Audio T Verdict
The Naim Uniti Nova PE combines a high-resolution network player, DAC, pre-amplifier and powerful Class D stereo amplifier in one full-width component.
Its 150W-per-channel output into 8 ohms, rising to 250W into 4 ohms, provides substantially more drive than the standard Uniti Nova while retaining the Uniti streaming platform, HDMI ARC and extensive analogue and digital connectivity.
It is designed for listeners seeking a high-powered one-box system, but loudspeaker, cable and room matching remain essential. It also has no phono stage or CD drive, so those requirements need separate equipment.
Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition Streaming Amplifier
The Uniti Nova PE, or Power Edition, is Naim's most powerful Uniti all-in-one player.
It integrates network streaming, digital conversion, source selection, volume control and a high-current stereo power amplifier within a single brushed-aluminium chassis.
The Nova PE is intended for systems requiring more amplifier headroom than the standard Uniti Nova, including larger rooms and suitably matched loudspeakers with more demanding electrical characteristics.
Directly Supported
- Suitably matched passive loudspeakers
- Music streaming over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- HDMI ARC television audio
- UPnP music libraries and compatible USB storage
- 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
- A subwoofer must provide suitable adjustment and amplification
- Balanced XLR sources require a compatible conversion or different amplifier
- Specialist bi-amplified systems require careful dealer configuration
150W Class D Power Amplifier
Naim rates the Nova PE at 150W per channel into 8 ohms and 250W per channel into 4 ohms, both at 0.1 percent THD plus noise.
The Power Edition uses Class D amplification rather than the Class A/B output stage found in the standard Uniti Nova. This allows the higher-output amplifier and its supporting power supplies to fit within a single full-width Uniti chassis.
Naim also publishes a short-duration burst figure of 725W into 2 ohms and a peak-current test result of 25A into 1 ohm. These describe controlled laboratory tests and must not be treated as continuous output ratings or proof of universal loudspeaker compatibility.
Power Does Not Replace Speaker Matching
The Nova PE can accommodate a wider range of loudspeakers than lower-powered Uniti models, but speaker impedance, sensitivity, electrical phase, room size, listening distance and required level still need to be considered together.
Arrange a demonstration with the intended speakers whenever possible, particularly for difficult loads, large rooms or sustained high-volume listening.
How the Power Edition Differs From the Standard Uniti Nova
The standard Uniti Nova uses an 80W-per-channel Class A/B amplifier into 8 ohms. The Nova PE increases this to 150W per channel into 8 ohms and uses a Class D output stage.
The Power Edition is also taller and heavier, measuring 116mm high and weighing 15.1kg, compared with 95mm and 13kg for the standard Nova.
Both models use the Uniti streaming platform and provide a broadly similar range of analogue, digital, network and control features. The PE should therefore be chosen primarily for its additional amplifier capability rather than for a completely different streaming experience.
Speaker Connections and Cable Choice
The rear speaker outputs use the two supplied Naim speaker plugs. Correct termination, matching polarity and firm 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 loudspeakers and installation. Older cable guidance for other Naim amplifiers should not automatically be applied to the Nova PE.
HDMI ARC for Television Sound
One HDMI ARC connection allows a compatible television to send stereo audio to the Nova PE and connected loudspeakers through a single HDMI cable.
HDMI CEC may also allow compatible televisions to coordinate functions such as volume and power, although operation 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 PE'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, TIDAL Connect, 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.
Naim's published Nova PE documents do not consistently identify the same aptX Bluetooth version, so this page does not promise a specific aptX codec. Available codecs depend on the source device, firmware and product implementation.
Focal and Naim App
The Focal and Naim app for iOS and Android provides source selection, music browsing, playlists, presets, volume, input settings, multiroom control and wireless firmware updates.
Streaming-service availability, account requirements and app features can change by country and software version. Keeping both the product and app updated is recommended.
Roon Ready Playback
Roon Ready certification allows the Nova PE 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.
UPnP and USB Music Libraries
The Nova PE can browse and play music stored on a compatible UPnP server. Two USB 2.0 type-A sockets, located at the front and rear, support compatible local storage and provide up to 1.6A charging according to Naim's product sheet.
Naim currently specifies USB sticks up to 128GB, portable SSD storage up to 1TB and local libraries containing up to 20,000 tracks.
Music stored on a connected USB device can be served to up to four compatible network players through UPnP at full CD quality.
USB Storage, Not USB-B Computer Audio
The two USB sockets are type-A connections for compatible storage and supported portable devices. The Nova PE 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. Naim's dedicated 2024 product sheet specifies two RCA coaxial inputs up to 24-bit/192kHz with DoP DSD64, plus one BNC coaxial input with the same published limit.
The shorter specification on Naim's current product webpage lists one RCA coaxial input, but the product sheet and Audio T listing both state two. This page follows the dedicated product sheet; the physical connection panel should be confirmed if buying ex-demonstration or clearance stock.
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 Nova PE 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 a carefully configured bi-amplified system.
The DIN output offers the preferred connection for a compatible Naim power amplifier, 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 output or a replacement for a specialist high-power headphone amplifier. Headphone impedance, sensitivity, cable termination and required listening level should be considered before use.
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 USB server function, which Naim specifies for up to four network players at full CD quality.
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, top-mounted volume control, remote or app.
The supplied bidirectional Zigbee remote does not require conventional infrared line of sight. It must be paired with the Nova PE 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. Feature availability depends on the selected automation 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 Nova PE weighs 15.1kg, 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 120W in typical use, below 2W in network standby and below 0.5W in non-network standby. Actual consumption can vary with the connected USB devices and operating conditions.
No Built-In Phono Stage or CD Drive
The Nova PE 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-Designed Full-Width Chassis
The brushed black aluminium chassis measures 432mm wide, 116mm high and 265mm deep, with a weight of 15.1kg.
It is supplied with a bidirectional remote, four AAA batteries, two speaker plugs, mains lead, document pack and cleaning cloth. Naim's main specification identifies the supplied mains cable as Power-Line Lite.
Key Features
- All-in-one network player, DAC, pre-amplifier and power amplifier
- 150W per channel into 8 ohms
- 250W per channel into 4 ohms
- Class D 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
- Two optical, two 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
- Naim multiroom and Party Mode
- Five-inch colour LCD
- Top-mounted rotary volume control
- Focal and Naim app and Zigbee remote control
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Power Edition mean?
The Nova PE uses a 150W-per-channel Class D amplifier instead of the standard Nova's 80W-per-channel Class A/B design. It is intended for systems needing greater power and current capability.
Will the Nova PE drive any passive speaker?
No amplifier is universally suitable. The PE accommodates a wide range of speakers, but impedance, sensitivity, electrical phase, room size and listening level must still be considered.
Is the 725W burst figure its normal power output?
No. Its continuous published output is 150W per channel into 8 ohms and 250W per channel into 4 ohms. The 725W figure is a short-duration laboratory burst test into 2 ohms.
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 Nova PE 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 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.
How many coaxial digital inputs does it have?
Naim's dedicated 2024 product sheet and the Audio T listing specify two RCA coaxial inputs plus one BNC coaxial input. Naim's shorter current web specification lists one RCA input, so the physical panel should be confirmed for clearance or ex-demonstration stock.
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 capacity, formatting and library-size guidance.
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, power-amplifier matching and any bi-amplified configuration 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
- 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, power-amplifier and bi-amplification advice
- Turntable and phono-stage connection 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, cable, room and system compatibility before ordering.