[0rangutan]

I have a Naim UnitiQute which I use for my regular 2-channel listening, but have made very limited use of the onboard headphone socket.

I understand that onboard headphone outputs are usually quite poor, however it would be good to get the views of any Qute owners on Head-fi about how the Qute compares with dedicated heaphone amps. Does it beat a £50 amp? £200?

Any opinions much appreciated.

Thanks,
John

 

[Michgelsen]

Not many people around here own Naim kit, so don't be surprised if you don't get a satisfactory reply.
 
Onboard headphone outputs can be quite poor, but there are also excellent ones out there. I recall for example that the headphone out of my NAD C352 amplifier was on par with the Musical Fidelity X-Can v3 I also had at the time.
 
Since I haven't heard the UnitiQute, I can't say for sure, but I expect its headphone out to at least surpass £50 amps and maybe more. Just give it an honest listen if you can.
 
Better sound quality is not the only reason dedicated headphone amps are produced. Other reasons to make or buy them are added functionality, smaller size, or minimalist ideas. What I'm trying to say is: it may well be that the headphone output of your UnitiQute is great. Don't let the amp hype confuse you.

 

[0rangutan]

Thanks for the response.
 
Any idea why the Naim->Head-fi disconnect?
Presumably Naim owners just buy a Headline and don't look further?
 
John

 

[Michgelsen]

No, I don't know why that is. It's not that Naim has a bad reputation, most people here just never come in contact with it.

 

[colinjay]

I should have a UnitiQute by the end of the month that I can compare to a Nait5>Headline2>NAPSC setup. I'm consolidating my kit and moving all digital.

 

[Marco2]

I have no first hand experience, however, my brother previously had a NAIT5i, Headline 2, FlatCap2.  He downsized to a UnitiQute.  He is very pleased with the UnitQute but he did comment that the headphone out did not compare to the Headline2.

 

[colinjay]

What cans was he using?

Out of curiosity, what did he think of the comparison between the Nait and the UnitiQute with speakers?

 

[Marco2]

He uses Grado 325i headphones.  Not sure on speaker performance compared to the NAIT, sorry.