Uniti
Our first all-in-one audio system, and the first product we launched in the Uniti family, NaimUniti exceeded everyone's expectations and has proven to be immensely popular world wide. The single case contains a CD player, an amplifier, and a multi-format tuner delivering FM, DAB and internet radio, together with a whole host of analogue and digital inputs. It can also stream digital media from any UPnP-enabled device (PC, Mac) or Network Attached Storage (NAS) on the home network and has iPod connectivity. You can even connect a turntable, if you so wish. UnitiQute joins its larger sibling, also offering all-in-one capabilities, minus the CD player, but in a smaller, more compact casing.
The most recent addition to the family is the UnitiServe: a high-performance hard disk player/server with a Naim ripping engine, 1TB of internal storage, and UPnP server capabilities to serve audio to the NaimUniti and UnitiQute, or any UPnP-enabled media player.
You can easily combine these devices together with an iPhone / iPod Touch control app to form a high quality wireless multi-room audio system: UnitiSystem. The only wired connection needed is that between the UnitiServe and the network router to ensure reliability and the best streaming quality: everything else operates wirelessly.
We use the established UPnP – Universal Plug and Play – open networking protocol to allow the Uniti family to integrate seamlessly and effortlessly with other compliant equipment on the network... and most modern components do employ this popular and reliable technology. For example, you might have had music stored on UPnP-enabled Network Attached Storage (NAS) with a previous system: the Uniti players will immediately recognise this device and connect to its music without further intervention and without any need for either device to be reconfigured. Similarly, any UPnP-enabled media player will instantly recognise and co-operate with the UnitiServe.
Streaming is the technology that makes the UnitiSystem possible. It involves transmitting packets of digital data, on demand, from a server – either on the local network or on the internet – to a media player, such as the NaimUniti or UnitiQute, which then converts that data stream back to an analogue audio signal and replays it through the system loudspeakers. A good example of this technology is the increasingly popular internet radio system. Receiving this valuable source, naturally, is an integral function of the NaimUniti and UnitiQute.
The automatic communication abilities of UPnP technology mean that any audio file available to the UnitiServe, whether stored on its internal hard disk, on another computer or NAS drive, can be streamed to and played by any UPnP player – a NaimUniti or UnitiQute – connected to the network.
The wireless UnitiSystem multi-room concept is based upon delivering high quality musical performance around the house along with extreme simplicity of installation for the home-owner, not to mention exceptional ease-of-control, particularly using the dedicated iPhone app. The only wiring required is the loudspeaker cables between the Uniti devices and their local loudspeakers, and one Ethernet cable for the entire system – to connect the UnitiServe to the home network wireless router.
If the user subsequently decides they want music in the kitchen or guest bedroom it is an easily accomplished task to incorporate such additions: connect a UnitiQute to a pair of loudspeakers in the desired location and switch it on. That is all there is to it. The UnitiQute automatically connects to any previously connected wireless network and is immediately ready to stream high definition music – at up to 24-bit/96kHz quality – from the UnitiServe, the internet, and any network-connected computers or UPnP-enabled devices in the house.
The local inputs on the UnitiQute further mean that it can be used conveniently to amplify any analogue or digital source located in that room: a TV set-top box, for instance.
The performance of your wireless network can be affected by many external factors which can impact on the performance of any devices using the network. This includes any Naim products connected wirelessly. If you are experiencing difficulties with your wireless network, you should consult a qualified network professional for assistance.
The UnitiSystem is truly versatile and can be configured to suit the particular requirements of any home-owner. We imagine that in most family homes the UnitiServe, the only component that needs a wired connection (through a regular Cat5e network cable) will be positioned fairly close to the wireless network router, perhaps in the study or home-office. When you come to manage your UnitiServe’s music library you have a variety of control options; an iPhone / iPod Touch app, a USB touch-screen, or you might prefer to use its web browser or desktop client interface through your computer. The choice is yours. For music replay in that location the compact UnitiQute – ideal for sitting on the desktop – could power a pair of Naim n-Sat loudspeakers.
In the main family room we envisage the NaimUniti being incorporated into the TV surround sound system or providing the primary stereo system, through its ability to accommodate several analogue and digital sources. Control is simple: along with using the remote control handset the unit can also be operated wirelessly with an iPhone or iPod Touch app. Elsewhere in the home, the arrangement used in the study – a wireless UnitiQute or NaimUniti with a pair of compact loudspeakers – will probably be equally appropriate in most circumstances. However, neither is restricted to use with smaller loudspeakers, so if you feel the need for larger or floor-standing types in any room, please try them.
