Atom review

I've got my Atom.

It works....just about, although I'm annoyed that it can't read folders directly from my NAS like my Sonos can.

The app is rubbish.....right now.......but plenty of opportunity for Naim to improve and build upon this initial release.

My worry is that they've had since approximately February this year lots of extra time whilst waiting for *certification* to develop the app, so why didn't they?

We are in 2017 and the app feels like a software development from the 1990's, it's just got no functionality.

I hope the app evolves quickly for the sake of everyone on this forum.

Hungryhalibut posted:

Then there's the 'disastrous' app. What's wrong with it? You select music, press play, and blow me down, the music plays. Perhaps people are expecting something else. 

I agree, it works really well for me and keeps getting better. 

If like me you miss accessing your personal music library via the remote, I've plugged in a USB drive on the back of the Atom and can navigate to all my music stored on that drive using the front screen and remote control. It's a workaround but sounds just as good and it's solved the main issues had with the new unit.

The app seems to work fine for me. Does all I want it to do. 

It's great to see the atom getting positive reviews both here and externally, hopefully it will be very successful for Naim and cement their presence in the consumer audio firmament. 

The naim app is fine if you know no better or just want a glorified remote control. I've banged on about Roon before but recently have bought a Bluesound Pulse Flex ( in preference to a mu-so as it's Roon ready) which has it's own app which is quick, responsive and intuitive- a lot of what the Naim app isn't. No searching for "rooms" or spinning wheels.

However a great app and a poor sounding atom would be a disaster, which Naim have avoided and obviously a lot are quite happy with the app as it is. When Roon Ready is "switched on" I'll be interested when users try a Roon trial  to see what they make of it.

.sjb

Well, after reading the 6 pages here so far I can say that I couldnt care less for the WhatHiFi review. I have got all the information needed from this place. It looks like the Atom is a promising unit however currently it is displaying a lot of glitches and unsettled behaviour. As far as I am concenred I intend to wait for at least a year before deciding whether to buy a product from the Uniti range or not. 2018 will give a good indication on Naim's ability to sort the glitches effectively and to bring out updates adding more functionality. Until then i shall continue to read with interest the feedback from users (and be amused by some people's willingness to justify the numerous glitches and shortcomings on a £1700 product).

I'm perfectly happy with the app which does all I want it to do - I'm a classical music lover so normally just want the ability to locate and play entire pieces. Perhaps I'm easily pleased

Christine posted:

I've got my Atom.

It works....just about, although I'm annoyed that it can't read folders directly from my NAS like my Sonos can.

The app is rubbish.....right now.......but plenty of opportunity for Naim to improve and build upon this initial release.

My worry is that they've had since approximately February this year lots of extra time whilst waiting for *certification* to develop the app, so why didn't they?

We are in 2017 and the app feels like a software development from the 1990's, it's just got no functionality.

I hope the app evolves quickly for the sake of everyone on this forum.

I'm still baffled as to why it's 'rubbish'. Maybe it's that, as SJB suggests, I've known no better. But what exactly is needed to stop it being inadequate? You can search for music, play music, choose internet radio stations, use Tidal, synchronise rooms. Every morning when I pick up the iPad it works fine, it finds the streamers in no time at all. Everyone in the family uses it and there hasn't been one complaint. If I felt there were specific issues I'd be raising them, but I just don't have any.

Christine posted:

I've got my Atom.

It works....just about, although I'm annoyed that it can't read folders directly from my NAS like my Sonos can.

The app is rubbish.....right now.......but plenty of opportunity for Naim to improve and build upon this initial release.

My worry is that they've had since approximately February this year lots of extra time whilst waiting for *certification* to develop the app, so why didn't they?

We are in 2017 and the app feels like a software development from the 1990's, it's just got no functionality.

I hope the app evolves quickly for the sake of everyone on this forum.

Hi Christine,

As a UPnP client it will never read folders and files directly from your NAS - working in that way brings a whole raft of other possible issues with access right etc.

On the whole we're very happy with the app as it stands as a control interface for our products and we do try to develop and evolve it - obviously it seems that you have issues with the app (as you declare it to be "rubbish" and "it's just got no functionality")  but I've had a look up here and through your previous postings and I can't see what those actual issues are so you are very welcome to supply any feedback that you might have to the usual "support@naimaudio.com" email address and we'll be happy to take any suggestions that you may have into consideration...

Cheers

Phil

Christine posted:

I've got my Atom.

