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John
You probably already know the Naim Uniti Atom (introduced here, reviewed here): a streaming amplifier with the finest volume wheel in all of hi-fi and to which we just add loudspeakers. Today, the Salisbury-based manufacturer has announced the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition which strips away the loudspeaker amplifier in favour of “a new discrete headphone amplifier” (1.5wpc RMS into 16 Ohms) that reportedly features trickle-down tech from Naim’s Statement amplification system to render the new model “capable of powering even the most premium headphones with ease.”
From the press release: The “Uniti Atom Headphone Edition features a completely new transformer design, dedicated to providing – in true Naim tradition – the very best power supply to the headphone amplification circuitry. The new discrete transistor circuit design enables Uniti Atom Headphone Edition to gain balanced headphone outputs, on both 4 pin XLR* and Pentaconn, maximising the performance of high-end headphones with those connections. There is also a standard 6.3mm output.” Just add headphones, noting that the balanced XLR headphone socket sits on the rear of the unit.
The streaming platform and DAC have been carried over from the original Uniti Atom to support PCM up to 32bit/384kHz and third-party app control from Google’s Chromecast Built-In, Apple’s AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Roon. Internet Radio and Tidal/Qobuz are also integrated within Naim’s own streaming app alongside UPnP which will play content stored on any directly-connected USB storage device.
Rounding out the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition’s feature set are analogue inputs (whose signals are digitised upon entry to PCM 24bit/48kHz), digital inputs (2 x TOSLINK and 1 x coax) and analogue outputs (balanced XLR and single-ended) for partnering with a pair of active loudspeakers or a power amplifier. Anything that brings Naim’s volume wheel within closer reach gets my vote.
Naim’s Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is available now and will sell for £2399, US$3290 or €2899 — the same price as the original loudspeaker-focussed Uniti Atom.
Further information: Naim
