chebby:...Spendors and Harbeths and RS3s...
Now you're talking
My prediction, you keep the nSats...
Now you're talking
John Duncan
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Messiah:There's always the ADMs...
Been around that loop recently too and came very close to purchasing (especially after the great WHF and Gramophone reviews) but was put off the idea.
(I was a few mouse clicks away from buying the WHF test pair on ebay too.)
I will be very keen to see if any other manufacturers make an active bookshelf/standmount speaker of similar size (also with built in DAC/preamp and remote) in a quality real wood veneer finish that are as good as the ADM9.1s at a comparable price.
Been around that loop recently too and came very close to purchasing (especially after the great WHF and Gramophone reviews) but was put off the idea.
(I was a few mouse clicks away from buying the WHF test pair on ebay too.)
I will be very keen to see if any other manufacturers make an active bookshelf/standmount speaker of similar size (also with built in DAC/preamp and remote) in a quality real wood veneer finish that are as good as the ADM9.1s at a comparable price.
chebby:
JoelSim:Mr D is right, if it sounds worse then drop the thought now. Trading down will leave you very unhappy I would imagine given what you have said many times about radio.
Agreed. I like the sound I have now, and it would be a shame to lose that. (Except for still having an ugly four box system with loads of cables erupting out of the back!)
I assumed that Naim had answered my desires for at least the same sound quality, from one wee box, and without CD.
Just feel a bit flat about the whole experience after waiting since March for this thing to finally emerge from Salisbury.
Maybe if it were the first (and only) Naim item a person had ever heard then it would be brilliant.
I don't understand all this. Wasn't this supposed to be a move to streamline/simplify your system? Did you seriously expect a better result for that money? - Naim isn't going to be that stupid to produce something that outperforms their carefully developed lines further up/separates ... of all the manufacturers I know, this one is least likely to do that.
Having said that, I think I still prefer the XS to the Supernait ...
JoelSim:Mr D is right, if it sounds worse then drop the thought now. Trading down will leave you very unhappy I would imagine given what you have said many times about radio.
Agreed. I like the sound I have now, and it would be a shame to lose that. (Except for still having an ugly four box system with loads of cables erupting out of the back!)
I assumed that Naim had answered my desires for at least the same sound quality, from one wee box, and without CD.
Just feel a bit flat about the whole experience after waiting since March for this thing to finally emerge from Salisbury.
Maybe if it were the first (and only) Naim item a person had ever heard then it would be brilliant.
I don't understand all this. Wasn't this supposed to be a move to streamline/simplify your system? Did you seriously expect a better result for that money? - Naim isn't going to be that stupid to produce something that outperforms their carefully developed lines further up/separates ... of all the manufacturers I know, this one is least likely to do that.
Having said that, I think I still prefer the XS to the Supernait ...
John Duncan
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chebby:I will be very keen to see if any other manufacturers make an active bookshelf/standmount speaker of similar size (also with built in DAC/preamp and remote) in a quality real wood veneer finish that are as good as the ADM9.1s at a comparable price.
Why? Somebody already did.
Why? Somebody already did.
AEJim
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chebby:
I will be very keen to see if any other manufacturers make an active bookshelf/standmount speaker of similar size (also with built in DAC/preamp and remote) in a quality real wood veneer finish that are as good as the ADM9.1s at a comparable price.
Actually I'm working on just that
But for more real-world prices, we're working on a compact wood-veneer speaker for sub £150 (very compact, Pro Sat size) and I'd like to do an active version bundled with a DAC, early days yet but I'd like the whole thing to come in under £500... I'm sure some of the big boys out there will beat us to it though!
I will be very keen to see if any other manufacturers make an active bookshelf/standmount speaker of similar size (also with built in DAC/preamp and remote) in a quality real wood veneer finish that are as good as the ADM9.1s at a comparable price.
Actually I'm working on just that
John Duncan
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drummerman:Who is that?
AVI!
EDIT - by which I mean I could understand if chebby were looking for one smaller, or larger, or cheaper, or with different functionality...
AVI!
EDIT - by which I mean I could understand if chebby were looking for one smaller, or larger, or cheaper, or with different functionality...
plastic penguin
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Andrew Everard:
Maybe it's asking a bit much for a £1350 product to outperform a £925 CD player, £795 amp and £1025 (in current form) tuner, making a total of £2745.
