Ci-uniti 102 vs uniti atom

Hi-Fi Corner
1

I own a Naim Uniti Atom after overthinking a NAD M10 V2 at the time. Now I see the ci-102 coming up. And considering the spec list there is a lot to like about the ci-102.

What I like about the Atom is the level of detail.
What I don’t like about the Atom is the lack of power with my Dynaudio Contour 1.4.
Also the user interface of the Atom is not my cup of tea. The Atom sits on a shelf under the tv. I never use the dial or physical buttons.

So I am curious who was already able to compare the two. Specifically sound-wise. Though I am interested in thoughts about hi/low pass/cut offs and the ability to have some roomcompensation.

2 Likes
2

I think you might find this useful:

Unluckily I’ve never been able to listen to it in person so I can’t really comment.
In the link I’ve shared, you’ll find this particular sentence which might be the most interesting part:

1 Like
3

Don’t forget the non audio aspects that different too.

  • The Atom is small and easy to accommodate… But must go on the top shelf because like all Uniti/Muso stuff it has that blasted dial.
  • The 102 is full width and needs space. But it’s thin and runs cool and with no controls there’s no reason not to stash it somewhere really out of the way. It might be easier to hide than an Atom depending on circumstances. But you’ll need to go to B&Q and buy some rubber sticky feet for the 102.
  • The 102 can drive more difficult speakers.
  • The Atom is designed more for sound quality at it’s price; the 102 for cool running versatility.

Given a poor match of speakers, the 102 might sound better than an Atom if over speakered.

Have you considered how you want the interact with the system vis-a-vis the above? That might make the decision for you.

In years past, I’ve had hifi on top of kitchen cabinets. A 102 would have been perfect.

2 Likes
4

There’s no such need, mine (Star) isn’t on a top shelf. One can use the remote or app for volume, and if you really want, and your shelf spacing allows, you can stick your hand in between to reach the dial.

But here we’re comparing to the 102, which doesn’t even have any volume dial, so assuming the OP is happy without a volume dial or screen, I don’t see why the Atom couldn’t also be stashed somewhere out of sight.

5

While wider than the Atom, the CI-Uniti 102 is not full width (i.e ~43.5cm), but only 30, so it should be relatively easy to accommodate.

It also comes with sticky rubber feet according to the User Manual, so they seem to have though such a usage scenario (only for the 102).

2 Likes
6

Interesting. I always thought it was full width because it is marketed as rack mountable. I guess it ships with rack “ears” to make up the distance?

7

The website shows it with “face brackets” fitted - they appear to slot in neatly using the vanes at the side of the casework. I don’t know though whether they come with the unit as standard or at extra cost.

2000×2000 148 KB

2 Likes
8

Lovely looking. Better than NC to my eyes. If only they’d rounded the edges of the heatsinks though. I assume they are as razor sharp as the ones on NC?

9

I’ve not seen one in the flesh, so to speak, but in the picture the vanes look like they have curved ends.

10

Thank you for all these replies. My Atom sits on a shelf. I rarely touch the Atom. I operate it from the remote or from the app.

That is why I am very interested in the sound qualities of this machine. Back in the days when I listened more to equipement than to music I learned that there is no such thing as perfection. Unfortunately I sometimes whish the Atom could deliver a little more power for my not very sensitive Dynaudio Contour 1.4 speakers.

I love the level of detail of the Atom though. I would not like to give up too much of that.

That said I am not prepared to invest heavily in new equipment. So the CI-Uniti 102 is a device of interest.

Curious to learn from anyone who have heard both Atom and Ci-102 and can comment on it.

11

My dealer has one, I’ve seen it without the ‘face brackets’ so I ignore if they come with the package. Corners are rounded a bit. Sound is clear and pleasing but possibly not meant to suscitate the love/hate passions of the former decades’ gear… :slight_smile:

3 Likes
12

They just need an AV preamp in the same config and they have a killer platform.

2 Likes
13

I think @JoostMollerus might have compared them

and

1 Like
14

You made some good points @feeling_zen. The CI 102 can be perfect in some scenarios but it has to be pondered carefully.

15

There are also some positive comments appearing elsewhere about the CI 102, including the benefits of being able to configure the filters to suit speakers/room, that you should be able to find easy enough

16

If anyone wants to see interior photos of it just Google for

“CI Uniti 102 fccid”

And a test report should be the first hit. You can find internal photos of it and a bunch of other fascinating information 8)

17

I’d avoid it out of hand because of the ESS DACs. Naim’s use of “obsolete” TI DACs has been their real value proposition for me, combined with Class D this seems like a more expensive Wiim box than anything else.

18

Isn’t that like saying “With it’s four wheels and an internal combustion engine, the Bugatti Veyron is nothing more than a more expensive Ford Escort.”

4 Likes
19

Have you downloaded the software that enables you to configure the CI 102 for a look? I did yesterday and posted screenshots on another thread:

It seems to do what you want. I guess that’s the reason for your interest here? Are you basically wanting the configurability the CI 102 offers, but don’t really want to compromise the SQ to obtain it?

1 Like
20

I view it more along the lines of “I can buy a Ford Escort with a Ford I-4, or a Ford Ci102 with a lawnmower engine that Ford insists is just as good.”

2 Likes