This Naim Audio model combines amplifier, digital-to-analog converter, and network player functions in a single chassis. Developed over three years by a team of 25 engineers in Salisbury workshops, it uses selected discrete components and a large toroidal transformer. Delivering 80 watts per channel in Class AB, it is hand-assembled, offering an integrated solution for music listening without multiple devices.
The Nova’s chassis reflects a construction approach where each element contributes to overall performance. The extruded aluminum heat sinks, running the full length of the sides, echo the lines of the Statement system while ensuring efficient heat dissipation. This finned geometry maintains constant thermal stability, essential for preserving amplification linearity and component longevity.
The sleek front panel features a five-inch color LCD screen protected by a glass panel. A proximity sensor activates the display as the user approaches, showing audio file metadata, album covers, and playback information. This visual interface is complemented by four touch buttons for essential functions. At the top of the unit, the rotary volume control, borrowed from the NAC-N 272 preamplifier, is a distinctive element: its illuminated perimeter indicates the sound level while offering precise handling thanks to its generous circumference and smooth rotation.
The internal assembly reveals meticulous organization. The toroidal transformer, occupying nearly a third of the available space, powers dual-mono amplification circuits. This topology, where each channel has its own circuit, minimizes crosstalk and preserves stereo separation. Through-hole film capacitors and discrete transistors, chosen for their electrical characteristics, are mounted on multilayer printed circuit boards with thick copper traces to reduce parasitic resistance.
At the heart of the digital section, a fourth-generation 40-bit SHARC DSP processor (ADSP 21489) orchestrates signal processing. This chip, clocked to handle complex audio streams, eliminates jitter—those synchronization errors that degrade temporal precision—while managing a RAM buffer capable of storing up to five minutes of audio data. This substantial reserve ensures smooth playback even in cases of network fluctuations or temporary connection interruptions.
The conversion process relies on proprietary 16x oversampling before feeding Burr Brown converters. This approach, where the signal is first digitally refined before conversion, fully exploits the DACs’ capabilities while pushing quantization noise out of the audible band. The Nova accepts a wide range of formats: WAV up to 32-bit/384 kHz, FLAC and AIFF up to 24-bit/384 kHz, DSD 64 and 128, as well as common compressed formats like MP3, AAC, and OGG.
The new NP800 streaming board, specifically developed for this generation of devices, integrates low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) technology to minimize electromagnetic interference between digital and analog sections. This architecture preserves audio signal integrity throughout the processing chain.
The Nova’s amplification stage continues Naim’s philosophy of sound reproduction. The 80 watts per channel at 8 ohms, achieved through a Class AB configuration, may seem modest on paper compared to some competitors. However, the Nova’s current capacity, supported by its large transformer and oversized linear power supplies, allows it to drive complex loads with authority.
The power amplification sections, twice as fast as the previous generation, benefit from separate power supplies with dedicated windings on the main transformer. This power segmentation—with separate rails for digital, analog, and amplification circuits—prevents mutual contamination and preserves signal purity. The output circuit adopts a proven topology, derived from the NAIT integrated amplifier, with modifications to optimize performance in this all-in-one format.
In standby mode, power consumption drops below 2 watts, while a “deep standby” mode reduces it to under 0.5 watts. This intelligent energy management meets current environmental standards without compromising startup speed: a few seconds are enough to return to optimal operation.
The Nova’s connectivity reflects a desire to embrace all contemporary uses. Digital inputs include two TOSLink optical (up to 96 kHz), two RCA coaxial and one BNC (up to 192 kHz with DoP support for DSD), as well as an HDMI ARC port for audiovisual system integration. The latter allows the Nova to receive audio signals from the TV while being controlled by its remote via the CEC protocol.
On the analog side, two RCA and two 5-pin DIN inputs—Naim’s signature—accommodate traditional sources. Two USB Type A ports, located on the front and rear panels, accept storage devices up to 1 TB for SSDs or 128 GB for USB drives. An SD card reader complements these local playback options. Outputs include speaker terminals, an RCA preamp output for subwoofers, a line output for external amplifiers, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack powered by a dedicated circuit.
Network integration relies on dual-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, with antennas cleverly hidden in slots machined into the heat sinks. This patented solution ensures optimal reception without unsightly external antennas. An Ethernet port provides a wired connection for installations where stability takes precedence over convenience.
The Nova supports the most common streaming protocols: Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and UPnP for access to local libraries. Native integration of Tidal and Qobuz provides direct access to these services’ high-resolution catalogs. Roon Ready compatibility turns the device into an endpoint for this music management platform favored by audiophiles. Bluetooth support, enhanced with aptX HD codec, allows quick connection to mobile devices.
The multi-room function enables synchronization of up to six Naim systems for simultaneous playback in multiple rooms. This “Party Mode” capability extends to analog sources thanks to the integrated A/D conversion: a turntable connected to the Nova can thus feed the entire multi-room system. The Focal & Naim app, available on iOS and Android, centralizes control of these functions while providing access to enriched metadata, artist biographies, and discographies.
