Audio T Verdict
The Naim Uniti Nova combines a high-resolution network player, DAC, pre-amplifier and 80W-per-channel Class A/B stereo amplifier in one full-width component.
It provides HDMI ARC, extensive analogue and digital connectivity, USB and SD-card playback, Roon Ready support, multiroom operation and optional DAB/FM radio on the tuner-equipped version.
Loudspeaker and cable matching remain important, and a turntable or CD collection requires additional equipment. For systems needing substantially more amplifier headroom, the Uniti Nova Power Edition offers a different Class D power stage.
Naim Uniti Nova Streaming Amplifier
The Uniti Nova is a full-width all-in-one streaming amplifier designed to operate as the central component of a high-quality music and television system.
It integrates network streaming, digital conversion, source selection, volume control and a stereo power amplifier within a single brushed-aluminium chassis.
Its broader connection range and 80W-per-channel amplifier provide a step up from the smaller Uniti models while retaining the same straightforward app, remote and multiroom approach.
Directly Supported
- Suitably matched passive loudspeakers
- Music streaming over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- HDMI ARC television audio
- UPnP music libraries and compatible USB storage
- Compatible SD memory cards
- Roon, AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth playback
- Optical, RCA coaxial and BNC digital sources
- RCA and five-pin DIN line-level sources
- 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
- DAB/FM reception requires the tuner-equipped version and aerial
- A subwoofer must provide suitable adjustment and amplification
- Balanced XLR sources require a compatible connection solution
80W Class A/B Power Amplifier
Naim rates the Uniti Nova at 80W per channel into 8 ohms at 0.1 percent THD plus noise. The discrete Class A/B amplifier draws on design principles used in Naim's integrated amplifiers.
Power output is only one part of loudspeaker matching. Impedance, sensitivity, electrical phase, room size, listening distance and required volume all affect whether the Nova is an appropriate partner.
Naim does not publish a current continuous 4-ohm output figure on the product page, so one should not be inferred or added from unofficial measurements.
Speaker Matching Still Matters
An 80W rating does not make the Uniti Nova compatible with every passive speaker. Confirm the proposed speaker model, room and listening requirements before ordering.
For unusually demanding speakers, large rooms or sustained high levels, compare the standard Nova with the more powerful Nova PE during a demonstration.
Standard Nova or Nova Power Edition?
The standard Uniti Nova uses an 80W-per-channel Class A/B amplifier into 8 ohms. The Nova PE uses a 150W-per-channel Class D amplifier into 8 ohms and is rated at 250W per channel into 4 ohms.
The standard Nova is 95mm high and weighs 13kg. The Power Edition is taller at 116mm and heavier at 15.1kg.
Their streaming and control features are broadly similar, making loudspeaker demands, room size, preferred amplifier presentation and budget the main reasons to compare them.
Speaker Connections and Cable Choice
The rear speaker outputs use the two supplied Naim speaker plugs. Correct termination, matching polarity and secure connections are important for safe and reliable operation.
Naim lists NACA5 and Super Lumina as compatible speaker cables. Other cables should have suitable electrical characteristics and terminations, so compatibility should be confirmed before using an unusual or high-capacitance design.
Cable type, length and termination should be agreed with Audio T for the proposed speakers and installation. Older cable guidance for different Naim amplifiers should not automatically be applied to the Uniti Nova.
HDMI ARC for Television Sound
One HDMI ARC connection allows a compatible television to send stereo audio to the Nova and connected loudspeakers through a single HDMI cable.
HDMI CEC may allow compatible televisions to coordinate functions such as volume and power, although behaviour depends on the television, its settings and the cable used.
Use Stereo PCM From the Television
Configure the television's digital audio output as two-channel PCM or stereo. Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream and multichannel signals are not suitable for the Nova's stereo HDMI input.
HDMI ARC is an audio-return connection rather than a video input or HDMI switching system.
High-Resolution Music Streaming
The Uniti platform supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, internet radio and compatible UPnP music libraries.
Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast allow compatible apps and services to send audio from phones, tablets and computers. Bluetooth provides an additional direct wireless connection.
