Article – From the horse’s mouth
NaimUniti 2 | All-in-one Player | Uniti | NaimUniti 2 | Naim Audio
My Comments
Naim Uniti network CD receiver with Naim’s distinct CD-loading tray – now has been improved to the Uniti 2
I have done some previous coverage on the Naim Uniti, which is a premium network-enabled CD receiver. This, like the Rotel RCX-1500 that I previously reviewed, is one of those CD receivers that could just be hooked up to a pair of premium-grade loudspeakers to make a high-quality three-piece music system suitable for the likes of a city apartment or unit in a retirement village. Here, I cited this model as part of premium audio accepting the DLNA-based home media network; as well as mentioning it in my write-up about the Australian Audio & AV Show 2011.
But Naim have revised this unit and released the Uniti 2. Here, this unit is equipped with a power amplifier that is more powerful, thus allowing it to work with larger speakers that need more of the power. Similarly, this could play in to the hands of those of us who have a large open-plan living area and want to have the music fill that area, while wanting a music system that doesn’t physically dominate that area.
As well, there have been a few other technical improvements on the digital-analogue conversion chain where the digital bits from the CD, DAB, Internet radio, local data storage (including Apple iOS devices) and the DLNA Home Media network become the music we hear. Similarly the CD transport which uses the swing-out CD tray has been improved for better stability and sound quality.
What I see of this is that it is a continuing example of the way the premium audio companies are seeing the standards-based home network as a capable program source for good-quality music. Similarly this player, like the Rotel RCX-1500, is showing that there are single-piece multi-function music systems out there that aren’t second-class systems.
I have a Naim Uniti Lite streamer which has only 50W/ channel power amp but most of the features of the Uniti 2 – would it be worth upgrading as my speakers KEF LS50 are not too efficient? Thanks.
I had checked the power output specs for the Naim Uniti 2 (70w / channel at 8 ohms) and the maximum power that the KEF speakers can handle along with their impedance (100w max at 8 ohms) and found that the Uniti 2 is worth the upgrade. Here you have the increased power output from the Uniti 2 but you are working with a safety margin of 30 watts, also are less likely to drive the Uniti 2 to “clipping” distortion. The Uniti 2 has a better CD transport as well as increased connectivity options such as more inputs including a tape loop.
On the other hand, you may want to keep the UnitiLite and upgrade the KEF speakers towards something more efficient but of a similar size.
With regards,
Simon Mackay