Naim Uniti Nova PE Streaming Amplifier Review

Naim Uniti stands for multifunctional streaming products with an especially high musical standard. 7Review tests the latest, very powerful amplifier in the series, the Uniti Nova Power Edition (PE).

by Tom Frantzen

With the Naim Uniti Nova PE, Naim expands its portfolio of streamer products with another “All in One,” which, in Naim’s jargon, means something different than what we’re used to. There are no built-in speakers, so for us, the PE is more of an amplifier with streaming capabilities.

The latest Uniti model is unmistakably a Naim product. There’s the familiar split housing design, though it’s just a visual trick, and the Uniti Nova PE also features the typical high-quality 5-inch color display, where album covers are displayed attractively and can be seen clearly even from a distance.

Weighing a solid 15 kilograms, the device is noticeably heavy, though only about two kilograms heavier than the Uniti Nova, which, according to the distributor, is practically identical up to the power amp. Compared to the already available model, the PE has undergone a dramatic power boost. While the Nova delivers a moderate 80 watts per channel, powered by a traditional Class AB topology, the PE – as a Power Edition – offers 150 watts at 8 ohms and 250 watts at 4 ohms, using a modern, energy-efficient Class D amplifier.

In our tests, we measured slightly higher output, even reaching 340 watts of peak power. In practice, this means double the available power, allowing it to handle larger rooms or more challenging speaker loads with ease, offering more volume and reserves. Naim refers to this as “more punch.” A powerful toroidal transformer ensures high-quality performance, while the built-in switching power supply only powers the standby mode.

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In most cases, the “breath” of the previous Uniti Nova, which is still available for half the price of the PE, should be more than enough for most situations.

Top-notch features

The phrase we borrowed for the headline, “No Naim, no Music,” might seem exaggerated. After all, there are other great brands out there. But in reality, a Naim component always has something special and almost unmistakable about its sound.

It’s no coincidence that Naim devices, especially when used together, are more difficult to “tune” with external accessories like fuses, cables, or power filters compared to other brands. Sometimes it seems like everything has been meticulously matched with considerable effort.

For the streaming part, the high-performance Naim Card NP800, developed by Naim, is responsible, just like in other current Naim devices. It supports all the usual standards and streaming services like Spotify (Connect), Qobuz, Tidal (Connect), as well as several internet radio stations. Its card format, as a small circuit board, also offers future-proofing, as it can be replaced if technological advancements make it necessary, without rendering the rest of the device obsolete. We find that not only smart but also quite clever.

In the digital section of the Uniti Nova PE, just like in the regular Nova, a high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC) chip, the PCM1791A from Burr-Brown (owned by Texas Instruments), takes charge. It may not be the newest technology, but Naim has never been one to follow trends. They do what they believe in. Period.

This might cause some Naim newcomers to do a double-take because, where else do you still see “old-fashioned” DIN connectors, once common in German hi-fi equipment, or the typically English banana speaker plugs?

While standard RCA jacks are now offered, you’ll still have to get used to speaker terminals that exclude bare wire, fork, or spade connectors. You can find this annoying, but it’s something to adjust to.

It may all seem a bit eccentric. But why not, if the proven solution works well and leaves little to be desired? The DAC used here, in conjunction with a special filter developed by Naim, holds a special place in the developers’ hearts, and they are confident in its performance. It can process incoming PCM data up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD128 without restrictions. As typical for Naim, the Uniti is bandwidth-limited to about 25 kHz, which works in favor of Class D amplification.

Everything you need

Connectivity options include two analog RCA inputs and an HDMI connection, which is almost a must-have for a device like this, priced close to five figures, meant for the living room. Bluetooth is included in its highest-quality aptX form for connecting mobile devices. You can also connect USB storage devices such as flash drives or hard drives. The Naim can also access the home network, such as NAS drives and other servers with music libraries, as a UPnP-compatible component. AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are supported, offering an open architecture that allows for expansion, such as adding new streaming services. The Naim is also Roon-ready, of course, and comes with a remote control despite the availability of an app.

Typical Naim sound

The sound of the Naim Uniti Nova PE is characterized by particularly pronounced timing, rhythmic drive, natural, pleasant sound colors, and fine detail reproduction, along with a special smoothness. The soundstage is large, layered, and expansive.

In extreme cases, the PE indeed benefits from a physical power that can make the room shake with its impulses, especially when paired with powerful speakers like the B&W 800 D3. The “elephant in the room,” however, is whether anyone – and if so, who – really needs this Power Edition. As we mentioned earlier, the regular version of the Uniti Nova should be more than enough for most music lovers, even the more demanding ones.

The “extra boost” price for higher power, suitable for inefficient speakers and/or very large rooms – without the sound compromises some may fear from Class D amps – is quite steep. Sure, just like with Porsche, brake systems or larger engines come at an extra cost. But doubling the price just for a more powerful amplifier? Nevertheless, in both cases – whether the Nova, which we recommend, or the new Nova PE – the price is justified when you consider that you’re getting a preamp, power amp, DAC, and streamer, with radio, all in one. The sound quality offered is uncompromising in both models. This “system” combines several top-tier components into a compact design, making it superb for even the most discerning ears.

Beating this would take significant effort – and in the case of the Uniti Nova, significantly more money for individual high-quality components. And that’s not something everyone is looking for. Or: “Keep on Streaming” instead of “Keep on dreaming.”

Performance measurement

Specifications

Verdict

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