Atom review

How better than UQ2 is SQ and, and.. how do the apps really work? 

Chag -

Why use the remote when you can use the app? I have iPods and other touch screens all of which get plastered in fingerprints. Yes, use micro fibre cleaning cloth - it's not exactly the end of life as we know it. I'd sooner the money go into the electronics, not a cheesy remote that sits there gathering dust - oh and finger prints

Like the busy eyebrows Chag, it sounds different from the point of view the sound is deeper, warmer, the edge has been taken off the higher frequencies. It seems as though it is made to appeal to Naim bashers who can't get on with a pronounced treble, which I can understand. A more relaxed listen, but still with lots of detail. 

Ravenswood, yes I also have iPads, iPhones, MacBook Pros, but when you simply want to lean across to turn the volume down, the remote gets covered. And, like you, I also don't want the money being spent on a remote (strange thing to say) but the older Uniti Remote was more friendly due to shape and finish. 

Just incase anyone is interested, My Atom has finally arrived. After almost a year of enjoying the sound of the SuperUniti which I had on loan from my very generous dealer, it was time to hear what the little Atom can do and if the SU will be going back to naim, or staying.

Mike from Infidelity had brought with him his demo Atom which has been running in for almost two weeks. So it was ready to power the Kef LS50s. Within seconds it was on the network and playing music. And it sounded very good indeed. Very detailed too and the sound stage just as good if not better than the SU. I was very impressed. However after going back to the SU for comparison you realise what the extra £2k and 40 extra watts gives you. The SU sounds more refined, and fuller. It drives the LS50s with easy. Luckily Mike also brought with him a pair of Kudos X2s for me to try out. The Atom has an easier time driving the Kudos and that's when the sound comes much closer to what the SuperUniti can do. So speaker pairing will be crucial.

Unfortunately we had some issues with streaming from my network. Half the time the naim App (we could not figure out what was wrong) could not find my minim server and so we had to cut the audition short.

As you already know the Atom is very well made. It looks gorgeous but the screen is very reflective. Bizarrely, the remote control does not allow uPnp access, you can to do that from the App only. I've also been informed that the CD ripping capabilities are not implemented yet and have been put on hold for now. Also, although AirPlay works, there is a slight delay, so my plan to use it with my Apple TV to stream audio to the Atom when watching films will also not be happening now.

Despite all this, I decided to give the Atom a chance and have returned the SU. I'm impressed with how this little unit sounds like, but disappointed with all the software issues. I hope that most of these will be ironed out in later firmware updates.

One decision out of the way, I now have the Kudos on home demo.

"I've also been informed that the CD ripping capabilities are not implemented yet and have been put on hold for now."

Really? Wow. 

Romi posted:

For me what the WTH review gives me is that the Nova is quite flexible to streaming, on board amplifier is class A/B and does the Naim thing/sound with more clarity, and it may highlight textures a little better then before.  The confusing part is that its a 40 watt per channel into 8ohms and it powers ATC SCM50 reference speakers with headroom to spare.  Then why does it have an option for a Power amp connection?  

i heard the Atom driving some Sopras No. 2 at my dealer last weekend -- and this description seems on target to me. it had plenty of grunt to drive the Sopras loud AF with no strain. and these speakers looked like pretty complicated beasts.

i prefer the darker/bouncier sound of my 282/250, but i was mighty impressed with the Atom.

DomTomLondon posted:

Just incase anyone is interested, My Atom has finally arrived. After almost a year of enjoying the sound of the SuperUniti which I had on loan from my very generous dealer, it was time to hear what the little Atom can do and if the SU will be going back to naim, or staying.

Mike from Infidelity had brought with him his demo Atom which has been running in for almost two weeks. So it was ready to power the Kef LS50s. Within seconds it was on the network and playing music. And it sounded very good indeed. Very detailed too and the sound stage just as good if not better than the SU. I was very impressed. However after going back to the SU for comparison you realise what the extra £2k and 40 extra watts gives you. The SU sounds more refined, and fuller. It drives the LS50s with easy. Luckily Mike also brought with him a pair of Kudos X2s for me to try out. The Atom has an easier time driving the Kudos and that's when the sound comes much closer to what the SuperUniti can do. So speaker pairing will be crucial.

Unfortunately we had some issues with streaming from my network. Half the time the naim App (we could not figure out what was wrong) could not find my minim server and so we had to cut the audition short.

As you already know the Atom is very well made. It looks gorgeous but the screen is very reflective. Bizarrely, the remote control does not allow uPnp access, you can to do that from the App only. I've also been informed that the CD ripping capabilities are not implemented yet and have been put on hold for now. Also, although AirPlay works, there is a slight delay, so my plan to use it with my Apple TV to stream audio to the Atom when watching films will also not be happening now.

Despite all this, I decided to give the Atom a chance and have returned the SU. I'm impressed with how this little unit sounds like, but disappointed with all the software issues. I hope that most of these will be ironed out in later firmware updates.

One decision out of the way, I now have the Kudos on home demo.

Is it not better to change speakers? The  Kef LS50s are monitors with hardly any bass and are bright and dry sounding with Naim.

