Andrew Robinson just reviewed Naim’s CI-Uniti 102 streaming amplifier. It came out pretty tops other than a few niggles. I suspect Naim will sell a few units on the back of it.
Have to say it seems fantastic value in the greater scheme of things. Even I can afford one.
Can’t post a link as the creator has disabled playback on other sites.
Sorry, changed the title Guinless
C’mon it’s Class D. Must be rubbish. 
Roger
I know. Such untried and new technology 
The CI-Uniti 102 seems like a good VFM product, just like the Uniticute or Atom.
What I don’t understand is… afaik, Naim has always offered a USB input to play music locally stored on a USB-thumbdrive or external SSD on every of their streamers/Uniti models, but the CI-102 seems to be the first streaming-amp device to skip the USB-input.
(a deal breaker for me as I don’t use streaming platforms like Spotify, Qobuz, etc)
It meets my requirements for my TV system (if I ever move) , streaming, amplification and an HDMI dac all in one box.
The Atom which does have more inputs , a screen and a remote costs about a £1000 more
I don’t think this was available on my long-departed 272. In fact, I’m not sure any of the first generation streamers had that facility.
Roger
My 272 certainly had one. I recall using it.
Bear in mind that the 102 has no volume control. It’s very handy being able to tweak the volume without scrabbling around for the phone. The Atom also has a nice remote. It’s much more user friendly.
A balanced review of a very modern system.
I may be tempted to listen to a D amp.
Playing music from USB in 2026..? That must be like 0.001% of the target group.
You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time"
It was available on the UQ1, UQ2 and ND5xs I had in the past.
You’re right, sorry. But I never found it very useful as it didn’t have any server software so wasn’t very suitable for playing more than a few tracks.
Roger
Given the intended placement of the unit would be concealed, and that therefore plugging USB storage in, and removing it would be awkward, I’m not surprised the unit doesn’t offer that facility?
Totally agree , I find its price appealing , it’s smart phone/ computer controls less so, but it is it will be for a TV based system
Ian
Aah yes, now that you mention it… with the intended use of the CI-102 in mind is doesn’t make much sense indeed, to add a USB-input.
But the CI 102 is more powerfull.
Probably more because they don’t want show how bad streaming services is compared to USB sticks 
I’m aware that most people would’t miss a USB-input for music playback, and you’re absolutely right, that a manufacterer would be better off pleasing 99% of the people, instead of <1% of the target group.
Just my bad luck I guess… I’m one of the <1%.
Just sad if Naim also become a money first company.