The Naim Uniti Core represents the epitome of digital audio convenience and performance, a compelling synthesis of advanced technology and refined British design. A multi-faceted music server, the Uniti Core stands as a paragon of one-box convenience that redefines the boundaries of music streaming and archiving.
Whether you wish to rip your favorite CDs in a bit-perfect manner, stream your digital music library to multiple players throughout your home, or simply serve as the heart of your audio system, the Uniti Core carries out these tasks with resolute effectiveness and efficiency.
The unit’s versatility is bolstered by its ability to sync with other Naim streamers or Uniti all-in-one players, providing streamlined control via the user-friendly Naim App. Its storage capacity is formidable, capable of housing up to 100,000 tracks to either internal or external storage options.
Unquestionably, the Uniti Core’s robust design, linear power supply, and extensive shielding all significantly contribute to its superior sound quality, rendering it a worthwhile investment for any discerning music enthusiast.
Sound Quality
The Naim Uniti Core is a premium music server renowned for its impeccable sound quality. It expertly rips and catalogs your music, serving bit-perfect copies to music players around your home, thus preserving the audio integrity of your favorite CDs.
Its award-winning performance promises an exceptional audio experience, enhancing the richness, clarity, and depth of music. The Uniti Core not only excels as a music archivist and server but also shines as a music source, offering excellence in build quality, usability, and British design. Experience a world of music like never before through the intuitive Naim App.
Set-Up
Setting up the Naim Uniti Core is a relatively straightforward process. Firstly, select your preferred internal or external storage option to house your new digital library. Once you’ve loaded a CD, the Uniti Core will expertly rip and catalogue your music. For multi-room streaming, it can synchronously stream to up to 12 separate players, with its music server function making it a valuable addition to many other music streaming devices.
The device is also designed for usability, with the Naim App enabling you to manage your Uniti Core and connect it to other audio systems across your house for a multi-room setup. You can access all of your music, including your favorite playlists, streaming services, and radio stations through this app, which is compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones.
In terms of physical connections, you’ll find two USB Type-A sockets on the device (one on the front and one on the rear). For the best sound quality, it’s advised to use a direct connection between the Uniti Core and your speakers. An example setup might include using an AudioQuest Carbon digital coax link from the right speaker to the Core, with a BNC-to-RCA adapter. Then, another Carbon link can be run from the right speaker’s digital output to the left speaker’s digital input. This allows the signal to stay in the digital domain right up to the output of the speakers’ amplifier.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Naim Uniti Core is exceptional, mirroring the high standards the brand is renowned for. Its sturdy construction, measuring 95 mm x 214 mm x 265 mm (H x W x D) and weighing in at 7 kg, reflects a careful blend of superior craftsmanship and durability designed to withstand years of use.
The Uniti Core features both USB Type-A sockets for input and BNC S/PDIF for output, enhancing its versatility as a music server. All these aspects come together in a sleek, British design, underscoring the brand’s commitment to both form and function. This device is not just a music server but also a music source, serving as a testament to Naim’s award-winning performance and excellent build quality.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Naim Uniti Core
Pros
- High-Quality Sound: The Naim Uniti Core provides impeccable sound quality, preserving the audio integrity of CDs and enhancing the richness, clarity, and depth of music.
- Versatile Functionality: It performs multiple tasks – it can rip CDs, stream digital music to multiple players, and serve as the heart of an audio system.
- Usability: The Naim App allows easy control and management of the Uniti Core, facilitating multi-room streaming and access to all music, including playlists, streaming services, and radio stations.
- High Storage Capacity: It can store up to 100,000 tracks, with both internal or external storage options.
- Robust Build: It features superior design, robust construction, and excellent build quality, reflecting the high standards of the Naim brand.
- Multiroom and Connectivity: It can stream synchronously to up to 12 separate players and works with other Naim streaming devices.
Cons
- Price: The Naim Uniti Core is relatively expensive, retailing for just under $2,950.
- Setup Complexity: Although the setup is described as straightforward, getting the best sound quality might require a more complex setup, possibly involving additional equipment.
- Weight: At 7 kg, the Uniti Core is relatively heavy, which could impact the ease of setup and mobility.
- Potential Limitation with High-Resolution Files: While the S/PDIF output plays up to 192kHz, higher resolutions (352.8kHz and 384kHz) are down sampled to 176.4kHz and 192kHz respectively, which might be an issue for some users.
