Here we have the music centre for the modern world. It's called the naimuniti and it's awash with features : Straightforward CD replay, radio via FM, DAB or the internet, UPnP access to music files (that's a computer or network storage device), there are even a couple of ways of accessing the ubiquitous iPod. One where you simply connect the standard analogue output and another, via an extra cost cable, which will also allow direct control via the naim's rather neat handset. Along with this, there are the usual RS232 control options, more often used by installers.
The core electronics are based on the successful and class-leading NAIT 5i amplifier and CD5i CD player. The naimuniti is intended to broaden naim's appeal into a wider market. This is for the well-heeled enthusiast's second (or third!) system, or the more mainstream consumer looking for a very high quality well-engineered compact system that is discreet, flexible and open to future developments.
Thankfully, it scores well on all fronts. It is built in Salisbury and the construction quality and finish is top notch. The user interface is very straightforward and borders on the intuitive. My wife could use this very happily but my elderly mum just might struggle. There are also some seriously neat touches that add to the feel-good:
The set-up menu allows maximum listening levels to be set separately for loudspeakers and headphones.
Plug in a pair of headphones and, naturally, it mutes the speakers. It tells you that the headphones are in use (OK, just a bit obvious) and allows you to adjust the volume setting within the parameters that you have selected. Unplug the headphones and the volume setting returns to the one used for the loudspeakers (there could be a big difference).
When using internet radio, once you have selected, say, BBC Radio 4 FM, you have the choice of the live broadcast and a list of the most recent 'listen again' podcast programmes such as Broadcasting House, Excess Baggage etc.. etc.. Genuinely useful.
Internet access is via ethernet cable (the preferred option) or via in-built wireless. A small stubby aerial is included for this purpose. Once you have given it access to your local network by entering the password it is up and running. I've yet to read the manual and yet I'm pretty sure I've sussed the whole thing out.
Speaker set-up allows for large or small main speakers with or without sub-woofer (it sorts out the crossover internally). Coupled up to a pair of Rega RS5 floor-standers it is sounding genuinely compelling and musical. Pretty similar to a Nait 5i / CD5i combo, in fact. It makes a very good job of handling the heavily compressed digital stations but, yes, FM still sounds best. There are piles of analogue and digital inputs, including a powered port for the naim stageline phono stage. In fact it's the only naim product with an input actually called 'phono'. To be fair they can all be named by the end user through the set-up menu. Nevertheless, rather ironic.
I could ramble on for days. Yes, we like it! RRP is £2040 and are happy to discuss suitable packages based upon it.
stop press
The first update for the naimuniti is here and it adds the ability to play 24 bit / 96khz files, including those in flac format, over the network or from a USB stick. There is the caveat that whilst it may be OK wirelessly, these (larger) high definition files probably require a wired ethernet link.
The HDX has had a more comprehensive software update and, besides adding flac compatibility, the update turns the HDX unto a 'UP&P' server that can be accessed by uniti and forthcoming uniti qute models as well as third party devices which work on the same protocols.
Both updates are free of charge but the uniti update will require some dealer intervention, since the update has to be made via computer link to the data port.
In addition to all of this, there is an HDX 'app' available for download for the ipod touch / iphone.
Signals hi-fi for grown-ups. suppliers and installers of music hi-fi audio stereo system, systems and a/v av products to all areas of Suffolk,North Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire 01473 655171
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