Audio T Verdict
The Naim Uniti Atom combines a network music player, high-resolution DAC, pre-amplifier and 40W-per-channel Class A/B power amplifier in one compact component.
It can drive a suitably matched pair of passive speakers and provides HDMI ARC, digital and line-level analogue inputs, USB storage playback, a sub/pre-output and a 3.5mm headphone socket.
Loudspeaker matching, speaker-cable compatibility and network setup all deserve careful attention. It also has no phono stage, CD drive or DAB/FM tuner, so those functions require separate equipment.
Naim Uniti Atom Streaming Amplifier
The Uniti Atom is Naim's compact all-in-one streaming amplifier, designed to form the centre of a high-quality music and television system without requiring a separate network player, DAC, pre-amplifier and power amplifier.
Its 40W-per-channel amplifier drives compatible passive speakers, while its streaming platform supports internet services, network music libraries, Roon, wireless playback and compatible USB storage.
A five-inch colour display, illuminated top-mounted volume control, Focal and Naim app and bidirectional remote provide several ways to operate the system.
Directly Supported
- Suitably matched passive loudspeakers
- Music streaming over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- HDMI ARC television audio on the listed version
- UPnP music libraries and compatible USB storage
- Roon, AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth playback
- Optical and coaxial digital sources
- One line-level stereo analogue source
- A compatible active subwoofer or separate power amplifier
- Wired headphones through a 3.5mm connection
Requires Additional Equipment
- A suitable pair of passive speakers and speaker cables
- A turntable requires an external phono stage
- CD playback requires a separate player or transport
- Roon playback requires a Roon server and subscription
- More demanding speakers may require a more powerful amplifier
- Headphones needing balanced or high-power drive require a separate solution
40W Class A/B Integrated Amplifier
Naim rates the Uniti Atom at 40W per channel into 8 ohms at 0.1 percent THD plus noise. The amplifier uses Class A/B operation and is intended to drive a pair of compatible passive loudspeakers directly.
Power output is only one part of loudspeaker matching. Speaker impedance, sensitivity, electrical phase, room size, listening distance and the volume required all affect whether the Atom is a suitable partner.
A store demonstration is particularly useful with low-sensitivity speakers, difficult impedance loads, large rooms or systems expected to produce sustained high levels.
Speaker Matching Matters
A 40W rating does not make the Uniti Atom compatible with every passive speaker. Confirm the intended speaker model, room and listening requirements before ordering.
If the chosen speakers are unusually demanding, a higher-powered amplifier or another Uniti model may provide a more appropriate system foundation.
Speaker Connections and Cable Choice
The rear speaker outputs use the supplied Naim speaker plugs. Correct termination and firm connections are important for safe, reliable operation.
Naim lists NACA5 as a compatible speaker cable. Other cables should have suitable electrical characteristics and terminations; avoid assuming that an unusual or high-capacitance design is compatible without confirmation.
Cable type, length and termination should be agreed with Audio T for the proposed installation. No universal minimum cable length is stated here because current Uniti guidance and older Naim amplifier advice are not interchangeable.
HDMI ARC for Television Sound
The Uniti Atom listed by Audio T includes one HDMI ARC connection, allowing a compatible television to send stereo audio to the amplifier and connected speakers through a single HDMI cable.
HDMI CEC can also allow compatible televisions to coordinate functions such as volume and power, although behaviour depends on the television, settings and cable used.
Confirm the HDMI Version
Naim documentation shows that HDMI was optional on some production variants, while the current Audio T listing specifies HDMI ARC. Confirm the actual connection panel when buying used, clearance or ex-demonstration stock.
Set the television's digital audio output to two-channel PCM or stereo. Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream and multichannel signals are not suitable for the Atom's stereo HDMI input.
High-Resolution Music Streaming
The Uniti platform provides access to Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, internet radio and compatible UPnP music libraries.
Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast allow compatible services and apps to send audio from phones, tablets and computers. Bluetooth provides a quick wireless connection using SBC or AAC.
