The Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition offers more than enough connections
Contents
Probably only the HDMI Arc will be used in many cases and the other analogue and digital inputs will go unused, but this Nova does not disappoint in connectivity. In good Naim custom, the analogue connections come in both a DIN and an RCA variant, two of each.
On the digital front, there are two TOSLink and two SPDIF connections. Of the SPDIF, there is one RCA and also one BNC connection. BNC is, unfortunately, a rarity, but again made available according to good Naim custom. The USB connections are intended for a hard drive or a USB stick on which music files can be placed.
Can I also connect a record player?
If you would like to connect a record player, please note that the Uniti Nova Power Edition does not have a record player pre-amplifier. Your record player must have a built-in preamp, or you will need a separate preamp.
With the Nova, all incoming analogue signals are digitised. This raises the eyebrows of purists, but purists are not the target audience for the Uniti range, Naim has other offerings for this customer group. Rest assured, the character of vinyl remains clearly audible.
A Power Edition requires power: cables and power conditioning
A Naim PowerLine Lite power cable is included in the box, but it is not usable because a plug is fitted for an English three-point connection. For European users, a standard black cable is included. When an Essential Audio Tools cable is connected instead of the supplied cable, the sound clearly gets better.
Naim amplifiers are known to work poorly with Power Conditioners. It is a matter of trial and error, but in combination with the Audes ST900 you lose what is essential for Naim amplifiers: Rhythm, timing and especially pacing.
The effect is easy to explain: it is like a hurdler just getting out of cadence and skimming over the hurdles with difficulty. They stay put, the finish line is crossed, but it all just does not run smoothly. Plugging directly into the wall socket is convincingly better in this area and does a better job of showcasing the qualities of this Nova Power Edition.