When my Unitiqutes die …

Hi-Fi Corner
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I have four UQs, one of which is first generation. I have spent a day or two updating their firmware, and I was wondering if it was for the last time?
Three of them have in ceiling speakers, the other has a pair of Linn Kans. looking back I think I could have had another arrangement, I.e. a single box with some form of switch to select the particular room I’m in.

Ok there are times when I have more than one UQ running, and multiroom is useful, especially if entertaining or listening to TMS. But mostly I think a switch could work, perhaps with an Atom HE. Before I go talking to dealers does anyone have experience of using a speaker switch?

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any use?

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Perhaps you should be looking at Naim’s new CI-Uniti 102, cheaper than an Atom, rack mountable. Maybe also a NAP 108.

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Is there a reason to think the UQs will die? They can be serviced and recapped. Even if the screens die, they can be used via the app if they were left with a good configuration before the screens became unusable. The only real concern is if a non replaceable component dies or you simply require newer functionality they don’t support.

Even if this is the last firmware update they ever get, they are still very good units.

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I agree that they are great units … I’m just a doom monger!

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I think if you like the flexibility you have now, then a speaker switch will be a step backwards. I remember you describing your setup before and it sounds awesome.

What you could do is replace one of them with the Naim CI amp that @ChrisSU suggests, and see how that goes. The old and new all can multiroom together, or you could try an analogue connection to multiroom them since they’re in the same rack.

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There is a Japanese company that makes a speaker switch. Super expensive but it works without any detectable degradation.

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I accept your challenge!

Just out of curiousity as I don’t currently need a speaker selector switch.

(googles around a bit)

Audio Design HAS-3? It appears to utilize a high grade audio switch by the Japanese rotary selector company Seiden.

However, I only see 3 output models. So it won’t quite meet the OP’s requirements.

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Second hand Luxman AS-50R speaker selector with remote control.

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Thanks everyone for the great suggestions, especially the C-1 and the Luxman (I had looked at the QED switch but like @el_soldado I think it would be a backward step) … I am over my doom mongering for this week and am enjoying what I have!

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Sounds like a good plan - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
I guess you could replace the Unitis individually if any become unrepairable. The CI-102 should be compatible in a Naim multiroom grouping although there’s no mention of them being Roon ready yet as far as I’m aware.

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Good point @chrisSU - I thought I might not be able to upgrade the 1st GenUQ when ageing MacMini refused to upload a new driver. It’s done great service, and there’s more life in it yet.

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