Have you tried the original NaimUniti? Close though the UnitiQute is to it in sound quality, I still think the NaimUniti has sonic advantages to justify the extra cost.
Sorry for hi-jacking the thread a tad: When the Qute was first mentioned earlier this year I did express concerns regarding where it would be placed, in a round-a-bout sort of way, in the grand scheme of things. The fact that the Uniti is essentially the Nait 5i amp/CD combo (obviously the entry-level system), so the Qute, although has certain qualities the separates has, and the advantage of streaming, but ultimately the SQ would be compromised a little....
Maybe it's asking a bit much for a £1350 product to outperform a £925 CD player, £795 amp and £1025 (in current form) tuner, making a total of £2745.
Have you tried the original NaimUniti? Close though the UnitiQute is to it in sound quality, I still think the NaimUniti has sonic advantages to justify the extra cost.
Sorry for hi-jacking the thread a tad: When the Qute was first mentioned earlier this year I did express concerns regarding where it would be placed, in a round-a-bout sort of way, in the grand scheme of things. The fact that the Uniti is essentially the Nait 5i amp/CD combo (obviously the entry-level system), so the Qute, although has certain qualities the separates has, and the advantage of streaming, but ultimately the SQ would be compromised a little....
JohnDuncan:drummerman:Who is that? AVI! EDIT - by which I mean I could understand if chebby were looking for one smaller, or larger, or cheaper, or with different functionality...
I don't think he's quite sure what he is looking for.
I don't think he's quite sure what he is looking for.
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Ok.
(1) The UnitiQute is good. Probably well worth it's £1350. My expectations were set (unfairly) too high after so much time now with my own system and after having heard the NaimUniti a few times over the last year. That is no reflection on Naim or the 'Qute but it didn't come close enough for me to want to take it home with me.
(2) Yes I heard it with other 'sources'. (My iPhone plugged in via USB and some lossless files streamed wirelessly from the shop's own network.) I used music and spoken word content to reflect my listening preferences. No unfamiliar content or special 'test' tracks.
(3) John. What has stopped me twice from buying from AVI is...
i) Comments from reviewers, users, and yourself regarding the bass from the ADM9.1s vs bass from similar sized, good, compact bookshelf speakers and other compact.active/powered speakers. I got an unequivocal answer on this question from Andrew too after his Gramophone review of the ADM9.1s.
ii) I do not respect the manufacturer's marketing nor their philosophy nor their public attacks on other respected manufacturers nor their outrageous claims. (For example the oft repeated claim that Naim doesn't employ any formally qualified electronics engineers in the design of their products!) I do not want to be expected to feel like an idiot for enjoying all of my previous (and present) systems nor for my past and present enjoyment of analogue media like vinyl and FM radio.
I feel uneasy about a manufacturer who produces, and enjoys the profits from, an excellent, award winning, passive compact speaker (another product I have come close to buying) yet expends so much time and energy denouncing the whole idea of passive speakers and the traditional components they are designed to be used with.
(1) The UnitiQute is good. Probably well worth it's £1350. My expectations were set (unfairly) too high after so much time now with my own system and after having heard the NaimUniti a few times over the last year. That is no reflection on Naim or the 'Qute but it didn't come close enough for me to want to take it home with me.
(2) Yes I heard it with other 'sources'. (My iPhone plugged in via USB and some lossless files streamed wirelessly from the shop's own network.) I used music and spoken word content to reflect my listening preferences. No unfamiliar content or special 'test' tracks.
(3) John. What has stopped me twice from buying from AVI is...
i) Comments from reviewers, users, and yourself regarding the bass from the ADM9.1s vs bass from similar sized, good, compact bookshelf speakers and other compact.active/powered speakers. I got an unequivocal answer on this question from Andrew too after his Gramophone review of the ADM9.1s.
ii) I do not respect the manufacturer's marketing nor their philosophy nor their public attacks on other respected manufacturers nor their outrageous claims. (For example the oft repeated claim that Naim doesn't employ any formally qualified electronics engineers in the design of their products!) I do not want to be expected to feel like an idiot for enjoying all of my previous (and present) systems nor for my past and present enjoyment of analogue media like vinyl and FM radio.
I feel uneasy about a manufacturer who produces, and enjoys the profits from, an excellent, award winning, passive compact speaker (another product I have come close to buying) yet expends so much time and energy denouncing the whole idea of passive speakers and the traditional components they are designed to be used with.
