Atom vs SU

In terms of sound quality the SU would win hands down over the Atom I think, but if you want some of the new streaming features that the Atom has then that might be a reason to go that direction instead.

best

David

I had the same dilemma last year, I had the Atom on pre-order, but had the SU as a stand in, until the new Unit range shipped. After some not so great first impressions of the Atom, I ended up keeping the SuperUniti and haven't looked back. Obviously this is a subjective opinion but I prefer the older design and features it has. Not to mention the sound quality, which, especially with the latest software update, is stellar!!!

Dear DomTom, i too prefer the older  “classic “ design. I only use the usb output (listen to music via usb pen) and FM radio, so dont think need  more goodies (features ). Think i will go for a  SU . ????????. Thanks for the input.

The most recent SuperUnitis (sometimes referred to as SuperUniti B) have Bluetooth input, which makes them slightly more desirable so may hold their value slightly better but unless you actually want that then there is no other difference.

best

David

Dear mr. Hendon;

I Will consider that detail. My UQ2 is the BT version, but i dont use it. 

Thanks again for the attention.

The Superuniti is the one to go for if sound quality is the main priority. Also, it has FM, which the Atom does not. There are some features of the new streamers which you may come to find useful. For example, they have a server built in, which means that the contents of a USB stick will be visible to other streamers. Web streaming is potentially more reliable, and has more options, too. 

Mr ChrisSU, 

thanks for the time. Indeed the new streamers have more (interesting)  features. However , truth being told, im the kind of person that dont like to waste time with too much options . Just want to ear the music and get on with it. ????

thanks for the input. 

In that case, the SU is the one! Functionality is virtually identical to your Unitiqute, just with better sound quality. Good luck. 

thank you all for helping me out.

I’ve used to own both ... the Atom for a short while however. It’s a great piece of equipment which certainly looks gorgeous - IMHO. But in the end the power amplifier lacked a bit of ‘grunt’ or better ‘drive’ compared to the SU ... that’s what made me change towards a Uniti Nova ????

mrCardoso posted:

 thank you all for helping me out.

Suspect that there'll be quite a few people upgrading from SU/SU2 to the new Uniti's.

Agree as a SU2 owner that it holds it own in terms of SQ, though obviously doesn't have the bells and whistles of the new Uniti range, particularly not being able to act as a Room endpoint. 

Thanks Mr.Klout10 and Mr. Mann.

 Yes, the new series are gorgeous. But i prefer green backlites (i’m old school) and the volume in the front end. ????. 

i also understand that purely on performance, the Nova must be night and day compared to the SU. But so is the price. ????

Thanks again.

I love my Atom. Sounds superb to me. Can't compare it to any other Naim kit as this is my first, migrating over from Arcam. I don't need more power I never need to go over 30 in my room (5mx4m) way load enough. And the streaming platform is leagues ahead.

Thanks for the input mr Arnold. I truly believe that the Atom have a great sound, as i also believe in evolution: if my UQ is great, the replacement must be better. The reason of the enquiry is/was  : is the evolution of the new entry level so big that surpasses the top of the shelf , regarding the old line.

thanks!

mrCardoso posted:

Thanks for the input mr Arnold. I truly believe that the Atom have a great sound, as i also believe in evolution: if my UQ is great, the replacement must be better. The reason of the enquiry is/was  : is the evolution of the new entry level so big that surpasses the top of the shelf , regarding the old line.

 

thanks!

 

I really doubt that. There is general agreement that the Nova sounds better than the SuperUniti, but then the Nova sounds very much better than the Atom, imho anyway.

best

David

New Uniti line sounds better, or different to old style, plus as mentioned you get new feature support.

An Atom is what I would do, the if you get to big add a power amp, some report an improvement or view it as a step to later replacing the Atom with a 272 with the amp.

Best bet thought is just go Nova, 2nd hand low supply and they advertise close the the original price. But promise it will keep you happy.

The former is a point to bear in mind, the streamer range of old values are dropping badly, I guess that comes to my starting point.

Thanks again,  mr . Hendon.

Mr. Obsydian,

ideally i would make a audition, but i cant access to a SU in Portugal. (Two years ago , upon buying a UQ2 i tried to ear one but the national importer didnt had one available) . 

So, to compare one Atom with SU is virtual impossible. Thats one reason why this tread is on. ????

the nova must be stellar but out of my reach

mrCardoso posted:

Thanks again,  mr . Hendon.

Mr. Obsydian,

ideally i would make a audition, but i cant access to a SU in Portugal. (Two years ago , upon buying a UQ2 i tried to ear one but the national importer didnt had one available) . 

So, to compare one Atom with SU is virtual impossible. Thats one reason why this tread is on. ????

 

the nova must be stellar but out of my reach

You won't be disappointed with the Atom and as Obsidian says you can add a Poweramp later if you find you want more Welly. One thing to bare in mind though does it cover the amount of inputs you need for other sources you may have, it only has one analogue and two digital.

I used to own a Superuniti and now have a Nova which is much better in every way. I have heard an Atom several times including in comparison to a Nova but never directly against an SU. If I had to choose between going back to my SU or getting an Atom, I'd take the Atom every time even though I loved my SU when I had it.

Pev posted:

If I had to choose between going back to my SU or getting an Atom, I'd take the Atom every time

(Thanks again for the value input mr Arnold.)

Mr. PEV;

interesting quote there...

Is this a question of... sensibility? (you may prefer the new signature sound?)

As Mr ChrisSU stated, my needs will be more fulfilled with the  SU.

I´ll try to acquire a used SU first.

thanks for the time....

Sounds like Atoms away ????

Something I don't think anyone has mentioned is that SuperUniti comes with FM/DAB/iradio and Atom comes with just iradio.

best

David

David Hendon posted:

Something I don't think anyone has mentioned is that SuperUniti comes with FM/DAB/iradio and Atom comes with just iradio.

best

David

The Atom also comes with a lovely colour screen and remote control... but is so limited in functionality, not sure what they were thinking.

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