Naim Just Put an Entire Hi-Fi System Into One Box With the New Uniti Star Lite
Naim Audio has taken one of its most popular ideas and given it a fresh new direction. The new Uniti Star Lite is designed for listeners who want serious streaming and traditional hi-fi connectivity without having to build a system around separate components.
Priced at £3,199 in the UK and €3,999 in Europe, the Uniti Star Lite combines a network streamer, integrated amplifier and a wide range of physical inputs in a single chassis. It will be available exclusively in the UK and Europe.
At the heart of the system is Naim’s NP800 streaming platform, giving the Uniti Star Lite access to a long list of modern streaming services. Spotify Connect, TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast Built-In are all supported, along with internet radio.
There is also support for music stored locally. The Uniti Star Lite can play files from USB drives and UPnP servers, while Roon users will find the system is Roon Ready. Bluetooth is included as well, making it easy to connect devices that are not part of the home network.
Naim has also paid attention to file support. The Uniti Star Lite handles WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC and DSD files, with gapless playback available for albums where the music is intended to flow continuously from one track to the next.
A 70W-per-channel amplifier inside
Streaming is only part of the equation. The Uniti Star Lite uses a Class AB amplifier rated at 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, allowing it to act as the heart of a conventional stereo system without requiring a separate integrated amplifier.
Naim has equipped it with an unusually comprehensive collection of connections. There are analog RCA and DIN inputs, two optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, a BNC connection, and HDMI ARC. A dedicated output can be used for a subwoofer or preamplifier, while USB-A ports and a 3.5mm headphone output add further flexibility.
There is even an SD card slot, something that has become increasingly uncommon on modern streaming components.
Designed to be more than a streamer
The Uniti Star Lite is controlled through the Focal & Naim app for iOS and Android, although Naim also supplies a two-way ZigBee remote control. A 5-inch colour display sits on the front panel alongside the physical controls, giving the system a more traditional hi-fi feel than many screen-free streaming amplifiers.
The Uniti Star Lite can also be integrated into a multi-room system with other compatible Naim and Focal products. Google Assistant and Siri voice control are supported too.
Inside the chassis, Naim has used two power supplies, including a linear supply with a toroidal transformer. The company has also kept standby consumption below 0.5 watts.
Measuring 95 x 432 x 265mm and weighing 11kg, the Uniti Star Lite is compact enough to sit neatly within a modern living room system while still offering the connectivity of a much larger collection of separate hi-fi components.
With its combination of Naim amplification, the NP800 streaming platform and a surprisingly extensive selection of inputs, the Uniti Star Lite looks aimed squarely at listeners who want to simplify their system without giving up the flexibility normally associated with separates.
