I’m aware that the Atom is at the foot of a long ladder. Please remember we all start somewhere etc. My questions are newbie too - so hold onto your hat!
When a separate headphone amp is attached to the preamp out sockets the speakers continue to sound unless the volume is at zero and then there is no signal going to the headphone amp. Am I missing something? Clearly I’m not going to unplug the speakers every time.
When I have funds which Naim amp do you suggest be added to supply extra oomph and where would it plug in? (You were warned!)
The answer to your first question is that your understanding is correct. You cannot run a seperate headphone amp without sound also coming from the speakers, unless you unplug them.
An additional power amp would connect to the pre-amp output, but the value and benefit are debatable. A Nova, or a Atom HE with a power amp might be a better proposition, with the HE also giving you the headphone amp.
@Jonathan_n You are correct. This has been discussed before regarding headphones. You may be better with an Atom HE if you can?. The headphone amp in the HE is very good.
The Atom can be connected to a power amp as suggested, but as a standalone device it is surprisingly capable. Don’t get carried away with power output numbers, it can drive plenty of speakers well although of course it does have its limits. I originally added an old olive NAP 250 to an Atom. The uplift in quality was worthwhile but I wonder if anything lower down the Naim chain would be as convincing. If you are really thinking of climbing the upgrade ladder later the Atom will limit your options.
In my office system I now have an HE with a 250.2. The headphone output is much better than that on the Atom but I am assuming you already have the Atom so you may not want to know that! It might be worth updating your profile and also tell us about your speakers.
As others have already mentioned, adding a separate power amplifier to the Uniti Atom is not really worthwhile. I sold my Atom (after several years) and switched to a Nait 50 with a separate streamer. Don’t be fooled. The Nait 50 has a nominal output of only 25 watts into 8 ohms. However, it easily drives most speakers in a room that is not too large. It has significantly more control over the speakers and offers a sensational sound image. There is a very detailed thread on this topic (Click here). The last few Nait 50s are currently available at a special price – this is a great alternative to the Atom. However, it is no longer an all-in-one solution like the Atom.
I’ve made the same switch, though I’ve not (yet?) sold my Atom. Front end is a WiiM pro plus used as transport into Chord Qutest. Total cost just slightly more than an Atom, but a big jump in SQ at least into my little Neat Iota speakers.
Thank you Bruce. The replies were all useful to me. There’s a consensus the Atom is not a platform for future improvement. I’m OK with that. I’ve had it for 4.5 years (before the Atom HE was launched), it’s been great, and still will be I’m sure. An upgrade for me in the future might be a Nova. Though by the time I’m ready for that Naim might have a new set of products out! I tend to keep things for a long time.
Thanks for your suggestion about updating my profile which I will do soon. I’m using PMC Prodigy 5 speakers and I have a Gyrodec which I’ve had since the 1980’s.
It’s a whole separate subject but I also have a Chord Mojo. My headphone listening is going to feature that rather than the Atom I think. There are so many DAPs coming on the market to partner it.