Streaming-service availability, features and subscription requirements can change by country and firmware version. Keeping the player and Focal and Naim app updated is recommended.
Focal and Naim App
The current Focal and Naim app for iOS and Android provides source selection, music browsing, playlists, presets, volume, multiroom control, input settings and firmware updates.
Earlier product copy refers simply to the Naim App. This has been replaced by the combined Focal and Naim app.
Roon Ready Playback
Roon Ready certification allows the Uniti Atom to operate as a network endpoint in a Roon system.
The Atom does not run the Roon server itself. A separate Roon server, controller and appropriate subscription are required.
UPnP and USB Music Libraries
Music stored on a compatible UPnP server can be browsed and played over the local network. Two USB 2.0 type-A connections, positioned at the front and rear, support compatible local storage devices.
Naim currently specifies USB sticks up to 128GB, portable SSD storage up to 1TB and libraries containing up to 20,000 tracks.
Music on connected USB storage can also be made available to a compatible network player when the Uniti server function is enabled.
USB Storage, Not USB-B Computer Audio
The two USB sockets are type-A connections intended for compatible storage and supported portable devices. The Uniti Atom does not have a USB-B input for use as a conventional wired computer DAC.
Computer playback is normally handled over the network using Roon, UPnP, AirPlay 2 or Google Cast.
Supported Audio Formats
Supported formats include WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, M4A and DSD64 or DSD128. Gapless playback is supported across the listed formats.
Naim currently specifies WAV playback up to 32-bit/384kHz, with FLAC, AIFF and ALAC supported up to 24-bit/384kHz. Lossy formats have lower published limits.
Actual playback capability can depend on the selected input, network source, file format and control method rather than the headline format limit alone.
Coaxial and Optical Digital Inputs
One RCA coaxial digital input accepts stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DoP DSD64. Two optical Toslink inputs accept stereo PCM up to 24-bit/96kHz.
These inputs can accommodate compatible CD players, televisions, games consoles and other digital sources.
Any television or video source connected digitally should be configured for two-channel PCM or stereo rather than Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream or multichannel audio.
Stereo RCA Analogue Input
One stereo RCA line input allows a compatible analogue source to use the Atom's amplifier and speaker outputs.
The input expects a line-level signal and is not a turntable phono stage. Connect a turntable through a suitable external moving-magnet or moving-coil phono stage.
Volume-Controlled Sub/Pre-Output
A rear stereo RCA sub/pre-output can feed a compatible active subwoofer or a separate power amplifier. The output follows the Atom's volume control rather than operating as a fixed line output.
An active subwoofer must provide the level, crossover and phase adjustment required by the system. When connecting a conventional integrated amplifier, careful volume management or a compatible fixed-gain bypass input is required.
3.5mm Headphone Output
A front 3.5mm socket provides a convenient connection for compatible wired headphones.
This is not the dedicated balanced headphone-amplifier system used in the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition. Headphones requiring a 4.4mm Pentaconn connection, four-pin XLR output or substantial drive may be better served by that model or a separate headphone amplifier.
Naim Multiroom and Party Mode
Naim multiroom allows compatible Uniti, network-player and Mu-so products to play independently or as a synchronised group.
Naim's current specification describes Party Mode synchronisation for up to six Naim streamers, updating the older multiroom wording shown on the existing Audio T page.
AirPlay 2 and Google Home grouping provide additional multiroom options with compatible third-party products, although these operate separately from Naim's own Party Mode.
Five-Inch Display and Top-Mounted Volume Control
A five-inch colour LCD shows artwork, source and playback information. It is a display rather than a touchscreen, with operation handled through the four adjacent buttons, remote, app or top-mounted volume control.
The illuminated rotary volume control uses a proximity sensor, while the included bidirectional Zigbee remote provides control without requiring conventional infrared line of sight.
