The number 1 in classical music and hi-fi. It is a benchmark in the field of classical music and hi-fi, as well as the distinction it awards to the best devices each year
A global reference, What Hifi? is one of the most comprehensive magazines covering Home Cinema and Hifi. The "5 stars" award distinguishes the highest quality products, according to this British magazine.
The Naim Uniti Star embodies the contemporary vision of high-fidelity according to the Salisbury manufacturer. This all-in-one system combines a CD player, digital ripper, amplifier, and streaming platform in a single brushed black aluminum chassis. Equipped with Class AB amplification delivering 2 × 70 W at 8 Ω and a Texas Instruments converter 24-bit / 192 kHz, the Uniti Star positions itself as the central model in the Uniti range, offering remarkable versatility for music lovers who wish to preserve their physical collection while accessing dematerialized music services.
The Uniti Star’s casing adopts the aesthetic codes that have made Naim renowned since the launch of its Statement amplifier. The sides of the unit feature machined aluminum heat dissipation fins, a technical solution necessary to manage the heat generated by integrating multiple components in a compact volume of 432 × 95 × 265 mm. These heatsinks, which cleverly integrate the Wi-Fi antennas using a process patented by Naim, give the unit an instantly recognizable silhouette.
The top of the unit houses an imposing rotary volume potentiometer, directly inspired by the Statement. This analog controller, equipped with a proximity sensor, gradually illuminates as the user approaches. This volume knob acts directly in the analog domain, thus preserving the optimal digital resolution of the signal, a technical approach that Naim had already implemented in its preamplifier NAC-N272.
The front panel is distinguished by its 5-inch (13 cm) color LCD screen, protected by a glass panel. This display presents album artwork, track metadata, and system information with remarkable definition. Four function buttons positioned to the right of the screen provide direct access to essential functions: play/pause, favorites, selection/navigation, and power. The CD player slot, located to the left of the screen, adopts a front-loading mechanism that replaces the traditional mechanical tray of previous Naim players.
The assembly rests on an illuminated plexiglass plate, a visual signature now characteristic of the British brand. At 13 kg, the Uniti Star demonstrates robust construction where each element contributes to the overall rigidity and isolation of sensitive circuits.
The Uniti Star integrates an oversized toroidal transformer, a technical choice consistent with Naim’s philosophy that favors generous power supply to guarantee dynamics and bass control. This transformer powers a Class AB amplification stage delivering 70 watts per channel, an architecture directly derived from the brand’s NAIT integrated amplifiers. The circuits use SMD components (surface-mounted devices) selected for their thermal stability and low noise level.
The Texas Instruments digital-to-analog converter processes signals up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, while a fourth-generation 40-bit Sharc DSP processor handles signal processing. This DSP, combined with Naim’s proprietary software, minimizes jitter - those synchronization errors inherent to digital streaming - and oversamples incoming data to optimize sound reproduction.
The CD ripping function constitutes one of the major specificities of the Uniti Star within the range. The player uses an internally developed ripping engine that guarantees bit-perfect copying of discs, even when they show scratches or significant damage. Ripped files can be saved in WAV or FLAC format on an external USB device (hard drive up to 8 TB or USB stick up to 128 GB) or on an SD card. The unit can store up to 20,000 tracks and automatically downloads metadata (artwork, titles, artists) from online databases. These files can then be streamed to other Naim devices present on the home network via the UPnP protocol.
The Uniti Star’s digital connectivity proves particularly comprehensive. The unit has five digital inputs: two TOSLink optical (limited to 24-bit / 96 kHz), two coaxial RCA, and one BNC (all three accepting signals up to 24-bit / 192 kHz and DSD in DoP 64Fs mode). The HDMI ARC input allows direct connection to the television, transforming the Uniti Star into an audio system for home cinema.
On the analog side, there is a standard RCA input and a 5-pin DIN input, Naim’s proprietary format allowing connection of other elements from the brand. An RCA preamplifier output allows the addition of a subwoofer or external power amplifier. The headphone output, accessible on the front panel via a 3.5 mm mini-jack socket, benefits from a dedicated amplification circuit.
