Get a DAC! I connect my MacBook Air to my Qutest via the USB input and play AppleMusic (lossless/HRes) to the Qutest and then to my Nait2 (or whatever amp I’m using). It is the easiest way. You will also raise the quality of the output of the UQ2.
Buy a Qutest 2ndhand and if you don’t like it/doesn’t work for you sell it with no/little loss. It is rather good (promise).
@anon27418182 - If I really enjoy the process of streaming and want to continue after the free trial, then buying a DAC is an option I’ll definitely consider. I would be using the iPhone SE2 or an iPad Air1 as the control device, which would be plugged into the DAC via an appropriate dongle, which I think is the Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter?
As a kludge first attempt to get it working, I’m streaming from the iPhone SE2 to the UnitiQute2 via Bluetooth, which does work, but with the obvious limitations of lossy bluetooth.
An earlier generation Apple TV or Airport, connected using the optical output to the UQ2 will enable you to use Airplay. However, Airplay will only give you CD quality, not hi-res. For a DAC, it will only give hi-res if you physically connect an Apple device using USB.
Thanks Mike. Ah, I didn’t know about the Airplay option with the UQ2. Assuming you are referring to an Airport Express?
I have a friend who has a spare Topping DAC which he said he could post over to me, so I may explore that route as well. Options are opening up now.
Yes, the Airport Express or the earlier generation Apple TV with the optical outputs that you can connect to the input on the UQ2.
Ah, I think we have an old 3rd generation Apple TV lying unused in a drawer, but no TV in the listening room to set it up! Can this be done headless?
Yes, it can. Either plug Ethernet into it, or set it to use wi-fi. But you may need to set it up first on a TV if you need to access the menu for wi-fi password and auto shut down times etc.
Fabulous, thanks Mike, that’s great news. ok I’ll go looking for the Apple TV tomorrow and if we still have it do a little more research then.
AppleTVs 1-3 had optical out, the later ones didn’t.
AppleTVs 2-3 for some reason upsample audio to 16 bit 48kHz, only Apple TV 1 output CD quality as such. I dislike non-integer upsampling from 44.1 kHz but in all honesty how many people can REALLY tell any difference.
That’s interesting. I’m pretty sure its an Apple TV3 we still have, but I’ve not gone rooting through cupboards to find it yet - hopefully later on this evening.
The good news is I do have a spare older Apple TV3 with optical out, so that’s could be a starting point. So, how do I connect it up optimally and set up the Apple TV for dedicated streaming from an iPhone?
Edit - all up and running after a couple of false starts. Apple Music now streaming CD quality lossless audio to the Apple TV3, which is connected to the UnitiQute2 via toslink, and the difference between Bluetooth and lossless (which I’ve been using today) is very noticeable.
Does the UnitiQute display sample/bit rate - I’d love to be wrong about the 48 kHz upsampling but I’ve not had an ATV 3 hooked up to an AV receiver which would show that for some time.
Actually might try ATV3 to Nova and see what Naim app shows but often the info isn’t available.
Excellent, I’m glad it’s worked out for you. And at no cost, you get a great improvement in SQ, which is pretty rare in this game.
@Alley_Cat - I’m not sure if the Naim app or the UQ2 display shows that info, and didn’t check last night as I was just concentrating on getting it up and running via the ATV3 and the Apple Music app on the phone. I’ll check and report back later when I start work and fire everything up.
@Mike_S - I was delighted that it all came together so easily, and as you say, nice to utilise an old piece of equipment lying unused, and gain in sound quality as well. Not often that happens! Is there an advantage to using an Airport Express over an Apple TV?
I still have the offer of a friends Topping DAC, which I may do if I want to take things further.
I don’t know for sure, but expect not.
As an added bonus of using the Apple TV, I can also stream podcasts from the phone to the UQ2 via Airplay, and even though they are only spoken word, they’ve also received a significant boost in sound quality over using Bluetooth!
I’m frequently using my SE2, iPad Pro or Mac as source. I would strongly second @anon27418182 on the Qutest - if you eBay, seemingly unused ones can be purchased for half the new price and they sound quality far exceeds the price bracket they sit in. An Apple Lightning to USB allows all your devices to stream pristine lossless audio into your NAIM system without the complexities of trying to get old AirPort Express or ATVs to work. AirPort Express converted everything to 44/16 by default BTW.
Half the price?
Bargain if so.
Interesting Airport Express review from Ken Rockwell here:
https://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/airport-express-audio-quality-2014.htm
From 2014 - the audio out was a major feature for me and I got one but it’s currently used as an access point upstairs (an older one used to cut out a lot more with audio). In 2014 I doubt we’d have forseen all the SMART devices we now have which can do this sort of thing for a fraction of the cost (thinking Amazon Echo Dot and Google devices primarily).
Qutest new £1250. On eBay today, they start at £550 for a clean-looking example.
ND5 XS2, £2,499