It works....just about, although I'm annoyed that it can't read folders directly from my NAS like my Sonos can.

The app is rubbish.....right now.......but plenty of opportunity for Naim to improve and build upon this initial release.

My worry is that they've had since approximately February this year lots of extra time whilst waiting for *certification* to develop the app, so why didn't they?

We are in 2017 and the app feels like a software development from the 1990's, it's just got no functionality.

I hope the app evolves quickly for the sake of everyone on this forum.

Evolves into what? this is a very vague idea of what you want Naim to improve in the app.

Claus

Phil Harris posted:

Christine posted:

I've got my Atom.

It works....just about, although I'm annoyed that it can't read folders directly from my NAS like my Sonos can.

The app is rubbish.....right now.......but plenty of opportunity for Naim to improve and build upon this initial release.

My worry is that they've had since approximately February this year lots of extra time whilst waiting for *certification* to develop the app, so why didn't they?

We are in 2017 and the app feels like a software development from the 1990's, it's just got no functionality.

I hope the app evolves quickly for the sake of everyone on this forum.

Hi Christine,

As a UPnP client it will never read folders and files directly from your NAS - working in that way brings a whole raft of other possible issues with access right etc.

On the whole we're very happy with the app as it stands as a control interface for our products and we do try to develop and evolve it - obviously it seems that you have issues with the app (as you declare it to be "rubbish" and "it's just got no functionality")  but I've had a look up here and through your previous postings and I can't see what those actual issues are so you are very welcome to supply any feedback that you might have to the usual "support@naimaudio.com" email address and we'll be happy to take any suggestions that you may have into consideration...

Cheers

Phil

Great reply Phil, I couldn't agree more ...

Phil Harris posted:

Christine posted:

I've got my Atom.

It works....just about, although I'm annoyed that it can't read folders directly from my NAS like my Sonos can.

The app is rubbish.....right now.......but plenty of opportunity for Naim to improve and build upon this initial release.

My worry is that they've had since approximately February this year lots of extra time whilst waiting for *certification* to develop the app, so why didn't they?

We are in 2017 and the app feels like a software development from the 1990's, it's just got no functionality.

I hope the app evolves quickly for the sake of everyone on this forum.

Hi Christine,

As a UPnP client it will never read folders and files directly from your NAS - working in that way brings a whole raft of other possible issues with access right etc.

On the whole we're very happy with the app as it stands as a control interface for our products and we do try to develop and evolve it - obviously it seems that you have issues with the app (as you declare it to be "rubbish" and "it's just got no functionality")  but I've had a look up here and through your previous postings and I can't see what those actual issues are so you are very welcome to supply any feedback that you might have to the usual "support@naimaudio.com" email address and we'll be happy to take any suggestions that you may have into consideration...

Cheers

Phil

Phil,

Are there any plans to allow access of unpn libraries via the remote ?

engjoo posted:

Phil Harris posted:

Christine posted:

I've got my Atom.

It works....just about, although I'm annoyed that it can't read folders directly from my NAS like my Sonos can.

The app is rubbish.....right now.......but plenty of opportunity for Naim to improve and build upon this initial release.

My worry is that they've had since approximately February this year lots of extra time whilst waiting for *certification* to develop the app, so why didn't they?

We are in 2017 and the app feels like a software development from the 1990's, it's just got no functionality.

I hope the app evolves quickly for the sake of everyone on this forum.

Hi Christine,

As a UPnP client it will never read folders and files directly from your NAS - working in that way brings a whole raft of other possible issues with access right etc.

On the whole we're very happy with the app as it stands as a control interface for our products and we do try to develop and evolve it - obviously it seems that you have issues with the app (as you declare it to be "rubbish" and "it's just got no functionality")  but I've had a look up here and through your previous postings and I can't see what those actual issues are so you are very welcome to supply any feedback that you might have to the usual "support@naimaudio.com" email address and we'll be happy to take any suggestions that you may have into consideration...

Cheers

Phil

Phil,

Are there any plans to allow access of unpn libraries via the remote ?

Of course. now that I returned mine, it will be added to the next firmware update :-(

Should have been a little more patient then - all things.....

I thought I would share my impressions of the new Atom here because I found the information on this forum very helpful in arriving at my decision to purchase a Naim product.

Before I purchased the Atom, my system consisted of an iPod dock and an Airport Express feeding an Arcam amp to a pair of Totem Arro speakers. The sound was decent, but the time had come to upgrade the digital conversion.

