A Small Revolution that’s bound to shake up
our Audiophile habits
It’s not every day that a product like the Naim CI-Uniti 102 hits the market. While it incorporates technologies we’ve previously seen in other devices, the way these technologies are implemented and brought together is, in itself, revolutionary. This is a device that is disruptive, intriguing, affordable, and truly high-performing — a lovely little machine that may challenge many existing audio setups. Originally designed for the Custom Install market by professional installers, the CI-Uniti 102 has sparked strong interest among high-end audiophiles and clients from sectors where it wasn’t expected at all. So, without further ado, set your mindset switch to “fully open-minded”, because you’ll need it for this review!
Recently, the renowned British manufacturer Naim ventured into a brand-new market: custom and commercial installations. Naim aimed to bring its hi-fi expertise to a field traditionally dominated by brands like TOA, Bose, and Sonos. To do this, it launched the CI series, which includes three products: the CI-Uniti 102 (our focus here), the CI-Nap 101 monophonic amplifier, and the CI-Nap 108 eight-channel amplifier —all made by Naim.
These devices are primarily designed for multi-zone installations using 70-volt speaker line signal transmission. Picture yourself as a billionaire audiophile whose 32-room yacht is filled with Naim audio and Focal speakers. One can dream, right? The CI-Uniti 102 is, in fact, the brain of the series and will likely serve as the central hub for future Naim CI installations. Technically speaking, the most accurate way to describe the CI-Uniti 102 is as an all-in-one device operable via the Naim app.
Indeed, this unit is an excellent network player, a surprisingly versatile preamplifier, a powerful amplifier, and a fabulous audio signal manager. With its computer-router-like appearance, the Naim CI-Uniti 102 has no physical control buttons other than the power switch. It’s a highly computerized audio device, fully software-controlled — a boundary that many audiophiles may be hesitant to cross. Alongside the Naim app, the CI-Uniti 102 also comes with an advanced software tool called Focal&Naim Manager.
Originally designed for audio professionals and installers, this software gives users a level of control and customization that borders on the unimaginable. As we’ll explore in detail, this tool is truly revolutionary for a high-end audio device. It allows the CI-Uniti 102 to be perfectly matched to the loudspeakers it powers and finely tuned to the listening room with extraordinary flexibility. But first, let’s dive into the technical specs of the CI-Uniti 102.
Technical Description
Let me warn you right away: traditional Naim fans might feel tempted to tear their shirts reading this technical breakdown… But don’t worry — once they hear it, they’ll recover quickly. As mentioned, the CI-Uniti 102 is an all-in-one system. It’s powered not by the classic toroidal transformer typical of Naim, but by a 1.2 kW switching power supply — a first for Naim. This power supply was carefully designed with high-quality components to ensure ultra-quiet operation.
The CI-Uniti 102 is largely built on digital circuitry, with a main board packed with high-integration chips, including the Sharc 21563 DSP processor from Analog Devices. Most digital signal processing is done in 64-bit format, ensuring optimal resolution, an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, and minimal loss. Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by the latest ESS Sabre chip, the 9033Q.
Volume control, however, remains in the analog domain, via two Muse 72320 chips — a rare and costly choice for this class of device.
Amplification is handled by Texas Instruments’ Class D TPA3255 modules, delivering 150 W at 8 ohms. Output is finely tuned with premium components, including Sagami inductors and Japanese film capacitors.
As for connections, the CI-Uniti 102 allows for one pair of loudspeakers and two formats are available. You can use the traditional pair of binding post connectors, or Euroblock (Phoenix-type) intended for custom installations. It includes an RJ45 network port and two digital inputs: one optical and one essential HDMI eARC for your TV. It also offers outputs for a subwoofer or secondary amplifier. Overall, for the price, the CI-Uniti 102 offers solid build quality that should deliver reliable performance for years.
Focal&Naim Manager Software
In addition to daily operation via the Naim app, the CI-Uniti 102 is configurable through the Focal&Naim Manager software, easily installable on any PC or Mac. Initially designed for trained installers or authorized dealers, this software can also be used by any CI-Uniti 102 owner — provided they take basic precautions not to damage their loudspeakers.
The software is impressively sophisticated. You can configure the CI-Uniti 102 however you like — just as a preamp, a network player, a monoblock amp, a subwoofer amp — virtually anything. It works on a project basis, meaning you can create multiple setups. For instance, I created one called ProAc Upstairs Living Room and another named Kef 107/2 Main Room. You could even go further and create setups based on musical genres or uses, like a home theater mode or specific settings for rock music.
