Naim UnitiQute - who's heard one?

I agree with what's been said. I've heard it a few times using analog inputs, digital inputs, and as a DAC and tuner. Performed admirably every way and every time.

Some people have had issues getting the streaming right. They've mainly been iTunes users. It won't stream Apple codec files, so be careful if that's what you plan on using. I suspect the ones who've had issues didn't consult with their dealer to get things right, and just posted questions on a few forums.

Make sure you pair it up with the right speakers. Naim's 30 watts are conservatively rated, but it's not going to drive Maggies in a large room to loud levels.

I haven't heard Harbeths connected to one, but that combo should be fantastic. A lot of Naim guys like the combo. I just wish my Naim dealer would demo it with more than the Naim N-Sat. They're s fun and engaging speaker, but they're too wall of sound and 2 dimentional for me. I've tried to warm up to them, but I lose interest after about an hour or so every time.

Just to add -

Had I not had my Bryston B60 integrated and Apple TV as music server, I'd definitely buy one.

I hope I'm not hijacking the the thread since the OP asked about the head amp but I haven't seen much (outside the Naim forum) about the Uniti from actual owners here.

For the owners out there, would you be satisfied if the Uniti was what you used in your main system? Or maybe their are owners out there that are using in their main system?

I'm consider the Nait XS/Naim DAC combo or the Uniti for my main system. Thanks for any input.

Cheers,

Scott

I actually have the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC with bridge in my main system, so I'm pretty familiar with the technology. The n-stream controller looks nice and seems to solve that problem nicely. I have an older pair of Paradigm mini monitors I can use if needed, but primarily would be using my AKG headphones if I got one. I could probably find a cheaper alternative, but the versatility and Naim brand are very attractive. Too bad I don't have a dealer within 400 miles.

Scott,

I don't have a Uniti or UnitiQute. I guess the answer to if it's a primary system or secondary system piece would best be answered by saying it depends on the person's budget. The Uniti is a Nait 5i, CD5i, and the other stuff in one box. My dealer and I couldn't tell the difference between the Nait 5i/CD5i combo and Uniti playing the same CD in the same room with the same speakers. There's a difference with the UnitiQute, as the power section is scaled back a bit, but it's not a huge difference. Tone Audio actually liked the UnitiQute better, not accounting for the price difference. I don't agree, but I guess it's possible.

The Nait XS and DAC should definitely sound better, as I like both pieces better individually. Haven't heard that combo directly against the Uniti though.

What's used as a primary system comes down to budget IMO. If you can afford the XS/DAC and don't need the extras and one box solution, that may very well be the better fit. They're different components, so it's not like comparing the 5i stuff with the Uniti.