John Duncan
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That's fair enough. Strangely enough though, when I had the Neat Petite SX on the end of the Uniti, I made the following note:
"reminds me of ADM9.1s (in good way)"
Damn, that's going to upset somebody...
"reminds me of ADM9.1s (in good way)"
Damn, that's going to upset somebody...
JohnDuncan:That's fair enough. Strangely enough though, when I had the Neat Petite SX on the end of the Uniti, I made the following note: "reminds me of ADM9.1s (in good way)" Damn, that's going to upset somebody...
Does this mean a dawn raid on you by the foo squad then JD?
Does this mean a dawn raid on you by the foo squad then JD?
chebby:
drummerman:I don't think he's quite sure what he is looking for.
Quite possibly some EB Acoustics EB2s now.
Or used/ex-dem SA1s or maybe a complete upgrade of the TV and BD/DVD kit and a nice rack,
Perhaps one of those Chord micro systems? I have to say, gorgeous for the lack of bulk.
drummerman:I don't think he's quite sure what he is looking for.
Quite possibly some EB Acoustics EB2s now.
Or used/ex-dem SA1s or maybe a complete upgrade of the TV and BD/DVD kit and a nice rack,
Perhaps one of those Chord micro systems? I have to say, gorgeous for the lack of bulk.
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Somewhat related subject and very suprising factoid I came across without looking for it ...
In an official release issued by Naim regarding software upgrades to the NaimUniti we are informed...
"Currently, there are two different versions of the Uniti in the field running different issues of software. These are:
BC SW 10189 of which we estimate total 2200 units
BC SW 10198 of which we estimate total 550 units"
This means that until this month (new NaimUnitis are now shipping with the updates) 2750 Naim Unitis have been sold.
Thats around 2750 x £2050 (they launched at £1995 and are now £2099) or roughly £5.6 million at high street prices, plus any ordered for this month.
That is staggering for just one product from a high-end specialist audio company who manufacture/assemble/test everything virtually by hand in Wiltshire rather than China.
Consider also that the bulk of these NaimUnitis were sold in little over a year AND during a recession!
I would love see the Naim company balance sheet next year after the UnitiQute and Naim DAC and all their other new products have made their mark.
I know they are busy but I didn't realise quite how busy.
In an official release issued by Naim regarding software upgrades to the NaimUniti we are informed...
"Currently, there are two different versions of the Uniti in the field running different issues of software. These are:
BC SW 10189 of which we estimate total 2200 units
BC SW 10198 of which we estimate total 550 units"
This means that until this month (new NaimUnitis are now shipping with the updates) 2750 Naim Unitis have been sold.
Thats around 2750 x £2050 (they launched at £1995 and are now £2099) or roughly £5.6 million at high street prices, plus any ordered for this month.
That is staggering for just one product from a high-end specialist audio company who manufacture/assemble/test everything virtually by hand in Wiltshire rather than China.
Consider also that the bulk of these NaimUnitis were sold in little over a year AND during a recession!
I would love see the Naim company balance sheet next year after the UnitiQute and Naim DAC and all their other new products have made their mark.
I know they are busy but I didn't realise quite how busy.
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drummerman:Perhaps one of those Chord micro systems? I have to say, gorgeous for the lack of bulk.
And very expensive! (The new Chordette DAC is £799 and that's one of the cheapest modules in the system.)
http://whathifi.com/News/Chord-Electronics-expands-Chordette-range-with-eight-new-models/
And very expensive! (The new Chordette DAC is £799 and that's one of the cheapest modules in the system.)
http://whathifi.com/News/Chord-Electronics-expands-Chordette-range-with-eight-new-models/
chebby:
Ok.
(1) The UnitiQute is good. Probably well worth it's £1350. My expectations were set (unfairly) too high after so much time now with my own system and after having heard the NaimUniti a few times over the last year. That is no reflection on Naim or the 'Qute but it didn't come close enough for me to want to take it home with me.
(2) Yes I heard it with other 'sources'. (My iPhone plugged in via USB and some lossless files streamed wirelessly from the shop's own network.) I used music and spoken word content to reflect my listening preferences. No unfamiliar content or special 'test' tracks.