The five-minute buffer, combined with stream management algorithms, maintains smooth playback even on congested home networks. This substantial reserve compensates for variable latencies and micro-dropouts that can affect streaming, particularly with high-resolution files demanding significant bandwidth.
The nominal power only tells part of the story. The oversized transformer and robust power supplies give the Nova substantial current capacity, allowing it to confidently control complex loads. Many users successfully pair it with speakers known to be difficult to drive. However, in very large rooms or with particularly insensitive speakers, adding an external power amplifier via the preamp outputs remains an option.
Beyond the CD player in the Star, the Nova benefits from a larger transformer in the space freed by the absence of a drive mechanism. This difference results in better power handling and increased ability to manage complex dynamic passages. The Nova delivers 80 watts compared to the Star’s 70, but the gap widens most significantly in terms of current reserve.
Naim maintains a purist approach where the signal passes through minimal processing stages. The absence of bass/treble controls reflects this philosophy: preserving signal integrity rather than offering correction options that would inevitably introduce alterations. This approach assumes well-chosen speakers and careful acoustic placement.
The Nova natively supports DSD 64 and 128 files via its coaxial and BNC digital inputs using the DoP (DSD over PCM) protocol. For network streaming, DSD playback occurs directly without prior conversion to PCM, thus preserving the specific characteristics of this format.
Via the HDMI ARC connection and CEC protocol, the Nova automatically exits standby when the TV is turned on and switches to the appropriate input. Volume can then be controlled from the TV remote. This seamless integration simplifies daily use in a home theater context.
The headphone output has its own independent amplification circuit. When activated, it automatically cuts the speaker outputs to preserve listening privacy. This behavior cannot be modified in the current firmware settings.
While Naim offers its own optimized cables like the NAC A5 or Super Lumina, the Nova works perfectly with cables from other manufacturers. The important thing is to choose cables of sufficient gauge and decent quality, suitable for the required length and speaker characteristics.
Google Cast integration virtually provides access to all services compatible with this protocol, even those not explicitly listed in the specifications. Additionally, regular firmware updates periodically add new services or improve compatibility with existing platforms.
Tristan
Zvok ojačevalnika je popoln, medtem ko operacijski sistem pušča veliko želenega. Veliko neupravičenih sesutij, ki zelo pogosto zahtevajo ponovni zagon ojačevalnika.
Komentar z dne 07. jan 2026 — Izkušnja z dne 27. sep 2025
Ervin-Eduard
Nakup Kanta Number 3 vam ne bo olajšal izbire ojačevalnika. Pregledal sem več možnosti in kot oboževalec NAD-a sem bil skeptičen glede NAIM-a. Ekipa za rešitve domačega kina je bila neverjetna, pomagala mi je izbrati napravo in svetovala glede nekaj stvari. Odločil sem se za NAIM, ker sem želel preizkusiti nekaj novega. Poleg tega je promocijski material Focal prikazal NAIM kot dobro kombinacijo, zato sem se odločil za nakup.
1. Kakovost izdelave: Neverjetna in obožujem gumb za glasnost.
2. Nabor funkcij: za moje potrebe ta naprava pokrije vse. Nisem želel priključiti več avdio virov, saj imam omejen prostor. Brez težav lahko dostopam do Hi-Res glasbe iz Qobuza in svojega NAS-a.
3. Kakovost zvoka: NAIM-ov podpis zvoka je drugačen od NAD-ovega. Na začetku nisem bil navdušen in verjamem, da je to zato, ker sem pričakoval, da bo zvenel kot NAD. Dal sem mu nekaj ur in stvari so se spremenile. Tako ojačevalnik kot Kanta sta se uigravala in zvok mi je postal všeč.
4. Osebno mnenje: Verjamem, da Uniti Nova ni dovolj močan za Kanta No 3. Da bi zvočniki in ojačevalnik zares zasijali, morate povečati glasnost. Pri 40-50 % se zvočniki prebudijo. Pri nižji glasnosti ne izkoristite te čarobne Focalove tehnologije. Morda je Nova PE boljša kombinacija, vendar je to zunaj mojega proračuna.
5. Ali bi to morali kupiti? Definitivno. Izjemno bogat nabor funkcij in med drugim je ta naprava ocenjena na 2 x 80 W, vendar so jo nekateri recenzenti na spletu izmerili bližje 100 W. NAIM nekoliko podcenjuje specifikacije.
Komentar z dne 24. sep 2024 — Izkušnja z dne 13. sep 2024
Benoit
Povezan z Focal Kanta knjižnimi zvočniki, ta ojačevalnik prinaša ogromno udarca.
Izdelek je zelo dobre kakovosti, popolna povezljivost in kakovost zvoka sta na mestu, uporabljen je bil že več tednov in ni bilo nobenih težav.
Edina pomanjkljivost: namestitev modula DAB/FM kasneje je prava nočna mora...
Komentar z dne 22. dec 2023 — Izkušnja z dne 11. dec 2023
