NAIM Uniti Nova
Contents
What’s in a NAIM? Well… pretty much in this case. The Uniti Nova is a very comprehensive all-in-one, made by he British NAIM. But you probably already knew that, because we have tested the Uniti NOVA before.
NAIM Uniti had some start-up problems. Delivery of this multi-room streaming series was mildly problematic. But that is solved by now, we understand. And that’s a good thing, because it’s an interesting product. Especially for NAIM fans… because yes: it’s a NAIM with all the quirks and features that go with it. And before you think… small housing, so probably Class-D: no. Again, NAIM just puts a class AB amplifier in there. And it’s still surprisingly cool, too.
Quirks enough with NAIM…Â weird enough we don’t find any balanced inputs on the NOVA. Of course there are DIN plugs, which according to NAIM are simply better than cinch and xlr. Hmmm DIN provides better grounding. True… But no-one uses them anymore. Only NAIM. So keep that in mind.
Of course we also see an amazing display on the front (unfortunately no touch…) and the beautiful volume control on top. Man… that thing’s still very pretty.
NAIM has had its own app for years. Via this app, the NOVA can be found directly if it is connected to the network. We literally plugged in the NAIM, connected speakers and pushed in the network cable… done. We immediately see the Uniti NOVA in the app. Let’s play.
Sound
What we indicated at the beginning: it’s a NAIM. And NAIM has a clear signature sound. Within this characteristic sound comes the so called PRAT: pace rhytm and timing. A NAIM always sounds rhythmic. And so does this Uniti NOVA.
Snares, bass-kicks, starting vocals: it’s fine with both systems, although the NOVA prefers the Focal set. That’s where playback is quickest and sound balance is at its best. Even if we hear a hint of warmth.
What also stands out is the large imaging. The image is nice and wide and high with more than enough depth to compete in this class.
We play from the Ambre with Pavane as well as the NAIM’s built-in streamer. And oh… what a difference! The built-in streamer really has much more transparency than the analog input. And we know this isn’t in the Ambre with Pavane. So if you want to get the best playback quality from the NOVA, it is best to use the built-in streamer.
Judgement
NAIM presents a particularly interesting product with the Uniti NOVA. Especially for the lover who just wants everything in one box. The ‘just add speakers’ lover. Striking is the ease with which the Uniti Nova can be installed. Just plug it in and go… That’s the way it’s supposed to be. Also striking is the less transparent analog input. The difference in detail and presence is clearly audible in our set-up. This was not the case with competitors.
| Good for those who love | Less good for those who love |
| Tasty PRaT | Connecting many external sources |
| No-nonsense | Balanced inputs |
| Complete convenience | Spade or bare speaker cables |
Specifications
| Model | NAIM Uniti NOVA |
| Inputs | 1 x RCA, 2 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial, 2 x USB, Ethernet, HDMI ARC (optional) |
| Speaker Terminals | Banana |
| Headphones | Yes, 3.5mm |
| Exits | Pre-out (variable) |
| Power | 80 watts in 8 Ohm |
| Expandable | No |
| Price | 5250 euro |