HERE’S a Naim streamer designed specifically for those who are very attached to their headphones. The all-in-one Uniti Atom itself has been around for some years, and it does have an output for headphones (probably as an afterthought), but the Headphone Edition is optimised for the headfi market. It is also a streaming preamp, so if you want the sound outside your head, just add a pair of active speakers, or power amp and speakers.
“Where typical headphone amplifiers demand tethering to a computer, the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition has all the brains – and Naim’s exclusive streaming platform. The headphone-optimised version of the multi-award-wining Uniti Atom also features 6.35mm (1/4 inch), balanced XLR (4 pin) and 4.4mm Pentaconn outputs, plus is compatible with an array of headphones from 16Ω and up.
“You can keep up to three headphones plugged in and switch sets depending on what you’re listening to and when.”
The Naim App for Apple and Android devices allows full control and even lets the user link up to five Naim streaming devices for multi-room setups.
You get hassle-free streaming of digital music libraries, Internet radio stations/podcasts, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Qobuz right into your headphones. And also, you can wirelessly stream direct from all your devices via Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in (for the first time), plus connect other sources, from turntables to USB drives. It is also Roon Ready.
The Headphone Edition has four digital (one optical and coaxial each, and two USB 2.0) and a single analogue RCA pair of inputs. A set each XLR and RCA preamp outputs can be seen on the rear panel.
Check with your nearest Naim dealer to find out when the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition will make it to your region. Recommended headphones – something from Focal, of course…
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