This Naim Audio model combines amplifier, digital-to-analog converter, and network player functions in a single chassis. Designed over three years by a team of 25 engineers at the Salisbury workshops, it uses selected discrete components and a large toroidal transformer. It delivers 80 watts per channel in Class AB and is hand-assembled. The unit thus offers an integrated solution for listening to music without resorting to multiple boxes.
The Nova’s chassis reflects a design approach where every element contributes to overall performance. The extruded aluminum heatsinks running the full length of the sides echo the lines of the Statement system while ensuring efficient heat evacuation. This finned geometry helps maintain constant thermal stability, a key condition for preserving amplification linearity and component longevity.
The clean front panel features a five-inch color LCD protected by a glass pane. A proximity sensor wakes the display as the user approaches, then presenting audio file metadata, album art, and playback information. This visual interface is complemented by four touch buttons for essential functions. On top of the unit, the rotary volume control borrowed from the NAC-N 272 preamplifier stands out: its illuminated ring indicates the sound level while providing precise control thanks to its generous circumference and smooth rotation.
Internal assembly reveals meticulous organization. The toroidal transformer, occupying nearly one third of the available space, powers amplification circuits configured in dual mono. In this topology, where each channel has its own circuit, crosstalk is minimized and stereo separation is preserved. Through-hole film capacitors and discrete transistors, chosen for their electrical characteristics, are mounted on multilayer PCBs with thick copper traces to reduce parasitic resistance.
At the heart of the digital section, a fourth-generation 40-bit SHARC DSP (ADSP 21489) orchestrates signal processing. Clocked to handle complex audio streams, this chip eliminates jitter—those timing errors that degrade temporal precision—while managing a RAM buffer capable of storing up to five minutes of audio data. This substantial reserve ensures smooth playback even in the event of network fluctuations or temporary connection interruptions.
The conversion process relies on proprietary 16x upsampling before feeding Burr Brown converters. This approach, in which the signal is first refined digitally prior to conversion, allows the DACs to be used to their full potential while pushing quantization noise out of the audible band. The Nova accepts a wide range of formats: WAV up to 32-bit/384 kHz, FLAC and AIFF up to 24-bit/384 kHz, DSD 64 and 128, as well as common compressed formats such as MP3, AAC, and OGG.
The new NP800 streaming board, developed specifically for this generation of devices, incorporates low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) technology to minimize electromagnetic interference between digital and analog sections. This architecture preserves audio signal integrity throughout the processing chain.
The Nova’s amplification stage perpetuates Naim’s philosophy of sound reproduction. The 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms, achieved with a Class AB configuration, may seem modest on paper compared to some competing offerings. Yet the Nova’s current capability, supported by its large transformer and oversized linear power supplies, allows it to drive complex loads with authority.
The power amplification sections, twice as fast as those of the previous generation, benefit from separate power supplies with dedicated windings on the main transformer. This segmented power architecture—with distinct rails for digital, analog, and amplification circuits—prevents mutual contamination and preserves signal purity. The output stage adopts a proven topology derived from the NAIT integrated amplifier, with modifications to optimize performance in this all-in-one format.
In standby, consumption drops below 2 watts, while a “deep sleep” mode allows it to fall below 0.5 watt. This smart energy management meets current environmental standards without compromising startup speed: just a few seconds are enough to return to optimal operation.
The Nova’s connectivity reflects the intent to embrace all contemporary uses. Digital inputs include two TOSLink optical (up to 96 kHz), two RCA coaxial and one BNC (up to 192 kHz with DoP support for DSD), as well as an HDMI ARC socket for integration into an AV system. The latter allows the Nova to receive the TV’s audio signal while being controlled by its remote via the CEC protocol.
On the analog side, two RCA inputs and two 5-pin DIN—one of the brand’s signatures—accommodate traditional sources. Two USB Type-A ports, split between the front and rear panels, accept storage media up to 1 TB for SSDs or 128 GB for USB sticks. An SD card reader completes these local playback options. Outputs include, in addition to speaker terminals, an RCA pre-out for a subwoofer, a line output for an external amplifier, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack powered by a dedicated circuit.
Network integration relies on a dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac module, whose antennas are cleverly concealed in machined slots within the heatsinks. This patented solution ensures optimal reception without unsightly external antennas. An Ethernet port provides a wired connection for installations where stability takes precedence over convenience.
The Nova supports the most widespread streaming protocols: Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, as well as the UPnP standard for accessing local libraries. Native integration of Tidal and Qobuz provides direct access to the high-resolution catalogs of these services. Roon Ready support turns the device into an endpoint for this music management platform favored by audiophiles. Bluetooth compatibility, enhanced with the aptX HD codec, enables quick pairing with mobile devices.
