In any case, adding a power amp to a Nova certainly can be a good option on an upgrade path. I’m just not so convinced about Nova + amp as a planned end game from new as a lot is wasted on the power amp in the Nova that is never used.
I ran my new 300DR off a Nova for a short time while I waited for the 252, but sadly I never bothered to compare and have nothing to share about this except that it sounded great to me 
2 Likes
My sentiments exactly. And the pairing would be temporary in my system. The Nova will eventually be my front room system for casual listening with the 816s. It’s really fine with the Powerline. The degree of improvement with an amp is sexy, but without it, the Nova is just fine. What is it they say? Once into the rabbit hole you spend double the money for a 10% improvement?
Not sure whether a garden or driveway is the best spot for critical listening… No doubt that Atom can do loud, but I wish for more…
I spent ~7 times what my previous system cost but I also feel like it’s 1000% better 
2 Likes
You wanted to reduce the boxes. Fine. But writing that a Cds3/ XPS 2/ 252/ SC/ 300 is less capable than a Nova/ 250 dr is pure nonsense.
Maybe all boxes needed an urgent service.
2 Likes
…entirely possible (the existing kit was 18 years old, and ex-dem from day one). But at £5.5K I chose a different route. By the way, I didn’t state/write that in all cases…only in my case…
I have actually heard a Nova driving a Focal Kanta and it sounded excellent with no hint of strain. I’m not usually a fan of Focal speakers but this really was good. I guess I must like mullet…
2 Likes
Yep, I enjoy Focal Kanta 2 driven by Uniti Nova in our home office - have listened to that system a LOT over the past 18 months…
5 Likes
I almost bought this pairing, but it was the boom at low bass in the Kantas that stopped me. Mid bass was fine and please note that the boom only appeared on certain tracks - I recall Sault’s I Just Want to Dance was particularly bad. Any thoughts on how to correct this in a room? By the way, I listened to them in a Focal demo room, fully treated, top notch cables, driven by a Nova.
difficult obligation?! 
1 Like
Tough job, but someone’s got to do it!
Joking aside, I obviously mean working from home due to the pandemic
3 Likes
Toe-in helps hugely, I’ve found. On the Nova side, ensuring it’s well supported (mine’s on a fully supported Fraim shelf, rather than just sitting on the table), and an upgrade to Powerline works wonders. Good old Nac a5 cable works a treat, rather than anything fancier, too.
2 Likes
understood. unfortunately, we should have another (better) reason to be able to enjoy this kind of pleasure…
sugestion for your working day : Al Green
have a good day, Madame Clare.
1 Like
Thanks for this. The Nova was on a good shelf and with a Powerline. The speaker cables were the Focal-recommended Tchernov Classic (which I also have on my Atom, and I haven’t noticed any bass issues). I will try a home demo before buying. I want to choose the Kanta (everything else is stunning) - the choice is currently between the Kanta 2 and PMC, ProAc or ATC.
Are you folks so really self absorbed that you keep replying to a post that seems to be a troll since the OP has never replied to any forum responses in Two Months?
Forum participation is inconsistent and it’s a shame when people ask questions but don’t reply later with their thoughts or findings. However, thankfully other members volunteer responses and a thread can take on a life of its own, occasionally meandering, but hopefully still of use, regardless of perceived self-absorption 
1 Like
His activity says that he has read the thread during 30 last mn.
2 Likes
@frenchrooster I stand corrected
1 Like
Depends on the speakers. A SN3 may (or may not) have a better preamp section than the Nova but would not drive my Shahinians better than the 250DR, I know, I tried both.
2 Likes