I went into a local dealership thinking I would purchase a class D amp or a good DAC. But after listening to a Qute2, I became attracted to the Naim sound and, after some further research, decided to wait for the newer technology in the Atom.

Listening to the two at the dealership, I can’t say I could tell a big difference between the Atom and the Qute2, but I preferred the features and the look of the Atom. For my purposes – streaming from a number of different devices in a number of different formats – the Atom seemed perfect and well ahead of anything else I had listened to in its category.

Set-up was quick and easy. A LAN is not feasible in the room where my speakers are located, so I connected the Atom to our home network over WiFi, without any difficulty. The connection has remained stable, with no dropouts except a few hiccups in hi-def internet radio.

Right out of the box, the sound was a noticeable improvement over my previous set-up. Music produced by the Atom is very open and smooth. It pairs well with the Totem Arros. The Atom is not dramatic or forceful. Nor is it particularly loud. It simply produces enjoyable sound. Complex music like My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless sounds great.

I really like the full color display of album art. I don’t share the criticisms I have seen of the display or the accent lighting. I think the look is excellent.

So far, I have been listening mostly to Tidal streamed directly through the Atom using the Naim app in combination with the remote for volume control. The app integrates well with Tidal for an enjoyable user interface (although I still prefer the Apple Music UI).

Airplay works well, and provides an alternative to using the Naim app. But the sound quality seems to be slightly better streamed through the Atom directly. Also, volume control in Airplay is awkward, as IOS captures the control and moves it in unpredictable increments. I would prefer if the volume control in Airplay remained with the Atom. I have not tried Bluetooth.

The digital inputs work as expected, although there are dramatic differences in sound levels between sources.  Playing with the input trims resolved this issue. However, I would not recommend the Atom if your primary purpose is to add sound amplification to your TV. The Atom is clearly designed for music, not home theatre.

Despite what the website says, the Atom does not support Apple devices through the USB input. I am advised by Naim support that the only way to play music from an Apple device is over Airplay or Bluetooth, which is a disappointment to me.

I have already encountered the “No rooms found” issue with the IOS app. The only solution I can find is to delete the app, reboot the device and reinstall the app. I don’t think the problem is with my network, because I have no similar issue with any other application.

Also, once, when I switched the Atom into stand-by mode, the unit began turning itself off and on. The only way to stop this cycle was to disconnect the power.

I see from comments posted by others that the issues with the app and the cycling on shut-down are not unique to me. I am prepared to be patient for these bugs to be resolved with updates, because I really enjoy the Atom.

Bruce_eh posted:

I thought I would share my impressions of the new Atom here because I found the information on this forum very helpful in arriving at my decision to purchase a Naim product.

Before I purchased the Atom, my system consisted of an iPod dock and an Airport Express feeding an Arcam amp to a pair of Totem Arro speakers. The sound was decent, but the time had come to upgrade the digital conversion.

I went into a local dealership thinking I would purchase a class D amp or a good DAC. But after listening to a Qute2, I became attracted to the Naim sound and, after some further research, decided to wait for the newer technology in the Atom.

Listening to the two at the dealership, I can’t say I could tell a big difference between the Atom and the Qute2, but I preferred the features and the look of the Atom. For my purposes – streaming from a number of different devices in a number of different formats – the Atom seemed perfect and well ahead of anything else I had listened to in its category.

Set-up was quick and easy. A LAN is not feasible in the room where my speakers are located, so I connected the Atom to our home network over WiFi, without any difficulty. The connection has remained stable, with no dropouts except a few hiccups in hi-def internet radio.

Right out of the box, the sound was a noticeable improvement over my previous set-up. Music produced by the Atom is very open and smooth. It pairs well with the Totem Arros. The Atom is not dramatic or forceful. Nor is it particularly loud. It simply produces enjoyable sound. Complex music like My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless sounds great.

I really like the full color display of album art. I don’t share the criticisms I have seen of the display or the accent lighting. I think the look is excellent.

So far, I have been listening mostly to Tidal streamed directly through the Atom using the Naim app in combination with the remote for volume control. The app integrates well with Tidal for an enjoyable user interface (although I still prefer the Apple Music UI).

Airplay works well, and provides an alternative to using the Naim app. But the sound quality seems to be slightly better streamed through the Atom directly. Also, volume control in Airplay is awkward, as IOS captures the control and moves it in unpredictable increments. I would prefer if the volume control in Airplay remained with the Atom. I have not tried Bluetooth.