Network capabilities rely on a 10/100 Ethernet controller and a Wi-Fi module compatible with 802.11 b/g/n/ac standards in dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz). The Wi-Fi module integrates a buffer capable of storing up to five minutes of audio data, significantly reducing the risk of interruption during streaming. The Bluetooth receiver, compatible with the aptX HD codec, ensures quality wireless transmission from mobile devices.
The Uniti Star supports all current streaming protocols: Apple AirPlay 2, built-in Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and UPnP for high-resolution streaming from a local server. Roon Ready compatibility allows integration into an existing Roon ecosystem. The unit directly accesses Qobuz and Tidal services via the Focal & Naim app, as well as Internet radio through the premium vTuner service.
The Uniti Star succeeds the Uniti 2, a model that had established Naim’s reputation in the field of all-in-one systems since 2009. The improvements made affect several fundamental aspects. The new model adopts the NP800 streaming module, Naim’s internal development that significantly improves network connection stability and high-resolution format management. The ability to process DSD files, absent on the Uniti 2, represents a notable evolution for high-resolution file users.
The user interface has been completely redesigned. The 5-inch color LCD screen replaces the monochrome display of the previous generation, offering superior readability and the ability to display album artwork. The Focal & Naim control app, the result of collaboration between the two brands since their merger in 2011, offers more intuitive ergonomics than the old Naim app, with smooth navigation between local sources and streaming services.
The bidirectional remote control uses the Zigbee RF4CE protocol, allowing out-of-sight control. It displays the volume level via white light segments, synchronized with the main potentiometer’s light indicator. This remote can be paired with the unit by holding it near the screen and pressing the home button for three seconds.
The Uniti Star fits into Naim’s multiroom ecosystem, capable of synchronizing up to six devices from the brand for simultaneous streaming. Party mode allows synchronized playback of the same music in multiple rooms, while standard mode allows streaming of different content in each zone. The unit can serve up to four network-connected players in full CD quality (16-bit / 44.1 kHz) or stream high-resolution files to a smaller number of zones depending on their resolution.
Compatibility with Naim’s connected speakers Mu-so and Mu-so Qb expands configuration possibilities. The Uniti Star can serve as the main source for a distributed system, feeding both all-in-one elements like the Uniti Atom and separate components from the Classic range or servers like the Uniti Core. This seamless integration is achieved via the common app that manages all Naim products connected to the network.
The Uniti Star offers performance comparable to many entry-level and mid-range separate systems. Its amplification, inherited from NAIT circuits, delivers real power with remarkable bass control despite its advertised 70 watts. The quality of the converter and digital processing rivals external DACs sold separately. For speakers with medium to high sensitivity (87 dB and above), the Uniti Star constitutes a credible alternative to a traditional system, with the advantage of space savings and ease of use.
Ripping is activated automatically when a CD is inserted. The proprietary ripping engine performs multiple reads if necessary to guarantee a perfect copy. Files are saved on an external medium connected via USB (hard drive or stick) or on SD card, in WAV or FLAC format according to your choice. Metadata is automatically downloaded from the Internet. A 2 TB hard drive allows storage of approximately 2,400 CDs in lossless FLAC quality.
The Uniti Nova delivers 80 watts per channel versus 70 for the Star and integrates a larger transformer offering better current capacity. On the other hand, the Nova does not have a CD player. The space freed by the absence of CD mechanics allows the Nova to integrate a more substantial power supply. The choice between the two models essentially depends on your need for reading and ripping physical CDs.
Patrick
Naim Uniti Star, all-in-one paired with Focal, and you get a balanced sound where the instruments are clearly perceived, surprisingly cool...
Comment from September 14, 2024 — Experience from August 31, 2024
Benjamin
Very happy with my purchase, the sound of the NAIM system is incredible.
Comment from June 22, 2023 — Experience from June 10, 2023
Thomas
Very good amp.
Nothing to complain about, great for powering 936s.
The 70 watts are impressive.
Really not disappointed.
Comment from January 07, 2023 — Experience from December 11, 2022
