Advices needed, Nova + CD + Turntable?

Hi everyone,

I’ve used a Unitilite during the last couple of years and want to upgrade my configuration.

As I often listen to CDs, I was planning to buy Uniti Nova + CD 5 SI (doesn’t seem to have much choice on Naim CD player…).
I also have a turntable (Rega P3) with a classical fono MM Rega.

I had several questions:

  • Is Nova + CD 5 SI a good combination? I’ve heard it’s better than Star.
  • Would I gain something by changing my fono Rega to a StageLine?

Thanks for your help,

Gregoire

why buy a cd player ? you can rip your cds and stream them with your nova.
Or you can buy a nait xs and a cd5i.

you should read the thread : from superuniti to nova. It can help.
If you prefer physical format, better not go for a nova. Turntable with nova is not top .

You won’t need a cd player with nova if you have tidal, sounds as good if not better than cd , just hook up your turn table and speakers and your set.

I have a regal rp6 with my nova and it sounds incredible! Better than when I had my xs2. But you do have to turn it up about 10db more than streaming to get same volume.

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Forgot to say though I’m using an ifi phone stage haven’t bought a naim one yet so you’ll need a flat cap if you go naim phone stage, I really want to try one though already have a flat cap2 from when I had my xs2 so now just need new phone stage.

My LP12 through my Nova sounds very good to me and has drawn particularly positive comments from others. I am sure there are other better solutions but turntable and Nova seems to work pretty well.

what i read here is perhaps not true. Some said the nova digitalizes the analog signal…others said that lps sound better with an xs or superuniti.
Anyway i hope all this is wrong. Enjoy your nova, it’s a nice piece !

Thanks everyone,

I am attached to physical storage so I prefer to keep a CD player/turntable rather than ripping them. Of what I understand, adding a StageLine won’t add much and I can just plug my current setup.

Concerning the CD player, I’ve heard that you have quite the same quality plugging it to a Nova or to a XS, however the streamer would be better with the Nova.

Hi gregle,

I would rather go for a used CD5XS, had this before I upgraded to the Nova. The only piece of equipment I wish I hadn’t sold. It’s super musical and I wish I had tried it on the Nova before I let it go.

The Nova has worked flawlessly for me and I think its a fantastic one-box solution.

Do I remember correctly that the nova only has one analog input? The turntable will need this so if you don’t want to rip, a CD player with a digital output would seem the best bet, if Naim a used CD5xs or later CDX2 (or DVD5 but probably not). Otherwise go outside the brand, or audition a Core before completely rejecting ripping. The CD5si only outputs analog.

The Nova actually has two analogue inputs. I know because I am using both :slight_smile:

I believe there are 4 analogue inputs - 2 RCA/phono and 2 x DIN inputs.

Good point, well made. I am only using the RCA inputs and forgot about the DIN - I should have had a snoop around the back before posting. :slight_smile:

That’s a no then.

Thanks, will try to find one. Then I guess it’s better to connect the digital output to the Nova via BNC and use the DAC of the Nova?

Possibly, but I would never make assumptions like that without careful listening tests.

Hi all, I’ve just received my Nova yesterday and managed to find a CD5xs, everything works fine. Thanks for your help :slight_smile:.

Still need to try out analogue/digital output though…

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As I understand it, all Uniti models analogue input are digitized and then play through the.on board DAC circuit.

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