The digital inputs work as expected, although there are dramatic differences in sound levels between sources.  Playing with the input trims resolved this issue. However, I would not recommend the Atom if your primary purpose is to add sound amplification to your TV. The Atom is clearly designed for music, not home theatre.

Despite what the website says, the Atom does not support Apple devices through the USB input. I am advised by Naim support that the only way to play music from an Apple device is over Airplay or Bluetooth, which is a disappointment to me.

I have already encountered the “No rooms found” issue with the IOS app. The only solution I can find is to delete the app, reboot the device and reinstall the app. I don’t think the problem is with my network, because I have no similar issue with any other application.

Also, once, when I switched the Atom into stand-by mode, the unit began turning itself off and on. The only way to stop this cycle was to disconnect the power.

I see from comments posted by others that the issues with the app and the cycling on shut-down are not unique to me. I am prepared to be patient for these bugs to be resolved with updates, because I really enjoy the Atom.

The power cycling is meant to have been fixed by a updated to the Android app. If you are using iOS and have had the issue I would report to Naim, as the issue is meant to be resolved.

engjoo posted:

Phil,

Are there any plans to allow access of unpn libraries via the remote ?

Yes ... that is on the roadmap as is USB browsing too.

Phil

ssmith posted:

The power cycling is meant to have been fixed by a updated to the Android app. If you are using iOS and have had the issue I would report to Naim, as the issue is meant to be resolved.

The cycling issue occurred for me prior to the August 14th update of the iOS app, and has not happened since. Hopefully it is resolved. 

Bruce_eh posted:

I really like the full color display of album art. I don’t share the criticisms I have seen of the display or the accent lighting. I think the look is excellent.

Despite what the website says, the Atom does not support Apple devices through the USB input. I am advised by Naim support that the only way to play music from an Apple device is over Airplay or Bluetooth, which is a disappointment to me.

Bruce, thank you very much for the review. Very helpful. I have heard quite a few criticisms but never heard one about the display.

In respect to support for Apple devices over usb I do not really see the need for that at all. All the music one has on their Apple device can easily be put on an SD card or hard drive and attached permanently to the Atom.

I have for many years stopped loading music on my iPhone. I just use Spotify instead.

DomTomLondon posted:

Of course. now that I returned mine, it will be added to the next firmware update :-(

You can, of course, buy it again. Or even better wait for the Star to come out and you're sorted.

iliria posted:

DomTomLondon posted:

Of course. now that I returned mine, it will be added to the next firmware update :-(

You can, of course, buy it again. Or even better wait for the Star to come out and you're sorted.

I'm sure I will have a closer look at the Star when it becomes available. For now I'll enjoy my new SuperUniti! :-)

Super neighbours are away, everyone out, app working and not flaking out.

Managed to get into the 60s volume wise and some reasonable volumes, is it me or is this baby awesome. Been searching for old tracks I know well on WAV via USB and Tidal HiFi, this meagre Atom and Focal Chorus, is unearthing so much more than I recall my old cds2/xps2/52/super/snaxo/super/250/250/sbls/Mana Phase 7 and Phase 5, or 20 years timeout just too long to draw parallels.

I don' care it sounds awesome and even via Tidal I am happy to sacrifice some SQ for the catalogue, ease and laziness of search and play versus endless CD cleaning and music shop searches.

Just got better as speakers are either side of my TV which picks up Atom via Bluetooth, nice add on for movies.

Can' find a toslink sure that would sound even better.

Obsydian posted:

Just got better as speakers are either side of my TV which picks up Atom via Bluetooth, nice add on for movies.

Can' find a toslink sure that would sound even better.

Anyone tried the sound to TV via hdmi? 

You are the first one I see mentioning boosting TV sound (same as me). I am sure you can improve greatly on Bluetooth 

Crabby posted:

Obsydian posted:

Just got better as speakers are either side of my TV which picks up Atom via Bluetooth, nice add on for movies.

Can' find a toslink sure that would sound even better.

Anyone tried the sound to TV via hdmi? 

You are the first one I see mentioning boosting TV sound (same as me). I am sure you can improve greatly on Bluetooth 

I was just thinking that but we need the HDMI version, I was greedy and grabbed the first Atom local dealer had.

Plus for me I do not and don' plan a 5.1+ type setup.

Do wonder though is it possible to add the HDMI module ?