Of course, physics still applies. For instance, if you try to turn tiny LS 3/5A monitors into a pair of Klipsch La Scalas, don’t expect miracles. The software also includes profiles for most Focal loudspeakers, ensuring optimal synergy between amp and loudspeaker.
The highlight is the built-in parametric EQ, which lets you fine-tune your system to the room with absolute precision and transparency. I’m only scratching the surface of what Focal&Naim Manager can do — it offers a level of flexibility audiophiles rarely have. It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but once you hear the results, you’ll forget any initial hesitation.
Unboxing and Setup
As with any high-tech system, start by installing the Naim app on your tablet or smartphone. The CI-Uniti 102 will work perfectly without the Focal&Naim Manager software — it’s only needed for advanced optimization. However, the app and a working Ethernet network are essential for the device to function.
During setup, you’ll choose between a wired network connection or Wi-Fi via the two included antennas. Wired is preferred when possible. There’s no remote control or onboard volume knob, so to avoid damaging your loudspeakers, it’s wise to set a maximum volume limit in the app settings.
The device generates some heat from underneath, so it’s crucial to install the four rubber stickers included with the device, acting as feet. Naim really should have supplied a set of four proper screw-in feet for a device of this quality and price. Still, many aftermarket options are available which ought to work well.
Despite It All, a Familiar Sound
Even though the CI-Uniti 102 uses a very different amplification technology than traditional Naim amps, the famous Naim sound signature remains quite present. Right away, you’ll notice great dynamics and a rhythm that gets your foot tapping. The tone is also characteristically Naim — warm, with smooth highs and a rich midrange.
To my surprise, the CI-Uniti 102 never exhibits the harsh brightness common in many Class D amps. This is one of its great achievements. Getting me to enjoy music on a Class D amp — after all the criticism I’ve leveled at the technology — is no small feat. Proof that we should always keep an open mind.
The gorgeous album Mélopée by French singer Ezéchiel Pailhès is rendered with luxurious warmth that highlights his captivating voice. The title track is delivered with great energy, making you forget the underlying technology. My favorite track, Le beau jour, touched me with its refinement, atmosphere, and above all, excellent emotional depth making this song so beautiful.
Tonal Freedom
To test the CI-Uniti 102 in a real-world context, I installed it in my living room — a space with no acoustic treatment. Since it’s in the Wife-Protected Zone, placing a loudspeaker pair three feet from the walls in the middle of the room was out of the question. My ProAc D-TWOs had to be against the wall with their grilles on. Thanks to the Focal&Naim Manager, I quickly achieved perfect tonal balance, with no bass boom. I even cheated a bit by extending the bass response of the ProAcs to avoid adding a subwoofer. A touch of treble roll-off, and voilà!
The result was spot on — professional-grade sound and a soundstage that vanished into the wall. It felt like I had expanded my listening room, pushing the soundstage back at will, as if by magic and without any acoustic treatment. Achieving that same synergy with traditional audiophile methods would have meant trying six loudspeaker pairs, various cables, countless tweaks, two subwoofers, a power conditioner, etc. I’d probably still be fiddling with loudspeaker placement as you read this. That’s the brilliance of this wonderful little system — using the best of modern tech to get excellent sound and musicality without any audiophile contortions
Conclusion
So here we are, faced with a device that is both high-performing and disruptive. Disruptive because it challenges our traditional methods for achieving great sound. And that’s a good thing. Those who dare to try it will have a blast. They might only miss the nostalgic charm of classic gear. Though the CI-Uniti 102 by Naim doesn’t invent anything radically new, it successfully combines promising technologies that have often failed to deliver. That’s what we call mature technology. And it does it all for a surprisingly reasonable price.
Take the time to hear it at your Naim retailer — staff should be fully trained on the device and its software. They’ll show you what it can do. With the Naim CI-Uniti 102, music is the real winner in this small revolution.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Price: $1,949 CA
Warranty: 5 years for the electronic section and 2 years for the mechanical portion
Manufacturer/Distributor :
Focal Naim America
Phone : 1 866.271.5689
https://focalnaimamerica.com/ci-uniti-102
https://focalnaimamerica.com/
Mediagraphy
Ézéchiel Pailhès, Mélopée, fichier Tidal.