Network and Installation Requirements
Network connection is available through 10/100Mbps Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi. Ethernet can provide the most predictable connection in systems with weak or congested wireless coverage.
The top-mounted control needs sufficient clearance above the unit. The chassis should sit on a stable surface with space around it for ventilation and convenient access to the speaker and source connections.
Naim specifies consumption of 90W in normal use, below 2W in network standby and below 0.5W in non-network standby.
No CD Drive or Broadcast-Radio Tuner
The Uniti Atom does not contain a CD mechanism or DAB/FM tuner. It provides internet radio through its network platform.
A separate CD player can use the stereo RCA line input, while a compatible CD transport can use one of the digital inputs.
Compact British-Built Design
The black aluminium chassis measures 245mm wide, 95mm high and 265mm deep, with a weight of 7kg.
Naim builds the Uniti Atom in Salisbury, England. It is supplied with a bidirectional remote control and Power-Line Lite mains cable; the quick-start documentation also shows speaker plugs, batteries, a cleaning cloth and document pack.
Key Features
- All-in-one network player, DAC, pre-amplifier and power amplifier
- 40W per channel into 8 ohms
- Class A/B power-amplifier design
- Outputs for a pair of passive speakers
- HDMI ARC connection on the listed version
- Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi networking
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz and internet radio
- AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth
- Roon Ready and UPnP streaming
- Two USB type-A storage connections
- One coaxial and two optical digital inputs
- Stereo RCA line-level analogue input
- Volume-controlled stereo RCA sub/pre-output
- Front 3.5mm headphone output
- Naim multiroom and Party Mode
- Five-inch colour LCD
- Top-mounted illuminated volume control
- Focal and Naim app and Zigbee remote control
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Uniti Atom a streamer or an amplifier?
It is both. It combines a network music player and DAC with a pre-amplifier and 40W-per-channel power amplifier for compatible passive speakers.
Will it drive any passive speaker?
No amplifier is universally suitable. Speaker impedance, sensitivity, room size, listening distance and required level should all be considered. Arrange a demonstration with the intended speakers where possible.
Does every Uniti Atom have HDMI ARC?
No. The current Audio T listing specifies HDMI ARC, but Naim documentation shows that HDMI was optional on some variants. Check the actual connection panel on used, clearance or ex-demonstration stock.
Can it improve television sound?
Yes, when the television supports HDMI ARC and sends two-channel PCM or stereo. Optical can provide an alternative connection. Do not send Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream or multichannel audio.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, through a suitable external phono stage connected to the stereo RCA line input. A turntable cannot normally connect directly because the Atom has no built-in phono stage.
Can it play CDs?
It has no CD drive. A separate CD player can connect by analogue RCA, while a CD transport can use a compatible optical or coaxial digital input.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. Its front and rear USB type-A sockets support compatible local storage, subject to Naim's drive, capacity, formatting and library-size guidance.
Can it be used as a USB DAC for a computer?
Not through a conventional USB-B audio connection because one is not provided. Computer audio is normally sent over the network through Roon, UPnP, AirPlay 2 or Google Cast.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. The stereo RCA sub/pre-output can feed a compatible active subwoofer. The subwoofer should provide the level, crossover and phase controls required for correct integration.
What is the difference from the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition?
The standard Atom has a 40W-per-channel power amplifier and speaker outputs. The Headphone Edition removes the speaker amplifier and adds a dedicated headphone amplifier with balanced headphone and pre-amplifier connections.
Does it need an Ethernet connection?
No. It supports both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, although a wired connection can be preferable where wireless coverage is weak or congested.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Amplifier and loudspeaker matching demonstrations
- Speaker-cable selection and termination advice
- Focal and Naim app setup
- Streaming-service and Roon configuration
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi installation guidance
- HDMI ARC and television-audio configuration
- Subwoofer selection and integration advice
- Turntable and phono-stage connection advice
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing system setup and servicing support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration with your preferred speakers and confirm network, source, cable and system compatibility before ordering.