Hi,
I had Uniti Atom for a while. I use it mostly with Spotify and Tidal accounts via WI-FI network. And sometimes I use external HDD to play FLAC files from my own music library.
A week ago I connected Uniti Atom through WIRED network cable.
And WOW, I was really surprised how the quality changed. The sound became more controlled, detailed and really engaging. Before it was muddy, slow, and I thought it is because my room acoustics. And I can assure you, it is not placebo. I tried some blind tests with my friend, and difference is easy to feel.
Is it normal, that WI-FI network produces worse quality on these devices? I understand that it is not a top level of Naim products. There are devices with isolated circuits, like Nd555 and other Naim separates, which I assume should produce wonderful sound quality for both Wi-Fi and in wired connections.
Also, I understand, that signal path is digital, and in theory there shouldn’t be any sound quality changes in transmitting it. But maybe the changes occur because WI-FI signal module/antenna somehow affects DAC and other Unity circuits. I live in apartment, and there are plenty of WI-FI networks around. My Uniti Atom shows 25 WI-FI networks visible in my room. So maybe it is also somehow related.
Some time ago I’ve read in archived forums, that some people experienced random quality changes in Uniti Atom. I think it could also be related with WI-FI network, because I’ve also noticed random changes in sound quality when used Wi-FI and now – the problem gone away.
Did anybody else notice quality differences compared WI-FI and WIRED network connections for Uniti Atom? And also, why NAIM do not warn about these possible quality differences. I think it should be very important factor for users. For example, I would connect my Uniti to WIRED connection first day I bought it, If I knew that quality is worse through WI-FI.