What does "dry sounding with Naim" mean?

jon honeyball posted:

What does "dry sounding with Naim" mean?

too clean/clinical with little colour. 

So you mean it doesnt have time smear cabinet colouration and other intermod artifacts? Sounds like a good design to me. 

DomTomLondon posted:

Just incase anyone is interested, My Atom has finally arrived. After almost a year of enjoying the sound of the SuperUniti which I had on loan from my very generous dealer, it was time to hear what the little Atom can do and if the SU will be going back to naim, or staying.

Mike from Infidelity had brought with him his demo Atom which has been running in for almost two weeks. So it was ready to power the Kef LS50s. Within seconds it was on the network and playing music. And it sounded very good indeed. Very detailed too and the sound stage just as good if not better than the SU. I was very impressed. However after going back to the SU for comparison you realise what the extra £2k and 40 extra watts gives you. The SU sounds more refined, and fuller. It drives the LS50s with easy. Luckily Mike also brought with him a pair of Kudos X2s for me to try out. The Atom has an easier time driving the Kudos and that's when the sound comes much closer to what the SuperUniti can do. So speaker pairing will be crucial.

Unfortunately we had some issues with streaming from my network. Half the time the naim App (we could not figure out what was wrong) could not find my minim server and so we had to cut the audition short.

As you already know the Atom is very well made. It looks gorgeous but the screen is very reflective. Bizarrely, the remote control does not allow uPnp access, you can to do that from the App only. I've also been informed that the CD ripping capabilities are not implemented yet and have been put on hold for now. Also, although AirPlay works, there is a slight delay, so my plan to use it with my Apple TV to stream audio to the Atom when watching films will also not be happening now.

Despite all this, I decided to give the Atom a chance and have returned the SU. I'm impressed with how this little unit sounds like, but disappointed with all the software issues. I hope that most of these will be ironed out in later firmware updates.

One decision out of the way, I now have the Kudos on home demo.

Very useful, especially that you owned an su for a while. thank you very much. 

I also have the kef ls50 and they need power to drive indeed. I always liked their sound and the fact they act as a monitor reproducing the music. 

I may add a subwoofer to the Atom/kef ls50 combo at some stage and I suggest you try that too if you like the kef sound like me. 

Let me know what speaker cables you are using and please provide more details on how the atom sound with kef ls50. 

Anyone knows if length of the speaker cable also matters with Atom? Just need 2m either side. 

Finally, Atom will need 6 months to refine/stabilise and I am happy to be patient if sound is good. Will hopefully get mine end of August (took the hdmi version)

"Finally, Atom will need 6 months to refine/stabilise"

Electrically or are you talking about the software?

jon honeyball posted:

So you mean it doesnt have time smear cabinet colouration and other intermod artifacts? Sounds like a good design to me. 

It doesn't have bass so the design is poor anyway. 

Crabby posted:

DomTomLondon posted:

Just incase anyone is interested, My Atom has finally arrived. After almost a year of enjoying the sound of the SuperUniti which I had on loan from my very generous dealer, it was time to hear what the little Atom can do and if the SU will be going back to naim, or staying.

Mike from Infidelity had brought with him his demo Atom which has been running in for almost two weeks. So it was ready to power the Kef LS50s. Within seconds it was on the network and playing music. And it sounded very good indeed. Very detailed too and the sound stage just as good if not better than the SU. I was very impressed. However after going back to the SU for comparison you realise what the extra £2k and 40 extra watts gives you. The SU sounds more refined, and fuller. It drives the LS50s with easy. Luckily Mike also brought with him a pair of Kudos X2s for me to try out. The Atom has an easier time driving the Kudos and that's when the sound comes much closer to what the SuperUniti can do. So speaker pairing will be crucial.

Unfortunately we had some issues with streaming from my network. Half the time the naim App (we could not figure out what was wrong) could not find my minim server and so we had to cut the audition short.

As you already know the Atom is very well made. It looks gorgeous but the screen is very reflective. Bizarrely, the remote control does not allow uPnp access, you can to do that from the App only. I've also been informed that the CD ripping capabilities are not implemented yet and have been put on hold for now. Also, although AirPlay works, there is a slight delay, so my plan to use it with my Apple TV to stream audio to the Atom when watching films will also not be happening now.

Despite all this, I decided to give the Atom a chance and have returned the SU. I'm impressed with how this little unit sounds like, but disappointed with all the software issues. I hope that most of these will be ironed out in later firmware updates.

One decision out of the way, I now have the Kudos on home demo.

Very useful, especially that you owned an su for a while. thank you very much. 

I also have the kef ls50 and they need power to drive indeed. I always liked their sound and the fact they act as a monitor reproducing the music. 

I may add a subwoofer to the Atom/kef ls50 combo at some stage and I suggest you try that too if you like the kef sound like me. 

Let me know what speaker cables you are using and please provide more details on how the atom sound with kef ls50. 

Anyone knows if length of the speaker cable also matters with Atom? Just need 2m either side. 

