Advice wanted on Uniti upgrade path

82/200 would be a fine amp indeed or 82/180 as you won't need a seperate psu for the 82 right away with either a 200 or 180 and so you could add either a HC or SC later if you wanted.  You could also go with a used Hugo 1 instead of an NDAC cheaper and some would argue better but of course going down this route with NDAC or Hugo you would also need either a computer or seperate streamer.

If you wanted to still go with a 272 the used market as awash with them at the moment a quick google reveals many, many used 272's.

Try listening to a Nova - you may find it's all you need.

I think an 82 would be a good choice. The 200 could supply power to it, although you might want to consider adding a Hicap for this at a later date. You can temporarily use the Uniti as a source, while you decide what source you want. Depending on your budget, you might then look for a used NDX, which would be a good match for that system. 

The 272 is likely to be replaced soon with a new model, as all the other streamers in the Naim range have been already. Perhaps that is why your dealer doesn't have one. The new models do have some advantages, which you may want to consider, but it also means that the old models have dropped in price!

Good luck with your search.

If it’s simply Tidal you want, you can get it via a Chromecast dongle or by loading Bubble upnp on your Nas or a computer. 

I use a 272 because I like the simplicity, and I think it’s teriffic. Others use separate streamers and preamps and they think they are teriffic. 

As Bob says above, you can get a used 272 easily. Various U.K. dealers have ex dem models available too, which would give greater reassurance, especially if you need it shipped to another country. The 272 may well be replaced, though this is not certain, so it would probably not be wise to pay full retail for a new one. 

Thanks for all your input.

At some point in time I had the thought of replacing Uniti and 200 with a Superuniti to reduce box count so it certainly is attractive option.

I thought of 82 because it should bring my system up to about 282 level which seems to be more an upgrade compared to 272 especially if I upgrade the source too, but I do lose the convenience of using the naim app to control the volume.

For 272, it certainly would retain the convenience and keeping the box count. However it seems to have an update coming.

Thus I am torn between these options now.

I’ve gone from a UnitiCute2/NAP100 to a Nova for the lounge and use the former in the media room. The Nova is substantially better for a larger room and is a tidy one box solution.

By the way, should I expect 82 to have better sound than the 272?

lhau posted:

By the way, should I expect 82 to have better sound than the 272?

I certainly found an NDX/282 to sound better than a 272. Even against 272/XPS, I preferred it. So I don’t think you will be disappointed with an 82 with the right source. 

Thanks all for your advice.

I finally got a 272 to reduce complexity and retain control from an app approach.

The App factor is quite important having wife and kids in the house, so as attractive an upgrade in sound it may be for the 82, I finally went down this path.

So far I find the 272 a good upgrade from Uniti!