Feature Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Functionality | Server, ripper, and streamer for a multiroom audio system |
| Connectivity | Can stream to up to 12 separate players |
| Music Organization | Can make bit-perfect copies of CDs, catalogues music, and supports a variety of internal and external storage options |
| Design | British design, high build quality and usability |
| App Support | Comes with the Naim App for easy management and multi-room setup |
| Storage | Can store up to 100,000 tracks to internal (HDD or SSD – up to 8TB) or external Network Attached Storage or USB-connected storage |
| Audio Inputs | 2 x USB Type A Socket (front and rear) |
| Audio Outputs | 1 x BNC S/PDIF |
| Weight | 7 kg |
| Compatibility | Works with Uniti Atom, Uniti Star, Uniti Nova players, and other music-streaming devices from Naim and beyond |
| Performance | Award-winning performance |
| User Interface | Easy setup, temperamental in use |
| Pricing | Available for just under $2.950 |
| Additional Features | Comes with standard mains cable, cleaning cloth, drive caddy screws, BNC to Phono Connector, and quick start guide |
Naim Uniti Core Specification
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions and Weight | 95 mm x 214 mm x 265 mm (H x W x D), 7 kg |
| Audio Inputs | 2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear) |
| Audio Outputs | 1 x BNC S/PDIF |
| Digital (S/PDIF) | 1 x BNC S/PDIF S/PDIF output plays up to 192kHz; 352.8kHz and 384kHz are down sampled to 176.4kHz and 192kHz respectively |
| Certification | Rovi, NTFS, HFS+ |
| Multiroom | Serve up to 4 network-connected players via UPnP™ at full CD quality; Party Mode Streaming: Sync up to six Uniti all-in-one players or other Naim streamers and control via the Naim app; Serve up to 12 network-connected players via UPnP™ |
| Music Storage | Music stored locally on Uniti Core: various formats and capacities; Music stored on a NAS: 192k 24-Bit WAV, 9216kb/s: <8 streams |
| Updates | System updates wirelessly via the Naim app |
| Network | Ethernet (10/100/1000Mbps) |
| CD Formats | Audio CD (Red Book, CD and CD-R) |
| Audio Formats | Supports various formats including WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, and DSD |
| Physical Dimensions | 95mm x 214mm x 265mm (HxWxD) |
| Finishes | Brushed and anodized aluminum |
| Weight | 7kg |
| Power | Various power consumptions based on usage and attachments |
| Ripping and Storage | Ability to create bit-perfect copies of CDs and store them; Store up to 100,000 tracks to internal (HDD or SSD – up to 6TB) or external Network Attached Storage or USB-connected storage and serve to a network-connected player |
| Supplied With | Comes with various items including power-line lite mains cable (UK only), cleaning cloth, drive caddy screws, BNC to Phono Connector and quick start guide |
| User Control | Controlled via the Naim App for iOS and Android |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Naim Uniti Core stands as a testament to the convergence of technological advancement and superior design. This premium music server, known for its exceptional sound quality, sets new standards in the realm of digital audio convenience and performance.
Its multifunctional capabilities, ranging from bit-perfect CD ripping to multi-room streaming, are complemented by an impressive storage capacity, making it a valuable asset for any music enthusiast. The ease of control via the Naim App and the server’s compatibility with multiple players underscore its user-friendly nature.
Despite its premium pricing, the investment stands justified given the server’s robust build quality, British design, and award-winning performance. The Naim Uniti Core serves as an embodiment of the brand’s longstanding commitment to audio excellence and innovation. It not only excels as a music server but also shines as a music source, redefining the boundaries of music streaming and archiving.
For those intrigued by the exceptional performance of the Naim Uniti Core, exploring the Naim CD5SI Reviews will provide further insight into Naim’s dedication to audio excellence, offering a complementary perspective on their CD player range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Naim Uniti Core?
Q. What is the storage capacity of the Naim Uniti Core?
Q. What types of connections does the Naim Uniti Core support?
Q. How do I set up the Naim Uniti Core?
Q. What is the Naim App and how is it used with the Naim Uniti Core?
Q. How heavy is the Naim Uniti Core?
Q. What is the price of the Naim Uniti Core?
Q. Can the Naim Uniti Core play high-resolution files?
Q. What is included with the Naim Uniti Core?
Q. What is the build quality of the Naim Uniti Core?
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