Finally, Atom will need 6 months to refine/stabilise and I am happy to be patient if sound is good. Will hopefully get mine end of August (took the hdmi version)

why not 7 months or 5 months and 2 weeks to refine/stabilise?  It is stable after less than one day!

Robiwan posted:

jon honeyball posted:

So you mean it doesnt have time smear cabinet colouration and other intermod artifacts? Sounds like a good design to me. 

It doesn't have bass so the design is poor anyway. 

Plenty for my little flat and poor neighbours :-)

of course there is better especially floorstanders but didn't hear better for my ears at the price I got them for. 

Will consider a subwoofer in the future but not even sure it is needed. 

jon honeyball posted:

"Finally, Atom will need 6 months to refine/stabilise"

Electrically or are you talking about the software?

Software indeed as I am expecting lots of updates.

electrically, Thats a good point and wonder how sound will evolve with time. 

Robiwan posted:

Crabby posted:

DomTomLondon posted:

Just incase anyone is interested, My Atom has finally arrived. After almost a year of enjoying the sound of the SuperUniti which I had on loan from my very generous dealer, it was time to hear what the little Atom can do and if the SU will be going back to naim, or staying.

Mike from Infidelity had brought with him his demo Atom which has been running in for almost two weeks. So it was ready to power the Kef LS50s. Within seconds it was on the network and playing music. And it sounded very good indeed. Very detailed too and the sound stage just as good if not better than the SU. I was very impressed. However after going back to the SU for comparison you realise what the extra £2k and 40 extra watts gives you. The SU sounds more refined, and fuller. It drives the LS50s with easy. Luckily Mike also brought with him a pair of Kudos X2s for me to try out. The Atom has an easier time driving the Kudos and that's when the sound comes much closer to what the SuperUniti can do. So speaker pairing will be crucial.

Unfortunately we had some issues with streaming from my network. Half the time the naim App (we could not figure out what was wrong) could not find my minim server and so we had to cut the audition short.

As you already know the Atom is very well made. It looks gorgeous but the screen is very reflective. Bizarrely, the remote control does not allow uPnp access, you can to do that from the App only. I've also been informed that the CD ripping capabilities are not implemented yet and have been put on hold for now. Also, although AirPlay works, there is a slight delay, so my plan to use it with my Apple TV to stream audio to the Atom when watching films will also not be happening now.

Despite all this, I decided to give the Atom a chance and have returned the SU. I'm impressed with how this little unit sounds like, but disappointed with all the software issues. I hope that most of these will be ironed out in later firmware updates.

One decision out of the way, I now have the Kudos on home demo.

Very useful, especially that you owned an su for a while. thank you very much. 

I also have the kef ls50 and they need power to drive indeed. I always liked their sound and the fact they act as a monitor reproducing the music. 

I may add a subwoofer to the Atom/kef ls50 combo at some stage and I suggest you try that too if you like the kef sound like me. 

Let me know what speaker cables you are using and please provide more details on how the atom sound with kef ls50. 

Anyone knows if length of the speaker cable also matters with Atom? Just need 2m either side. 

Finally, Atom will need 6 months to refine/stabilise and I am happy to be patient if sound is good. Will hopefully get mine end of August (took the hdmi version)

why not 7 months or 5 months and 2 weeks to refine/stabilise?  It is stable after less than one day!

I meant software as it is obvious product not finished being refined.

Well im at nearly 9 months and counting on my Core. Still waiting.

Must admit the legendary Naim support has turned out to be just that........

just a myth

Gazza posted:

Must admit the legendary Naim support has turned out to be just that........

just a myth

Gazza, having started work at Naim many years back as their customer service manager, I am most concerned about your experience here.  Can you let me know how you have tried to contact Naim support - i.e. e-mail or phone, and what was the response.  Naim take their support very seriously so if someone has failed to try to help you then I can let the relevant people at Naim know about it.

I wrote in January from the core app sbout cds not ripping, not the end of the world, I know. But was interested why some really scratched cds ripped, perfect looking ones did not?. My old PC rips them all no problem, I was hoping that Naim could perhaps retune the software or something? Response was just let them sit for hours until they rip or spit out. I was not happy with this, the cds are now with naim, and have been since the beginning of May. Have to chase myself.......I know it will get done. But it's not impressive as some on this forum ,make out!

OK thanks. The discs will likely now be with Naim's R&D dept.  These things can take time but I'll see whether anyone can update on the status.

Robiwan posted:

jon honeyball posted:

So you mean it doesnt have time smear cabinet colouration and other intermod artifacts? Sounds like a good design to me. 

It doesn't have bass so the design is poor anyway. 

In my room anything that's more than -12dB at 42Hz will cause massive bass boom.

Many people put in big floorstanders that have way too much bass extension for their room and yet are completely unaware of the huge bass peak(s) that result.

atom was ok plus, it highlights that over priced  power amps are not really required for the majority    .a few good watts  is all is required with some reserve.  this direction should re direct speaker design for less inductive units approaching a passive nature .... good direction for naim  40--80watts   plenty

DomTomLondon posted:

Bizarrely, the remote control does not allow uPnp access, you can to do that from the App only.

Same thoughts there. I cannot understand why.