Apple Music playback is normally provided through AirPlay 2 or another compatible casting method rather than being described as a separate native input.
Focal and Naim App
The current Focal and Naim app for iOS and Android provides source selection, music browsing, playlists, presets, volume, input settings, multiroom control and wireless firmware updates.
Earlier documentation refers simply to the Naim App. Streaming-service availability, account requirements and app features can change by country and software version.
Roon Ready Playback
Roon Ready certification allows the Uniti Nova to operate as a network endpoint within a Roon system.
It does not run the Roon server itself. A separate Roon server, controller and appropriate subscription are required.
USB and SD-Card Music Libraries
Two USB type-A sockets, located at the front and rear, support compatible storage and portable devices. A rear memory-card slot also supports compatible SD cards containing music files.
Naim currently specifies USB sticks up to 128GB, portable SSD storage up to 1TB and local libraries containing up to 20,000 tracks. No SD-card capacity limit is stated on the current product page, so card compatibility should be confirmed separately.
Music on connected USB storage or an SD card can be made available to up to four compatible network players.
USB Storage, Not USB-B Computer Audio
The USB sockets are type-A connections for compatible storage and supported portable devices. The Uniti Nova does not provide a USB-B input for use as a conventional wired computer DAC.
Computer audio is normally sent 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 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, source, format, network and control method rather than the headline file-format limit alone.
Optical, RCA Coaxial and BNC Digital Inputs
Two optical Toslink inputs accept stereo PCM up to 24-bit/96kHz. One RCA coaxial input and one BNC coaxial input accept stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DoP DSD64.
The existing Audio T specification states two RCA coaxial inputs and gives the optical connections a 192kHz limit. Naim's current specification instead lists one RCA input and a 96kHz optical limit, which are used here.
These inputs can accommodate compatible CD transports, televisions, games consoles and other digital sources. Video sources must output two-channel PCM rather than a surround-sound bitstream.
Four Line-Level Analogue Inputs
Two stereo RCA pairs and two five-pin DIN sockets provide connections for compatible line-level analogue sources.
The DIN sockets are Naim-style unbalanced analogue connections, not balanced XLR inputs. A source with balanced XLR outputs requires a correctly designed compatible connection or another system approach.
None of the analogue inputs is a phono stage. A turntable requires a suitable external moving-magnet or moving-coil phono stage.
RCA and DIN Pre-Amplifier Outputs
The Uniti Nova provides one stereo RCA pre-amplifier output and one four-pin DIN pre-amplifier output. These volume-controlled connections can feed a compatible active subwoofer, separate power amplifier or carefully configured bi-amplified system.
The DIN output is intended for compatible Naim power amplifiers, while the RCA output broadens compatibility with other equipment.
An active subwoofer should provide the level, crossover and phase adjustment required by the system. Power-amplifier and bi-amplification arrangements should be confirmed with Audio T before connection.
3.5mm Headphone Output
A front 3.5mm socket provides a convenient connection for compatible wired headphones.
This is not a balanced headphone connection. Headphone impedance, sensitivity, cable termination and required listening level should be considered, particularly with unusually demanding designs.
Optional DAB/FM Tuner Version
Audio T lists both the standard Uniti Nova and a more expensive tuner-equipped version. The optional module provides DAB/DAB+ and FM reception in addition to the internet-radio service available on the standard network model.
The tuner is a hardware option rather than an app setting or automatic firmware upgrade. Confirm the selected version before ordering.
An appropriate aerial is required for reliable reception. Naim supplies an F-type connector when the optional tuner module is fitted, but reception quality depends on location and aerial installation.
Naim Multiroom and Party Mode
Naim multiroom allows compatible Uniti, network-player and Mu-so products to play independently or as a synchronised group.
Party Mode can synchronise up to six compatible Naim streamers through the Focal and Naim app. This is separate from the local-storage server function, which Naim documents for up to four network players.
AirPlay 2 and Google Home grouping provide additional multiroom options with compatible third-party products, although these operate separately from Naim's Party Mode.
Five-Inch Display and Zigbee Remote
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, app, remote or top-mounted volume control.
