If you have considered the Naim Uniti range but felt it fell short in terms of power, the Naim Nova PE (short for “Power Edition”) significantly enhances the output, offering 80 watts per channel—almost double that of the standard Uniti Nova. This user-friendly music streaming system only needs speakers to operate and provides an impressive 150 watts per channel (at 8 ohms).
That means it can drive even the most demanding speakers and fill the largest of rooms. There’s a twist here, though – and audio purists might want to look away now. The big news is that Naim’s general preference for Class AB amplification has been replaced by Class D amplification. Of course, the brand has some experience of this, having used it with the Mu-So range and in the Naim for Bentley car amplifier, but this is perhaps one of the most noticeable innovations. Naim says the resulting sound will be punchier and more expressive, but still as articulate and thoughtful as we’ve come to expect from this five-star range.
Like the original Nova, the Uniti Nova PE offers plenty of connectivity options for playing music. For digital sources, this includes two sets of optical (up to 24-bit/96kHz) and coaxial (up to 24-bit/192kHz, DSD 64) inputs, plus one each of BNC (up to 24-bit/192kHz, DSD 64) and HDMI inputs. There’s also a USB-A input at the front and rear for connecting external storage devices, plus a headphone output for private listening at the front. For analogue inputs, you have a choice of RCA and 5-pin DIN inputs, plus you’ll also find a second set of RCA outputs for bi-amping speakers or adding a subwoofer if you prefer.
There’s Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac) on board for direct access to internet radio stations and music streaming services including Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Spotify Connect and Apple Music, plus there’s AirPlay 2 support, Chromecast, UPnP and Roon ready to go. You’ll also get aptX Adaptive Bluetooth built-in, as well as multi-room streaming with other Naim players.
All of this is housed in a familiar brushed aluminum chassis with a 5-inch color screen and what is undoubtedly the best volume control known to man. There are a few quick-access buttons next to the display, but additional controls can be found on the included remote control, which doesn’t require line-of-sight to operate.
Specifications
Number of channels 2
Output power 2 x 150 W (8 Ohm)
Inputs 2 optical, 2 coaxial, BNC, HDMI Arc, analog RCA, analog DIN 5 Pin
Additionally Bluetooth (aptX), 2 USB for external drives, SD card slot, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Outputs to speakers, from a preamplifier, to headphones (mini-jack 3.5 mm)
Formats WAV (up to 32 bit / 384 kHz), FLAC / AIFF (up to 24 bit / 384 kHz), ALAC (up to 32 bit / 384 kHz), MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, DSD 64/128
Display LCD, 5 inches
Internet radio vTuner
Power supply toroidal high-current transformer
Power consumption 140 W, in standby mode: 0.5 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 432x95x265 mm
Weight 15 kg