The multiroom function allows synchronization of up to six Naim systems for simultaneous playback across multiple rooms. This “Party Mode” extends to analog sources thanks to built-in A/D conversion: a turntable connected to the Nova can thus feed the entire multiroom system. The Focal & Naim app, available on iOS and Android, centralizes control of these functions while providing access to enriched metadata, artist biographies, and discographies.
The five-minute buffer, combined with stream management algorithms, maintains smooth playback even on congested home networks. This substantial reserve compensates for variable latency and micro-dropouts that can affect streaming, particularly with high-resolution files that are bandwidth-hungry.
Rated power tells only part of the story. The Nova’s oversized transformer and robust power supplies give it substantial current capability, enabling it to control complex loads with confidence. Many users pair it successfully with speakers known to be difficult. However, in very large rooms or with particularly insensitive speakers, adding an external power amplifier via the preamp outputs remains an option.
Beyond the Star’s built-in CD player, the Nova benefits from a larger transformer in the space freed up by the absence of a transport. This difference translates into better power handling and a greater ability to cope with complex dynamic passages. The Nova delivers 80 watts versus 70 for the Star, but the real gap is in current reserve.
Naim maintains a purist approach in which the signal passes through the minimum number of processing stages. The absence of bass/treble controls follows this stance: preserving signal integrity rather than offering correction options that would inevitably introduce alterations. This philosophy assumes well-chosen speakers and careful acoustic placement.
The Nova natively accepts DSD 64 and 128 files via its coaxial and BNC digital inputs using the DoP (DSD over PCM) protocol. Over network streaming, DSD playback is performed directly without prior conversion to PCM, thereby preserving the specific characteristics of this format.
Via the HDMI ARC connection and the CEC protocol, the Nova automatically wakes from standby when the TV is switched on and switches to the appropriate input. Volume can then be controlled from the TV remote. This seamless integration simplifies daily use in a home theater context.
The headphone output has its own independent amplification circuit. Activating it automatically mutes the speaker outputs to preserve listening privacy. This behavior cannot be modified in the current firmware settings.
While Naim offers its own optimized cables such as NAC A5 or Super Lumina, the Nova works perfectly with cables from other manufacturers. The key is to choose cables with adequate gauge and solid quality, suited to the required length and the characteristics of the speakers used.
Google Cast integration virtually opens access to all services compatible with this protocol, even those not explicitly listed in the specifications. In addition, regular firmware updates periodically add new services or improve compatibility with existing platforms.
Tristan
The sound of the amplifier is perfect; however, the operating system leaves much to be desired. Lots of unjustified crashes, very often requiring a restart of the amplifier.
Comment from January 07, 2026 — Experience from September 27, 2025
Ervin-Eduard
Purchasing a Kanta Number 3 will not make it easy for you to choose an amplifier. I looked at multiple options and as NAD fan, I was skeptical with NAIM. The home cine solutions team was amazing, helped me pick the unit and also advised on a few things. I went with NAIM because I wanted to try something new. In addition, the Focal promo material showed Naim as a good combination, so I pulled the trigger.
1. Build quality : Amazing and I love the volume dial..
2. Feature set : for my needs this device does it all. I did not want to hook up multiple audio sources as my space was limited. I can access Hi-Res music from Qobuz and from my NAS without any issue..
3. Audio quality : the NAIM signature is different from the NAD one. I was not impressed in the beginning and I believe this was because I expected it to sound like a NAD. I gave it a few hours and things changed. Both the amp and Kanta's were breaking in and the sound was to my liking..
4. Personal opinion : I believe the Uniti Nova is not powerful enough for the Kanta No 3. For the speaker and amplifier to shine you need to turn the volume up. At 40-50% the speakers wake up. Anything under and you don't take advantage of that magical Focal engineering. Maybe the Nova PE is a better combination but that is out of my budget..
5. Should you buy this ? Definitely. Super rich feature set and amongst other things, this is rated at 2 x 80 W but it has been measured closer to 100 W by some reviewers online. NAIM understates the specs a bit.
Comment from September 24, 2024 — Experience from September 13, 2024
Benoit
Paired with Focal Kanta bookshelf speakers, this amp delivers a tremendous punch.
It's a high-quality product with comprehensive connectivity options and excellent sound - I've been using it for several weeks now without any issues to report.
The only downside: getting the DAB/FM module installed after the fact is quite an ordeal...
Comment from December 22, 2023 — Experience from December 11, 2023
