Uniti Atom/Nova/Star - New firmware - March/April 2018 Comments

Definitely nothing negative sonically with my Atom after both upgrades, improved if anything. The app and some specific issues I was having seemed much improved but then it threw a complete wobbly last weekend with lots of weird stuff happening but it’s been very good since in fairness. I’ve hard wired my router to it today with a long cat5e to see if it keeps it in shape as I had been using wireless only - mostly tidal and radio. I would have thought if there was an issue specifically with the Nova and the upgrade then it would be more widespread whereas many Nova users have reported no issues at all or at least there haven’t been lots of Nova owners on here complaining 

Hi Alley Cat

I agree the sound quality seems poorer after the 2.6 update, I must admit the 2.3.1 firmware escaped me, couldn't have been paying attention.

In addition to the sound issues I have loss of artwork playing back via Unitiserve as an issue, I am also experiencing track fading, a couple of places on every track playing back via the Unitiserve.

I was happy with the way things were pre update, everything worked well and sounded great. Seemingly we can't go back to previous set up which is a pity.

There is another new update for new Uniti owners that solves the artwork from Unitiserve issue.....

best

David

Hi David

Thanks for that, news to me, have been waiting for a week for an answer from Naim, how was this notified ?

It does seem very odd that some users report improvements from the firmware update on both new and old streamers, and others report worse sound quality. Maybe these are just subjective opinions of a sound that is just different? For what it's worth, I have an NDX and an Atom, I think they probably both sound a bit better. (My hearing is probably too trashed to see any of the huge, night-and-day improvements that some have reported!)

It will be interesting to see how Naim react to this, and whether they can come up with a firmware update that satisfies everyone.

ChrisSU posted:

 

..........and whether they can come up with a firmware update that satisfies everyone.

Ho Ho Ho. 

.sjb

ChrisSU posted:

...

It will be interesting to see how Naim react to this, and whether they can come up with a firmware update that satisfies everyone.

That is hardly possible, I am afraid. But it should be possible to downgrade to the previous firmware. This must be a feature that is anyway available in the firmware, otherwise beta testing would be impossible. Thus, for Naim, it is just a matter of switching on (or of not switching off) a feature that is already there. They should give users the freedom to downgrade if they wish to do so. Of course, Naim could still provide support only for the latest firmware.

You need to let the new firmware run in....lol

in all seriousness I haven’t noted any SQ differences with the firmware changes in my Atom.

Wouldn't it be brilliant if someone had two units side by side with the two different firmware versions for a direct comparison clip. Anyone?

After reading a lot of threads on this forum I think the V2.6 update will have improved the Atom, the bèta testers on a Star did also have no notable changes in SQ.

But, with the Nova there is something really changed, negative.

We used to have an overpowered big V8 with a lot of torque, ( mojo) thats gone with 2 FW updates.

I can not call the Nova audiophile anymore, not engaging, thin, digital. I did buy this piece for the sound, looks and brand. Now I seriously regret my purchase all the way, and to be honest what really did change with the updates ?

Still buggy,no playlist, no history, awfull app didn't change.

oh yes, now I can use the time button on my remote to see the time........big improvement.!! 

Was the Nova to good for the money.????  

All the reviews can be done again...

Both IOS and Andtoud apps updated at the same time as the firmware was released. So it would be worth checking that you have the latest version. (The IOS app is better than the Android one in many respects).

best

David

Have to agree reference the effect of  the update on the Nova. It was easily the match or superior to my SN1 / ND5xs / TP XPS which I am demoing to sell.  The Nova now sounds thin and unengaging and no amount of volume or track change helps. 

Have no idea of how to communicate this formally to Naim.  Needless to say not a happy bunny after spending that amount of money.

any advice gladly received!

dlb27 posted:

Have to agree reference the effect of  the update on the Nova. It was easily the match or superior to my SN1 / ND5xs / TP XPS which I am demoing to sell.  The Nova now sounds thin and unengaging and no amount of volume or track change helps. 

Have no idea of how to communicate this formally to Naim.  Needless to say not a happy bunny after spending that amount of money.

 

any advice gladly received!

The fixed threads above have contact info.

https://forums.naimaudio.com/topic/naim-support

I e-mailed after the serious change in quality with 2.3.1 for me but was advised it couldn't have altered sound quality as it was for HDMI and S/PDIF fixes.

Those of us who feel there has been a change for the worse (perhaps half a dozen so far) seem to describe similar change with music now being thin, digital sounding/harsh and ultimately unengaging.

Not a lover of the new DSP in the latest firmware for my Atom, it lost its oomph on my system. It seems easier to distinguish vocals and instruments but it feels harshier to listen to overall and I get fatigue. Also its introduced a nasty bug when switching from analogue with AV fixed volume to internet radio, volume would stay at fixed volume for internet radio for a few seconds before normalising so it blasted out. Naim have reproduced it and will fix asap in another update. Still get intermittent lockups when switching sources especially from Tidal to Roon.

On the plus the app seems more responsive as does the UI on the units screen.

o

I am a nova user as well.

I can tell noticeable differences of SQ between 2.6 and 2.3/2.3.1. Obviously 2.6 is the least preferred version in terms of SQ. the fist feeling of listen 2.6 is the sound gets thinner. listening to more tracks, I found it is less puncher and engaging. I feel less enjoyable to  music. I won’t consider Nova definitely if the demo is at v2.6.

2.6 sounds absolute trash on the atom, and it's a lot quieter. I would not have bought the system if it sounded like this on testing.

You know I’ve not noticed any difference in SQ - just glad that everything fired up after it. One has to wonder if these are real or perceived differences at the end of the day or if these 58 year old ears are performing blow par compared to ears of a similar age - strange old hobby this! I’d be interested to hear from a Phil and colleagues if there are real improvements in SQ or  if were simply conning ourselves

Conspiracy theory - Naim have reduced the quality of the uniti series so the new ND series seems like more of a step up in quality.

dave-mac posted:

Conspiracy theory - Naim have reduced the quality of the uniti series so the new ND series seems like more of a step up in quality.

Is it not said that   "Many a true word... is said in jest" ?

Just seems odd that it’s apparently only affecting some units and not all, you would think if there was an inherent issue with the firmware then all units would be affected similarly. As I said, my Atom sounds fine - improved if anything.  

And my NDS still sounds great despite being, sob, sob, legacy. Sounds a bit like me!

Ravenswood10 posted:

And my NDS still sounds great despite being, sob, sob, legacy. Sounds a bit like me!

That's because the NDS firmware update (4.6) was entirely different to the update (2.6) to the Uniti Atom/Nova/Star being discussed on this thread,

rjstaines posted:

dave-mac posted:

Conspiracy theory - Naim have reduced the quality of the uniti series so the new ND series seems like more of a step up in quality.

Is it not said that   "Many a true word... is said in jest" ?

I'm only half joking. Apple have been caught 'throttling' previous generation phones, and god knows what else that we don't know about...

Ravenswood10 posted:

And my NDS still sounds great despite being, sob, sob, legacy. Sounds a bit like me!

Mine too....  me too   

Yeah, we are all legacy now. Superseded. Dinosaurs. Relics. Museum pieces.