Audio T Verdict
The Naim Uniti Star Lite combines a high-resolution network player, DAC, pre-amplifier and 70W-per-channel Class A/B power amplifier in one full-width component.
It supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, internet radio, Roon, UPnP, AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, alongside HDMI ARC, USB and SD-card playback and a useful selection of analogue and digital inputs.
Add a suitably matched pair of passive loudspeakers and it can form the centre of a streamlined music and television system. Unlike the original Uniti Star, however, the Star Lite has no CD mechanism.
Naim Uniti Star Lite Streaming Amplifier
The Uniti Star Lite is the streaming-focused evolution of Naim's Uniti Star all-in-one player. Removing the CD mechanism has allowed Naim to simplify the internal architecture while retaining the familiar full-width aluminium casework, illuminated top-mounted volume control, five-inch colour display and 70W-per-channel amplifier.
Its streaming platform brings music services, internet radio, network libraries and wireless playback together within the Focal & Naim app. Physical sources are also supported through RCA and five-pin DIN analogue inputs, optical, RCA coaxial and BNC digital inputs, HDMI ARC, two USB sockets and an SD-card slot.
No Built-In CD Player
Despite being based on the Uniti Star, the Uniti Star Lite does not play or rip CDs. A separate CD player can use the analogue input, while a compatible CD transport can connect through an optical, RCA coaxial or BNC digital input.
Directly Supported
- Suitably matched passive loudspeakers
- Music streaming over Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- HDMI ARC television audio
- UPnP libraries and compatible USB or SD storage
- Roon, AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth playback
- Optical, RCA coaxial and BNC digital sources
- RCA and five-pin DIN line-level sources
- Wired headphones and a compatible active subwoofer
Requires Additional Equipment
- A suitable pair of passive speakers and speaker cables
- A turntable normally requires an external phono stage
- CD playback requires a separate player or transport
- Roon requires a server and subscription
- Voice control requires a compatible external device
- More demanding loudspeakers may require a different amplifier
70W Class A/B Amplification
Naim rates the Uniti Star Lite at 70W per channel into 8 ohms at 0.1% THD plus noise. Its built-in Class A/B power amplifier drives a suitably matched pair of passive loudspeakers directly, avoiding the need for a separate streamer, DAC, pre-amplifier and power amplifier.
Power output is only one part of loudspeaker matching. Speaker sensitivity, impedance, electrical phase, room size, listening distance and preferred volume all affect compatibility, so a demonstration with the intended speakers is strongly recommended.
High-Resolution Music Streaming
The Uniti Star Lite supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL and TIDAL Connect, Qobuz and Qobuz Connect, internet radio and compatible UPnP music libraries. Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth aptX Adaptive provide additional ways to play from compatible phones, tablets and computers.
WAV files are supported up to 32-bit/384kHz, with FLAC, AIFF and ALAC supported up to 24-bit/384kHz. DSD64 and DSD128 playback is also supported alongside common compressed formats, with gapless playback available across the listed file types.
Focal & Naim App
The Focal & Naim app for iOS and Android provides music browsing, source selection, presets, volume control, input settings, multiroom operation and system updates.
A bidirectional Zigbee remote, the illuminated volume dial and front-panel controls provide alternative ways to operate the system without always reaching for a phone.
Roon Ready Playback
Roon Ready certification allows the Uniti Star Lite to operate as a network endpoint within a Roon system. It does not run the Roon server itself, so a separate Roon server, controller and appropriate subscription are required.
USB, SD Card and Network Libraries
Front and rear USB Type-A sockets support compatible storage devices, while the rear SD-card slot provides another option for a locally stored music collection.
Naim lists support for libraries containing up to 20,000 tracks on connected USB storage, with USB sticks up to 128GB and portable SSDs up to 1TB.
HDMI ARC for Television Sound
HDMI ARC allows a compatible television to send stereo sound to the Uniti Star Lite and connected loudspeakers through a single HDMI cable. This makes it possible to use the same system for music, television, films and games without adding a separate soundbar.
Television Audio Setup
Set the television's digital audio output to two-channel PCM or stereo. Dolby Digital, DTS, bitstream and other multichannel formats are not suitable for the Star Lite's stereo HDMI input. Optical digital can provide an alternative connection where required.
Analogue and Digital Connections
One stereo RCA pair and one five-pin DIN socket accept line-level analogue sources. Digital equipment can connect through two optical inputs, one RCA coaxial input and one BNC coaxial input.
A front 3.5mm socket is provided for wired headphones, while the stereo RCA sub/pre-output can feed a compatible active subwoofer or separate power amplifier.
Multiroom and Voice Control
Naim's Party Mode can synchronise playback across up to six compatible Naim streamers. Support for Google Assistant and Siri also enables voice control when the Uniti Star Lite is used with suitable external voice-control devices.
Related Naim Uniti Products
Key Features
- Network player, DAC, pre-amplifier and power amplifier
- 70W per channel into 8 ohms
- Class A/B power-amplifier design
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect
- Internet radio and UPnP streaming
- Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast
- Bluetooth aptX Adaptive
- Roon Ready
- Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi
- HDMI ARC television connection
- Two optical digital inputs
- RCA coaxial and BNC digital inputs
- RCA and five-pin DIN analogue inputs
- Two USB Type-A sockets
- SD-card playback
- Stereo RCA sub/pre-output
- Front 3.5mm headphone socket
- Five-inch colour display
- Focal & Naim app and Zigbee remote
- Naim multiroom and Party Mode
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Uniti Star Lite play CDs?
No. The CD playback and ripping mechanism fitted to the original Uniti Star has been removed.
Is it both a streamer and an amplifier?
Yes. It combines network streaming, digital conversion, source selection, volume control and a 70W-per-channel stereo power amplifier.
Does it need separate loudspeakers?
Yes. It requires a suitably matched pair of passive loudspeakers and speaker cables.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, but most turntables will require a suitable external phono stage because the Star Lite has no built-in phono input.
Can it improve television sound?
Yes. Connect a compatible television through HDMI ARC and set the TV to output two-channel PCM or stereo.
Can I play music from a USB drive or SD card?
Yes, subject to Naim's storage, 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.
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.
How does it compare with the Uniti Atom and Uniti Nova?
The Uniti Atom is a smaller 40W-per-channel model. The Star Lite is a full-width 70W design with broader physical connectivity, while the Uniti Nova increases power to 80W per channel and provides additional analogue connections.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Amplifier and loudspeaker matching demonstrations
- Speaker-cable selection and termination advice
- Focal & Naim app, streaming-service and Roon setup
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi and multiroom guidance
- HDMI ARC and television-audio configuration
- Turntable, phono-stage, CD and subwoofer matching
- Part-exchange options on suitable equipment
- Ongoing system setup and support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration and discuss the right loudspeakers, sources and cables for your system.