Supernait 2 vs Uniti Nova

Posted by: Sharon Kabir on 25 February 2018

Hi

I just wanted to know. Is there a difference quality sound ? Very very debating . 

Both the same power output

Thanks

Sharon

 

Posted on: 25 February 2018 by Popeye

There most certainly is!

Posted on: 25 February 2018 by Adam Zielinski

So has NAP 250

What is the end-game system that you’re planning? A one box solution or many, upgradable boxes?

 

Posted on: 25 February 2018 by Popeye

I had a Nova and changed it for the NDX/Supernait2 and the latter was far superior in my opinion. Lower noise floor was what really stood out to me. How much of that is the NDX I don't know

Posted on: 25 February 2018 by MangoMonkey

Did you compare the ndx/sn2 to the 272/250?

Posted on: 25 February 2018 by Popeye
MangoMonkey posted:

Did you compare the ndx/sn2 to the 272/250?

Hi Mango

No I didn't, I had a couple of faulty Novas in a row and my dealer had an ex demo NDX/Supernait2 that they did at a price I couldn't refuse due to my issues so I didn't compare it with the other direct comparables.

Certainly much better over the Nova however. 

Posted on: 25 February 2018 by seakayaker

Some folks have

NDX > SN2,  others..... have a NOVA, and others..... have the NOVA > NAP 250

As Adam asked what are you looking to do?

For me I am happy with the NDX > SN2...

I did compare to the 272 > 250 DR and choose the NDX > SN2....

 

Posted on: 25 February 2018 by badlands
seakayaker posted:

Some folks have

NDX > SN2,  others..... have a NOVA, and others..... have the NOVA > NAP 250

As Adam asked what are you looking to do?

For me I am happy with the NDX > SN2...

I did compare to the 272 > 250 DR and choose the NDX > SN2....

 

So did I, same outcome!

Posted on: 26 February 2018 by Sharon Kabir

I just wanted to know the difference in sound quality between different configurations. For example: NAC272 + NAP250 / NOVA / SN2 /! It's not a matter of money or system configuration. I need to stream music from NAS , Internet or CD player. Previously I was thinking about NAC272 + NAP250
And then on UNITI NOVA. Now all the answers here confused me more. I am trying to understand the technical difference in the amplification of SN2 versus NOVA. Both seem to have the same inputs and amplification . Right now, I'm not referring to the issue of the streaming . Just sound quqlity

Posted on: 26 February 2018 by Gazza

Sorry to confuse you further...but as you said it’s not a matter of money....you need to consider the newly announced streamers like ndx2. It depends where you want to end up or spend money...the 272 is a neat solution with the preamp and dac but needs a power amp. Nova is a one box solution ,will cost less than 272/250 , .......you need to listen for yourself.....to me the Nova is better than people credit it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 26 February 2018 by cat345

The Nova include a lot of technology that could become obsolete in a few years. The SN2 will retain it's value.

Posted on: 26 February 2018 by seakayaker
Gazza posted:

Sorry to confuse you further...but as you said it’s not a matter of money....you need to consider the newly announced streamers like ndx2. It depends where you want to end up or spend money...the 272 is a neat solution with the preamp and dac but needs a power amp. Nova is a one box solution ,will cost less than 272/250 , .......you need to listen for yourself.....to me the Nova is better than people credit it.

...... and the SN2 is a neat solution that has a preamp and power amp and only needs an NDX (or fill in the blank) that has a DAC......

One thing that everyone agrees about is the need to listen for yourself.

I read through every NDX/SN2 thread as well as every 272/250 & 272/200 thread and there are people in each camp that loves the "sound quality."  So after doing the research, listening to a demonstration, and consideration of cost, room size, source, speakers, cables, interconnects, power supplies, racks, etc......  I somehow came to the decision that the NDX/SN2 was the sound quality that was best for me.......

Good luck with your journey Sharon...... and eventually the decision you make!

Posted on: 26 February 2018 by Sharon Kabir

Thank you all. It seems to me that there is no dispute about the quality of the SN2. If I understand correctly, does he have Class A amplifier?

Posted on: 26 February 2018 by Mike-B

SN is class AB

Posted on: 26 February 2018 by seakayaker

You can find the specs/information for the SuperNait here: SuperNait 2

My understanding of the SN2 is that it "has a Class A preamp output stage joined to its Class B power amp section." That was taken from a 2014 review of the SuperNait found here.

Posted on: 26 February 2018 by Adam Zielinski
Sharon Kabir posted:

Thank you all. It seems to me that there is no dispute about the quality of the SN2. If I understand correctly, does he have Class A amplifier?

Have you actually heard the SN2 or the Nova for that matter? Forgive me, if I come accross as rude, but you seem to be trying to make a decision purely ‘on paper’. Is a dealer audition not possible or difficult?

One general thing worth remembering about Naim boxes - the less ‘combined’ they are, the better they tend to soud.
Nova has three functions: streaming module, pre-amp and a power amp. SuperNait2 has two functions: pre-amp and power-amp. NAP250 has one funciton: power amp.

 

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Sharon Kabir

Thank you all . I think it would be best to go hear the system. Then decide. I hope the system will be able to move the TOTEM EARTH ELEMENT speakers (-;

Their recommendation is to power amplifier between 50W and 200W

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by audio1946

selection of speaker load is the main factor here  .for the majority of new customers who want a neat and modern approach  . no contest   uniti  with a well designed speaker. sounds really impressive

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by joerand

Given my experience with Totem speakers and various levels of amplification, I wouldn't be expecting much from the Element Earth's played on 80 watts. Bottom line - if you're set on either the SN2 or Uniti Nova, I'd be looking at other speakers.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by Obsydian

Nova is the latest technology and circuit desgn, dare I say watered down from the new streamers, all the others are now OLD.

Only way to know is listen, but as Adam says what's the end game. A simple sleek solution or a multi box monster setup.

The Nova is a one box streamer that's damn fine.

Posted on: 27 February 2018 by analogmusic

I would get the Nova.

With Supernait 2 you still need to buy a source.

 

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by Sharon Kabir
joerand posted:

Given my experience with Totem speakers and various levels of amplification, I wouldn't be expecting much from the Element Earth's played on 80 watts. Bottom line - if you're set on either the SN2 or Uniti Nova, I'd be looking at other speakers.

From UNITI NOVA page :

"All the available space has been used to provide 80 watts per channel of Class A/B amplification capable of driving the most demanding loudspeakers"

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by hungryhalibut

I really wouldn’t be considering the Nova or the SuperNait to drive a pair of £9,000 speakers. You are far better getting more modest speakers and better electronics. 

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by Kacper
analogmusic posted:

I would get the Nova.

With Supernait 2 you still need to buy a source.

 

I don't think you can compare all-in-one Nova with supernait 2 and for example NDX as a source. I would classified Nova below Supernait 2 and NDX ... but ofcourse those units comes from different price range as well

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by Popeye
Kacper posted:
analogmusic posted:

I would get the Nova.

With Supernait 2 you still need to buy a source.

 

I don't think you can compare all-in-one Nova with supernait 2 and for example NDX as a source. I would classified Nova below Supernait 2 and NDX ... but ofcourse those units comes from different price range as well

I agree, had Nova and changed to NDX/Supernait2. The latter much much better sonically.

You can't compare.

Posted on: 28 February 2018 by French Rooster

the same thread some weeks ago:   a member was driving Wilson Sasha with the Nova and was not satisfied by the sound.  The dealer was advising him to buy a better power cord...!..

!