(3) John. What has stopped me twice from buying from AVI is...
i) Comments from reviewers, users, and yourself regarding the bass from the ADM9.1s vs bass from similar sized, good, compact bookshelf speakers and other compact.active/powered speakers. I got an unequivocal answer on this question from Andrew too after his Gramophone review of the ADM9.1s.
ii) I do not respect the manufacturer's marketing nor their philosophy nor their public attacks on other respected manufacturers nor their outrageous claims. (For example the oft repeated claim that Naim doesn't employ any formally qualified electronics engineers in the design of their products!) I do not want to be expected to feel like an idiot for enjoying all of my previous (and present) systems nor for my past and present enjoyment of analogue media like vinyl and FM radio.
I feel uneasy about a manufacturer who produces, and enjoys the profits from, an excellent, award winning, passive compact speaker (another product I have come close to buying) yet expends so much time and energy denouncing the whole idea of passive speakers and the traditional components they are designed to be used with.
Or, the often claimed snippet that people want to reduce the box count, yet, this is just shifting the goalposts when one recognises that buying ADM9.1s removes the amp, but you add a computer, it provides the DAC, but you add an Apple TV, or an Airport Express, or a TV, or whatever.
The boxes may be smaller, or bigger if we're talking a full size TV, but the idea that the box-count is reduced, or negated entirely, is a fallacy.
Ok.
(1) The UnitiQute is good. Probably well worth it's £1350. My expectations were set (unfairly) too high after so much time now with my own system and after having heard the NaimUniti a few times over the last year. That is no reflection on Naim or the 'Qute but it didn't come close enough for me to want to take it home with me.
(2) Yes I heard it with other 'sources'. (My iPhone plugged in via USB and some lossless files streamed wirelessly from the shop's own network.) I used music and spoken word content to reflect my listening preferences. No unfamiliar content or special 'test' tracks.
(3) John. What has stopped me twice from buying from AVI is...
i) Comments from reviewers, users, and yourself regarding the bass from the ADM9.1s vs bass from similar sized, good, compact bookshelf speakers and other compact.active/powered speakers. I got an unequivocal answer on this question from Andrew too after his Gramophone review of the ADM9.1s.
ii) I do not respect the manufacturer's marketing nor their philosophy nor their public attacks on other respected manufacturers nor their outrageous claims. (For example the oft repeated claim that Naim doesn't employ any formally qualified electronics engineers in the design of their products!) I do not want to be expected to feel like an idiot for enjoying all of my previous (and present) systems nor for my past and present enjoyment of analogue media like vinyl and FM radio.
I feel uneasy about a manufacturer who produces, and enjoys the profits from, an excellent, award winning, passive compact speaker (another product I have come close to buying) yet expends so much time and energy denouncing the whole idea of passive speakers and the traditional components they are designed to be used with.
Or, the often claimed snippet that people want to reduce the box count, yet, this is just shifting the goalposts when one recognises that buying ADM9.1s removes the amp, but you add a computer, it provides the DAC, but you add an Apple TV, or an Airport Express, or a TV, or whatever.
The boxes may be smaller, or bigger if we're talking a full size TV, but the idea that the box-count is reduced, or negated entirely, is a fallacy.
i dont think there ever was a one box solution that was better than seperates, be it hifi, home cinema, tv dvd combo etc, i reckon they are nice little earners for their makers, bought at inflated prices by people willing to pay for the convenience...
Ravey Gravey Davy
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maxflinn:i dont think there ever was a one box solution that was better than seperates, be it hifi, home cinema, tv dvd combo etc, i reckon they are nice little earners for their makers, bought at inflated prices by people willing to pay for the convenience...
They might not be better than separates,but at £460 ,the TEAC I have is far from inflated and does an awful lot to our satisfaction.
They might not be better than separates,but at £460 ,the TEAC I have is far from inflated and does an awful lot to our satisfaction.
plastic penguin
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Ravey Gravey Davy:
maxflinn:i dont think there ever was a one box solution that was better than seperates, be it hifi, home cinema, tv dvd combo etc, i reckon they are nice little earners for their makers, bought at inflated prices by people willing to pay for the convenience...
They might not be better than separates,but at £460 ,the TEAC I have is far from inflated and does an awful lot to our satisfaction.
They are, effectively, a modern-day music centre...
maxflinn:i dont think there ever was a one box solution that was better than seperates, be it hifi, home cinema, tv dvd combo etc, i reckon they are nice little earners for their makers, bought at inflated prices by people willing to pay for the convenience...
They might not be better than separates,but at £460 ,the TEAC I have is far from inflated and does an awful lot to our satisfaction.
They are, effectively, a modern-day music centre...
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