Curious how many people have moved away from the all-in-one Uniti series (I have a Star) and reverted to a traditional integrated amp+streamer.
Not sure how long my dollar will last with my Star as streaming tech keeps improving, and having a separate streamer that I can upgrade in 5 years might be wiser.
@parksung there are a couple of other threads about adding streamers to an existing system (some onto a bare DAC and others onto a Naim streamer + DAC) that you will find interesting. I’ve been reading with interest for similar reasons as you, but also to see if adding a dedicated streamer could improve the sound.
I moved from a Nova to SN3 + NDX2 for my main system but kept the Nova for a second system. If the NDX2 streaming section ever becomes redundant I will simply get a streamer. If I can be convinced now that the sound will improve significantly, I’ll get the streamer now.
I feel any all in one is a SQ compromise to some extent. I moved from a SN3/NDX2/HicapDr/XPSDr to a full system 300. Huge SQ improvement. With an all in one you gain convenience, ease of connection and fewer boxes. Your choice.
I’m not sure the question applies to more than a small percentage of buyers. The use case is different.
Some users will not care about boxes and just want a system with a Naim logo on it at their desired price point and climb from Uniti to separates. But that is (just a guess) probably less then 20%.
Most users will decide on the type of system they are building for a room and will start with separates and end up with separates because that’s the system they want to build.
I love my Uniti Qute2. I love my Qbs. The rooms they are used in will never be designated for separates. My separates room will, likewise, never be designated for an all-in-one.
I moved from a multibox system to a Uniti, and a few years later, moved back to a multibox system. I still have my Star in my second system. Why did I downsize? It was due to needing all the boxes serviced and health issues at the time, so a Uniti seemed the best move at the time. Why did I return to multiboxes? SQ uplift was the main reason, but a series of events/changes in circumstances also contributed to the decision.
You already had separates, so the point about an all in one is hardly relevant. It’s also worth pointing out that you don’t have a full 300 system. That would require a pair of 350s rather than your 250, which is part of the 200 series.
I downsized to an all-in-one Nova with a Star in the second system. They were very good ran them both for a few years. I changed to a Chord Dave/Mscaler with active ATCs, the Dave/Mscaler has now been replaced by a Nagra Tube DAC. The second system is now an Atom HE. Both systems supported by an Innuos streamer/server.
Looking at Naim: a Star is cheaper then a 333 or a 222 (which is already a “hybrid” like a Uniti minus amplification).
So, if, a streamer is more vulnerable of becoming obsolete the only “ proof” system ( aka you keep the analogue parts of your system and replace the streamer part only) going full 300 is the only Naim option.
I doubt that, when bought together, the analogue parts will survive the streamer part that much longer anyway. Especially when you trust the company to give software updates to extent the streamer life. Sure the streamer will be surpassed by newer streamers.. But then so will the other components. Simply look at NAP 250 → 250 DR —> NC 250
In the end its all about available budget and the increasing extra budget you want to spend on diminishing returns. And take into account that if you want to keep your system “ the best available” you have to replace it faster then before. Maybe a case of planned obsolescence. Its your call if you want to go play that game.
Regarding going back to separates from a “ one box”. Its more about the budget and physical limitations/ preferences plus your sound requirement. Like my Nova outplayes a lot of budget seperates. But my separates are in a different league then the Nova. And yes there are all in ones that again outplay my seperates.. But they are beyond my € limits.
All else being equal.
In my case I moved from separates to a Star, and gained in SQ. This was a compromise agreed with the rest of the household. The budget went up and in return the amount of boxes came down.
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