I’ve run into a worrying issue with my just over a month old Uniti Nova (bought brand new).
Just two days ago, during normal playback I noticed that my right speaker was practically inaudible. To troubleshoot, I tried adjusting the balance control fully over to the right —there was actually sound but it was extremely quiet (like whisper).
To rule out the speakers and cables, I swapped things around:
I connected the left speaker cable into the right channel output on the rear of the Nova.
The same problem occurred — the sound from that left speaker was as quiet as like the right speaker.
This confirms that the right channel output of the Nova itself is at fault, rather than the speakers or cabling.
The confusing part is that the right channel is not completely dead— it does output sound, but at a very reduced level compared to the left. The left feels normal to me, with no distortion/etc..
Has anyone else experienced this sort of fault on a Uniti Nova (or other Naim amp)? Could this be related to a known relay or output stage issue? I’ve taken it to my local dealer (based in the North West, UK), who agreed with me of the problem, and has offered to send back to Naim for repair. However, I’d really appreciate any insight from others who’ve come across a similar problem.
I am sorry to hear of your issue, however my experience from a long time ago may be relevant.
In the initial two month period of ownership of my Naim Nova, which I had pre ordered at product launch, I had a problem with once or twice very thin and quiet sound from one or both channels. This may not be exactly what you are experiencing, but I think your dealer will be able to test your new Nova out by power cycling through normal usage for a few times. This was the action I took my self on my Uniti Nova, and subsequently I never had the same issue again.
Thank you, Edmund for your reply. My issue stems from the right channel only. Very interesting how you managed to resolve your Nova’s issue with power cycling only.
I apologise as I forgot to add, that when I listened with my headphones plugged to the Nova, the sound from right side was practically inaudible, too.
Would really appreciate anyone’s input and wisdom into this matter. Even the dealer told me they’ve never come across such issue with the Nova (let alone any Naim unit) before.
Thanks for the acknowledgment, the Nova was one of the new Uniti series at launch - and for the first time? Naim had a kind of new standby power-supply design to meet EU equipment directives on non operating power consumption for retail electronics. Thus the power up sequences for all the various elements can sometimes not operate as intended. This kind of behaviour, is usually only experienced in the very early days of the product, and in any case should have been spotted and eliminated during manufacture. But occasionally, yours (possibly) and my experience can happen with units that in all other ways could be considered ‘perfect’.
I’m not sure what wisdom I can impart, other than to say that it’s buggered. If Naim can’t turn it round in a few days I’d don my assertive hat and request a straight replacement. It’s an expensive item and simply shouldn’t go wrong like that.
Just wanted to update on this issue, Naim has repaired it under warranty, it was due to a faulty capacitor C1920. I was informed by my dealer it is a rare problem, at least first for them with regards to the Nova. I’m happy that it’s back to working order, and am enjoying listening to it!