Naim Audio CI-Uniti 102

Introduction

Many regular readers will be familiar with my Naim journey; others, not. The release of the New Classic units, which effectively renders my Old Classic equipment ‘past it’, has halted my Naim odyssey (which has, in fact, been well over the 10 years it took Homer’s Odysseus to get home). I am effectively unable to obtain a single New Classic unit to upgrade in exchange for a power supply (XPS), preamplifier (NAC-N 272), and power amplifier (NAP 250). My journey continues with Chord Company and other upgrades that have worked well.

The Naim Audio display at Bristol this year featured a slightly hidden, understated room with a Custom Install streaming amplifier and a pair of Focal stand-mounted loudspeakers. It sounded sparkling, given the context of a noisy Hi-Fi show.

The CI-Uniti 102 is part of a new range of products for custom installation and multi-room integrated solutions. There are three products: a mono amplifier, an eight-channel multi-zone amplifier, and the CI-Uniti 102 amplified streamer.

Design

The Naim Audio CI-Uniti 102 is a networked streaming amplifier designed for custom install projects. It can be fitted in with the standard 19-inch rack-mounted solutions widely used. The CI-Uniti 102 can be easily controlled through the Focal & Naim App (iOS or Android) as well as other home automation drivers such as Crestron, Control4, RTI, Savant, and Elan (I don’t know what these are either, but they’re custom install Apps, I gather).

There is plenty of ‘normal’ connectivity in here with TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, UPnP™, Internet Radio, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. On the hardware side, there are HDMI (PCM up to 24-bit, 192kHz Stereo), Bluetooth, S/PDIF (24-bit, 96kHz), analogue, RCA input, and reception from a Dante receiver network (I don’t know what this is either). The inputs can all be trimmed in the App. The Unit can be networked with WiFi or an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet cable.

Inside the CI-Uniti 102 are two ESS 9033Q DACs and a SHARC 21563 DSP, which was also used in the stunning DIVA Utopia. The 102 is Class D with Japanese TPA3255 Amplifiers (these specs are from the Naim Forum chat group and were obtained from a Google CI Uniti 102 DAC query).

Two independent stereo RCA outputs are available (one line-level, one pre-out) for use with subwoofers, sub-zones, or even a headphone amplifier (see below). The power amplifier is rated at 150W at 8 ohms, claiming 29dB of Gain.

Loudspeaker connectivity can be with either standard banana plugs or Euroblock connectors.

Of key interest is the price of the CI-Uniti 102, at £1299.

Quality

The CI-Uniti 102 features a minimalist, compact, and low-height design, yet it has a heft and reassuring feel.  There is a glass front façade with the illuminated white Naim Logo front and centre. This can be adjusted in the App from Bright to Medium or Dim, but apparently not turned off. The side of the unit is ribbed for heat management. In the recent stifling heat, the 102 has been a fine heat-wise; it is classified as Class D.

Specification and Price

Performance

Review Equipment

I’m looking at the 102 as a 2-channel integrated streaming amplifier; I have no interest in the AV aspects of this product, nor the CI aspects. I have placed it on three Node Audio SS-1s, which has tightened things up a fraction. I’m looking to see if this is an upgrade on my Old Classic 250.

Loudspeakers are Kudos Audio Titan 505s with Tellurium Q Ultra Silver II loudspeaker cable.  I have a Melco N100 Library on the network, connected to a Melco S100 switch, which is located on the right side of an ADOT optical data converter. I’m accessing the library through the Server option in the Naim Focal App. I also have a pair of Elipson 24F Facet II floorstanders.

Physically

The unit is sleek and certainly benefits from the SS-1s under it. I suppose the rigidity of a CI rack may also help.  I like this; it’s compact and minimalist, and there’s plenty of space around the back for inputs (one) and the loudspeaker output.

Night Mode is a setting designed to reduce the dynamic range, thereby avoiding excessive sound that may bother people at night.  I cannot see that being a long-term thing.

The Naim Focal App has been flawless.

Naim Audio Old Classic NAP 250

This is the key bit, can the 102 offer an upgrade over my Old Classic 250? The answer is just maybe. The Class D 102 has a brighter tone that is very engaging, but I don’t get the uplift I heard with the New Classic 250 by any measure. The New Classic had every inch of the clarity and space I was seeking with the dynamic response needed in more complex pieces, without the angularity of the Old 250. This was what I was after over my Old Classic 250.

My Old Classic is still sounding good with that angular midrange frequency response that many enjoy, and others abhor. I must say, refreshingly, the Old 250 has the edge over the 102 in terms of weight, grip, and room dominance, which is my preference. But at this price, the 102 is a spectacular and athletic unit.

Elipson Facet II 24F

I’ve tried the same exercise with the 102 v 250 comparison using these Elipson Facet II 24F floorstanding loudspeakers, and I’ve the same outcome, credit to Elipson.  They, too, like the 102, are punching well above their price point.

Digital Input

A bit of a play with my Audiolab CD 7000 transport was fun into the digital input, and the output was certainly very good indeed.

Melco Library

The Naim Focal app found my Melco library easily enough and played it with ease.  The resolution and energy are a standout here.

Qobuz Connect

Somehow, the 102 knew about Qobuz Connect, and this is working seamlessly.

Naim Audio Uniti Star

I placed the 102 in place of the Uniti Star in the family kitchen/living room. I’m using a pair of Jern loudspeakers with a REL subwoofer.  I personally prefer the 102 as it is properly understated; however, my family cannot justify the compromise of no screen and no volume control for the uplift in performance.  Otherwise, the 102 has been exemplary with Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and Qobuz Connect, as well as the usual multiple connections that occur when guests come over for a few drinks.

I have compromised in the living space by inserting the Eversolo DMP-A6 (which has my CD collection on the M.2 card inside), RCA out and using the preamplifier inside it to the CI-Uniti 102.  This provides the necessary screen and volume controls.

Headphone Output

There is no headphone option, obviously, as this is a custom install product that you would not usually see. You can use the Pre-Out or RCA analogue out to connect to a headphone amplifier. I’ve used straight analogue out to my tube-based Schiit VALI 3, which has been a terrific option. I have had to disconnect the speakers, as this is not a standard use of this unit.

Thoughts

I’m using this somewhat like an Atom, but not exactly.  The Atom is Class A and Class A/B This is Class D. Class D has come a long way in the last few years. If you’re looking for entry-level Naim Audio, this is it in my view, and it is a fine performer as a two-channel solution in a second room.  If you think about an Atom (£2299) or a Uniti Star (£3499), this is an absolute two-channel bargain if you want the modern Naim sound, the cachet, and you’re not fussed about making a big deal about it with screens and the like.  Of course, in the Naim Atom context, there is the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 (£1999) and the NAD M10 V3 (£1999) to consider as well the myriads of streaming integrated amplifiers near this price point like the new ARCAM amplifiers or the Bluesound Powernodes.

This CI-Uniti 102 is punching miles above its price point, and I think it is a secret winner.   I would be interested in seeing if it could be used as mono blocks for a bit of added spice.

In conclusion, in my case, in the search for a Naim audio upgrade, I’m probably better getting my NAP250 serviced for £495 (Music Matters Stratford quote, Mar ’25). I have to say, if I were setting up a second room, this 102 with an Eversolo might be fun with a nice pair of bookshelves.

Overall

Secret Naim Audio quality benefitting from a quiet custom install release that I can see getting more and more attention. Don’t tell anyone about this special streaming amplifier!