speakers. They were the ones to buy for around £2000 in 2008/2009. The sound is very good but I feel that there is much more to be found from the Nova’s front end. I feel they do not accurately/fully communicate separation and clarity of instruments, along with a well-focussed soundstage with good depth. Having discussed various potential options for new speakers with various dealers, I am considering auditioning the Dali Epicon 2s. When I discussed possibly moving to the Spendor D7, a few dealers I talked to felt I would hear a marginal difference but nothing majorly significant. Thus, I am looking for your opinions about what you think about the Epicon 2s as a positive and noticeably enhanced upgrade to my Monitor Audio speakers. I listen to Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Indie, Electronica, Trip-hop and other genres. Classical is not my interest. I am looking for a warm sounding speaker with defined and well-focussed detail in the midrange and treble, with a dynamic presentation. I understand that they are very able to communicate excellent base too, seeing as they are a stand mount speaker. I will of course look to audition speakers before making any decision to purchase anything.

Your opinions will be appreciated. Thanks, Andrew.

Posted on: 19 January 2018 by Callas01

Try the Dynaudio Contour C20 or even the C1 platinum.

Posted on: 19 January 2018 by Dreamblademyth

I have wondered about the C20. How do you feel they would they compare to the Epicon 2s?  I dislike the visual design of the C1, but thanks for your insight into a seemingly excellent speaker. My room size is 14' x 12'.

Posted on: 19 January 2018 by Iver van de Zand

you might want to consider the Focal Kanta 2. It is though a very large loudspeaker but the sound will match with what you describe as desirable.

Posted on: 19 January 2018 by Dreamblademyth

They are a very attractive proposition but my budget does not stretch to those Focals - I have looked at them, but.......around £4500 is my maximum spending limit.

Posted on: 19 January 2018 by Dreamblademyth

Thanks to everyone so far for recommendations for noteworthy speakers to consider. Does anyone have knowledgeable insight/opinions into the Dali Epicon 2s as a potential partner to the Uniti Nova?

Posted on: 19 January 2018 by French Rooster

all more reasonable than Wilson sophia recently seen on a topic.....

Posted on: 19 January 2018 by Callas01
Dreamblademyth posted:

I have wondered about the C20. How do you feel they would they compare to the Epicon 2s?  I dislike the visual design of the C1, but thanks for your insight into a seemingly excellent speaker. My room size is 14' x 12'.

I guess you’d need to compare and determine that on your own. The C20 uses the same Esotar2 tweeter as the C1 and a brand new woofer design said to perform very close to the C1. Many are expecting a new Confidence design probably next year. 

Posted on: 20 January 2018 by Pev

Until recently I had a Superuniti with Monitor Audio GR60s which would be fairly similar to yours. Previously I used them with a top end olive system (CDS2/52/135s). They were happy on the end of both systems and I chose them in preference to Allaes, B&W, Spendors and Dynaudio. To me only the Dynaudios were anywhere near as good. Our musical tastes are similar except that I do like dub reggae with sofa moving bass, and my room is about the same size as yours.

I now have a Nova and like you, I am delighted with it. I changed my speakers, when I still had the SU, to N-Sats and have added a Velodyne sub woofer. The change was largely made because the MAs were too dominant and putting the furniture where we wanted it to be got in the way of the woofers. Much to my surprise the sound is significantly better - a trace of treble hardness is gone, there is more air and space and even the bass is better. The N-Sats are a bargain 2nd hand and not hard to find. I did want an N-Sub but they are really hard to find and I am now glad i got the Velodyne as it has software and a remote to perfectly dial it in to the room. Total cost 2nd hand was just about a grand - bargain! In a room your size stand mounts and a sub may be worth a listen...

Posted on: 20 January 2018 by Dreamblademyth

Glad to hear you are enjoying the fantastic sound the nova produces- it is something special and it has just got better over time. Yes, a stand mount speaker is probably the direction I am heading in. I will demo the Epicon 2s as my preferred first audition and take things from there. From all the reviews I have read they sound to be in the exact ballpark I am looking for.