Naim Uniti Atom Review (Streamer & Amp)

[GiBo61]

The speaker in my system is a Monitor Audio SILVER 500 (6G), and my amp is a naim superunit. So I don't own an ATOM but at least the superunit might be better than the ATOM.

In my subjective listening, the PURIFI always had a cold, methylated resonance in the upper frequencies. But with naim superunit, the situation is the opposite and the music becomes much more enjoyable.

I think SINAD is not a perception of quality in listening to music. if it was, my purifi amp would be the first amp in my system right now.

A part from the "methylated resonance" (I work in the biomedical field and this is the meaning of methylation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylation) I guess I understand what you are saying. Usually class D amplifiers are more analytical and that translates in a sound that is often described as "cold" (a forward and more distinct perception of medium-high frequencies). I guess that sound can be less pleasant for some users, and that the final results mostly depend on the speakers, the room and the room treatment. I must say that my Sabaj A30a full-digital class D amplifier does not sound "cold" at all (I would define it neutral) while my Denon DRA 800H class A/B receiver is probably more warm (more gentle with medium high frequencies). Not sure which one I like better (it mostly depends on the music I'm playing) although the Sabaj A30a is supposed to have much better measurements than the Denon DRA 800H (about 15 db difference in SINAD for the amplification section).

 

[Jimbob54]

methylated resonance in the upper frequencies

That's a new one.

 

[welder911]

That's a new one.

what do you want to say?

 

[Jimbob54]

what do you want to say?

I'd ask you the same question.

 

[GiBo61]

what do you want to say?

I guess he means that if you search in Google "methylated resonance" you get 9 hits and none of them is related to sound reproduction.

 

[Ken1951]

Just add it to the list of truly non-sensical subjectivist crapahoola. How's about Methylated Plankton?!?!

 

[Galliardist]

The speaker in my system is a Monitor Audio SILVER 500 (6G), and my amp is a naim superunit. So I don't own an ATOM but at least the superunit might be better than the ATOM.

In my subjective listening, the PURIFI always had a cold, methylated resonance in the upper frequencies. But with naim superunit, the situation is the opposite and the music becomes much more enjoyable.

I think SINAD is not a perception of quality in listening to music. if it was, my purifi amp would be the first amp in my system right now.

I can’t tell what you mean by “methylated resonance” either.

And I can’t find a measurement for your speaker.

However, it seems that the entire 6G series had problematic treble and if you are reporting an issue with the upper frequencies that could be expected.

There are a few potential technical and psychoacoustic reasons why you don’t hear the issue with the Naim. It would take blind testing and some detailed measurements to find the cause.

Unless you are ready and able to do all of that, just plug the Naim in and enjoy the music.

 

[welder911]

Helle all, methylated resonance >
Actually what I mean here is a mutation that is not true at higher frequencies. It seems to me that high frequencies come out of a pressure cooker.

 

[Trondi]

Helle all, methylated resonance >
Actually what I mean here is a mutation that is not true at higher frequencies. It seems to me that high frequencies come out of a pressure cooker.

Hmmm, methylated spirit fumes come to mind here Welder911.

Good ventilation is always a bonus in listening to good music, and understanding some folks comments on this thread.

 

[BelgianJoey]

After seeing this test result I knew that my Atom had to go. I had no real complaints about the sound quality it produced (other than audible hiss when no music is playing) nor about the functionality but just couldn’t accept playing over a DAC with only 11 bits resolution in the multitone result. Imagine that I tried to hear the difference between lossless Apple Music and high res on Tidal and Qobuz. Thinking now that I spent that much money on a product with universal acclaim over the entire internet I had something SOTA in house. I never had a chance! Thankfully I never concluded that I could hear a difference.
I sold it today. I got a Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 for about the same price that I got for my Atom. I don’t know if it measures a lot better but it has Roomperfect and that really improves sound quality in an audible way.

 

[NiagaraPete]

After seeing this test result I knew that my Atom had to go. I had no real complaints about the sound quality it produced (other than audible hiss when no music is playing) nor about the functionality but just couldn’t accept playing over a DAC with only 11 bits resolution in the multitone result. Imagine that I tried to hear the difference between lossless Apple Music and high res on Tidal and Qobuz. Thinking now that I spent that much money on a product with universal acclaim over the entire internet I had something SOTA in house. I never had a chance! Thankfully I never concluded that I could hear a difference.
I sold it today. I got a Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 for about the same price that I got for my Atom. I don’t know if it measures a lot better but it has Roomperfect and that really improves sound quality in an audible way.

I know its a ego crusher. I had to do the same with all my Linn gear. Thankfully the feeling of being hosed passes quickly.

 

[lordhumungous]

After seeing this test result I knew that my Atom had to go. I had no real complaints about the sound quality it produced (other than audible hiss when no music is playing) nor about the functionality but just couldn’t accept playing over a DAC with only 11 bits resolution in the multitone result. Imagine that I tried to hear the difference between lossless Apple Music and high res on Tidal and Qobuz. Thinking now that I spent that much money on a product with universal acclaim over the entire internet I had something SOTA in house. I never had a chance! Thankfully I never concluded that I could hear a difference.
I sold it today. I got a Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 for about the same price that I got for my Atom. I don’t know if it measures a lot better but it has Roomperfect and that really improves sound quality in an audible way.

I have a Naim Uniti Atom and I really dislike the high noise floor that creates such audible hiss. I am certain that this is what significantly reduces the resolution on this unit.

Hey it looks great though.

Just listen to a reliable Topping PA5 , that I have too , and its not too hard to figure out which unit has the better resolution .

I always get a kick out of audiophiles who say certain dacs or amps sound "thin" compared to tube amps or other dacs.

The thinness is the much higher resolution. Period. As an audiophile for over three decades I can tell you that distortion to some people
is pleasing to the ears.

Steve Guttenberg has a terrific You Tube on a friend who says : I Don't trust me ears ! I dont think i do either . Here's the link :

Its so true IMO.