Hello! This is my first time posting on the Naim forum. I am extremely interested in purchasing a Uniti Nova, but I am a bit concerned about the product’s age/time on market. I know there’s always going to be something newer, and we like to chase the latest and greatest. Do any of you owners miss any features with the product as it is, e.g. missing eARC vs ARC? Asking if there’s going to be a mkII would pure speculation, and I realize that. Anywho, just figured I’d ask given it’s definitely not cheap.
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The unit is still very much relevant and there are not even rumors about it being replaced.
The firmware can be and is updated with new features or changes in supported services when needed.
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I think most of the features I (and other people) miss, are in the software/app. And that doesn’t look to be going anywhere as the just released streamers use the same, so undoubtedly a Nova mkII would as well.
From a hardware pov, nothing is really missing, other than indeed eARC as you already mention. What I think is a (recent) trend with Naim is that successors up the performance, but also at a much increased cost. So you need to weigh how long you’re willing to wait vs how much more you’d be willing to spend.
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I use my Naim Nova in a strictly stereo audio application so eArc is irrelevant to my use. I purchased the Nova for a great sounding integrated amp/streamer and added a Naim Core and vinyl turntable. I am very pleased with the sound quality, functionality and visual appearance of the system.
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If your preference is for sound quality then you can’t go far wrong with Naim, even the older or discontinued products. What I call “Lifestyle” features such as you mention, don’t interest me much. I keep my stereo and AV products separate.
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I have two Uniti Nova, one from new, one late used box. Great kit used as standalone. If you are concerned about a replacement, try a dealer for an ex dem one. I think Naim have a lot of potential new items in prospect, upgrading Uniti imho is a long way down the list - nothing broken, firmware still being enhanced, repairs like most of Naim kit, is available via a dealer, back at hq.
Unlike some, I think the iOS app is very good. If you want tv sound, Toslink / optical is a good alternative, given that the Nova is stereo only.
ps - welcome to the forum
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I second all that. Plus it’ll drive a very wide range of speakers. The Dynaudio Heritage Specials I had on dem sounded fab on it.
Very flexible on the software control side, Tidal Connect, Roon and the Naim app all work really well.
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Even the just-released new classic series streaming preamp uses the same streaming engine as the Nova, I believe. It is a fine piece of equipment, and built like a tank, and in my experience has been a great intro to Naim and its sound profile. Prices are lower recently, it seems, with some dealers offering discounts and some good ex-demo options floating around.
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The new streamer/preamp just released did not include ARC or eARC……there has been compatibility with some TV brands implementing in a non standard way according to Naim.
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Those issues are with ARC, it’s what eARC should solve, it’s a much tighter standard.
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Welcome to the forum!
I’ve had my Nova a little over a year now and think it’s tremendous value for the quality and sound.
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But Naim appeared to have lost interest……it could have appeared on the NSC222, but both eARC and ARC are missing.
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Hi @robomalo and welcome to the forum.
I don’t know if auditions are possible where you’re located, but if so, you might want to compare the Nova with the similarly priced ND5XS2/NaitXS3. The latter pairing is more easily upgraded if the Naim bug bites and includes a phono stage, useful if you want to get into vinyl.
Roger
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When I was going to upgrade my Uniti1, I looked at, and listened to the Nova. I really liked it a lot, although it would mean giving up the FM tuner module and CD player of the Uniti.
I ended up with a Nait XS3 and ND5XS2, which I actually got brand new, cheaper than the Nova would have cost me. For me, the display on the Nova was not a big deal, and in some ways I preferred not have one, just another distraction and item to potentially give problems down the road. It added another box of course, but in the end, I think the pair sounds as good, if not slightly better than the Nova, and is a bit more “upgradeable” down the road regarding digital aspect of the streamer. Plus I gained a really nice MM phono stage as well.
As always, swings and roundabouts with this stuff. Hard to go wrong with any of it really, providing its Naim you want to begin with.
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FM module is available to order from dealers - fitted to each of my two Novas
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Welcome aboard!
If you want a 1-box option, the Nova is hard to beat. However, if you can accommodate more than 1 box, you can add my voice to those above.
The cost of a new Nova gets you a second-hand Supernait 2 (or perhaps even SN3) and a new or s/h ND5XS2 and maybe some change. That combo will imho sound better than a Nova in most rooms with most speakers to many listeners, but it will take up more space.
You can go even further if willing to focus solely on sound-per-£. For a second system, I bought an old (but serviced) 82 preamp, Hicap power supply and 250 power amp, plus a not very old ND5XS2. That combo is well ahead of a Nova, esp if you want to play loud or use hard-to-drive speakers, and cost several hundred less than a new Nova.
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At the time early on, very few, if any of the Nova’s in stock here in the US of Eh, did not have tuner modules, and it was iffy to order them that way then. That situation may be different since then, as I have seen them as an option.
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Nova is a real bargain all in one, I use it with Dynaudio Evoke 30, magical sound
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Thanks everyone for the thoughtful replies! Stereo listening is my top priority. I have a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Specials (came in today!). I also have a Rega Planar 6 and a Marantz CD6006 (might not use because of Qobuz). I will also use it for watching films, but music is most important.
I think I was most concerned with Dolby Atmos over ARC vs the full bitrate coming through eARC. Maybe a non issue?
Thanks again!
The Nova is by far one of the slickest devices I’ve owned. In terms of design, rock solid build quality, features, technology, software and best of all sound quality it’s at the head of the pack. It’s like the Tesla Model S, it may have been on the market for a few years, but it’s so good it’s still way out in front.
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