The illuminated rotary volume control uses a proximity sensor. The supplied bidirectional Zigbee remote does not require conventional infrared line of sight and is paired during initial setup.
Home-Automation Integration
Naim lists compatibility with home-automation platforms including Control4, Crestron, Elan, RTI and Savant.
Integration requires compatible control drivers, network configuration and professional setup. Available functions depend on the selected platform and driver version.
Network, Placement and Power
Network connection is available through 10/100Mbps Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi. Ethernet can provide the most predictable connection where wireless coverage is weak or congested.
The Uniti Nova weighs 13kg, so its equipment support must be stable and suitably rated. Allow clearance above the top-mounted volume control and adequate space around the chassis for ventilation and cable access.
Naim specifies consumption of 140W in normal use, below 2W in network standby and below 0.5W in non-network standby.
No Built-In Phono Stage or CD Drive
The Uniti Nova does not contain a turntable phono stage or CD mechanism.
Connect a turntable through a compatible external phono stage. A separate CD player can use an analogue input, while a CD transport can use a compatible optical, RCA coaxial or BNC digital connection.
British-Built Full-Width Chassis
The brushed black aluminium chassis measures 432mm wide, 95mm high and 265mm deep, with a weight of 13kg.
The standard package includes a bidirectional remote, four AAA batteries, two speaker plugs, Power-Line Lite mains cable, document pack and cleaning cloth. The tuner-equipped version also includes an F-type connector.
Key Features
- All-in-one network player, DAC, pre-amplifier and power amplifier
- 80W per channel into 8 ohms
- Class A/B power-amplifier design
- HDMI ARC connection
- 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
- SD memory-card playback
- Two optical, one RCA coaxial and one BNC digital input
- Two stereo RCA and two five-pin DIN analogue inputs
- RCA and four-pin DIN pre-amplifier outputs
- Front 3.5mm headphone output
- Optional DAB/FM tuner version
- 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 Nova a streamer or an amplifier?
It is both. It combines a network music player and DAC with a pre-amplifier and 80W-per-channel stereo power amplifier for compatible passive speakers.
Will it drive any passive speaker?
No amplifier is universally suitable. Speaker impedance, sensitivity, electrical phase, room size, listening distance and required level should all be considered.
How does it differ from the Nova Power Edition?
The standard Nova uses an 80W-per-channel Class A/B amplifier. The Nova PE uses a 150W-per-channel Class D amplifier and is intended for systems requiring greater power and current capability.
Can it improve television sound?
Yes. Connect a compatible television through HDMI ARC and configure it for two-channel PCM or stereo rather than Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream or multichannel audio.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, through a suitable external phono stage connected to an RCA or compatible DIN line input. The Uniti Nova does not contain a built-in phono stage.
Can it play CDs?
It has no CD drive. A separate CD player can use an analogue input, while a CD transport can use a compatible optical, RCA coaxial or BNC digital input.
Does every Uniti Nova include DAB and FM?
No. DAB/DAB+ and FM reception require the optional tuner-equipped version. The standard model provides internet radio but does not automatically include the broadcast tuner module.
Does it have balanced XLR inputs?
No. Its analogue inputs comprise two stereo RCA pairs and two unbalanced five-pin DIN sockets. DIN should not be confused with a balanced XLR connection.
Can it play from an SD card?
Yes. The rear memory-card slot supports compatible SD cards containing music files. Card format, capacity and library compatibility should be checked before preparing a large collection.
Can it work 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 or power amplifier?
Yes. The volume-controlled RCA and DIN pre-amplifier outputs can feed compatible equipment. Subwoofer adjustment and power-amplifier or bi-amplification arrangements should be confirmed before connection.
Does it need an Ethernet connection?
No. It supports both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, although Ethernet can be preferable where wireless coverage is weak or congested.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Amplifier and loudspeaker matching demonstrations
- Comparison with the Uniti Nova Power Edition
- 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 and power-amplifier matching
- Turntable, phono-stage and CD connection advice
- DAB/FM tuner and aerial guidance
- 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, tuner, cable, room and system compatibility before ordering.