Introduction
Naim & Focal have been working together for years resulting in several balanced options. The Naim Uniti Atom & Focal Chora 826 is one of them. You can read about this combination here!
Specifications
Let’s start with the Naim Uniti Atom specs:
Audio Inputs
Streaming
Chromecast Built-In, Apple Airplay, TIDAL, Spotify® Connect, Bluetooth (AptX HD), Internet Radio™, Qobuz, UPnP™ (hi-res streaming), Roon Ready
USB
2 x USB Type A Socket (front and rear)
Digital (S/PDIF)
2 x Optical TOSLink (up to 24bit/96kHz)
1 x Coaxial RCA (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs)
1 x HDMI ARC (optional)
Connectivity
Updates
Update your system wirelessly via the Naim app.
Network
Ethernet (10/100Mbps), WiFi (802.11 b/g/n/ac with internal antenna)
Formats
Internet Radio Formats
Windows Media-formatted content, MP3, ACC, OGG Vorbis streams, and MMS
Audio Formats
WAV – up to 32bits/384kHz
FLAC and AIFF – up to 24bit/384kHz
ALAC (Apple Lossless) – up to 24bit/384kHz
MP3 – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
AAC – up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit)
OGG and WMA – up to 48kHz (16-bit)
DSD – 64 and 128Fs
Notes: Gapless playback is supported on all formats.
Physical
Dimensions
95mm x 245mm x 265mm (HxWxD)
Finishes
Brushed and anodized aluminum
Weight
7kg
Power
Auto Standby time
User selectable: adjustable from off up to 2 hours
Amplifier Output
40W per channel into 8 ohms
Mains Supply
115V, 230V; 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption
Typical use: 90W
Network standby mode: <2W
Deep sleep: <0.5W Network Standby (with SD Card and/or USB devices attached): > 15W*.
*Actual power consumption will vary depending on the size and type of attached SD card or USB devices
Ripping and Storage
Storage
Store up to 20,000 tracks to a local USB-connected storage device and serve to a network-connected player.
Supplied with
Remote control, Power-Line Lite mains cable (UK denominations only), cleaning cloth, and quick start guide.
Upgrades
Mains Cable
Power-Line mains cable
Amplification
An external power amplifier or subwoofer
User Control
App Control
Naim App for iOS and Android
Front Panel
5″ color TFT display and rotary volume control with proximity sensor and four buttons
Handheld
Zigbee RF4CE
Focal Chora 826
Type
3-way bass-reflex floor-standing loudspeaker
Drivers
2 x 61/2″ (16.5cm) Slatefiber Woofer
61/2″ (16.5cm) Slatefiber Midrange
1″ (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter
Sensitivity
(2,83V/1m) 91dB
Frequency response
(±3 dB) 48Hz-28kHz
Low frequency point
(-6 dB) 39Hz
Nominal impedance
8Ω
Minimum impedance
2.9Ω
Recommended amplifier power
40/250W
Crossover frequency
270Hz – 2.700Hz
Dimensions (HxWxD)
411/2×117/8×151/4″ (105.3×30.3×38.8cm)
Net weight (unit with grille)
46.6lbs (21.15kg)
Focal & Naim
Focal & Naim have been working together for ages, and that makes a perfect duo.
In this case, both Focal and Naim have exclusive combo deals.
So if you don’t look at a set like the Focal Chora 826 & Naim Uniti Atom, there are also plenty of other choices!
Bundle 1
Focal Chora 806 & Naim Uniti Atom.
Temporary bundle price € 2,999 (set price available until January 31, 2021, at the latest).
Inclusive Naim speaker cable and 5-year warranty on the entire system.
Bundle 2
Focal Chora 826 & Naim Uniti Atom.
I also have the individual prices for this set:
Uniti Atom: 2925 Euro
Focal Chora: 1399 Euro
Naim Speaker Cable 2x4m: 475 Euro
Temporary bundle price € 3,499 (set price available until January 31, 2021, at the latest).
Inclusive Naim speaker cable and 5-year warranty on the entire system.
Bundle 3
Focal Aria 926 & Naim Uniti Star.
Temporary bundle price € 5,999 (set price available until January 31, 2021, at the latest).
Inclusive Naim speaker cable and 5-year warranty on the entire system.
Bundle 4
Focal Kanta 1 & Naim Uniti Star.
Temporary bundle price € 7,999 (set price available until January 31, 2021, at the latest).
Inclusive Naim speaker cable and 5-year warranty on the entire system.
Bundle 5
Focal Kanta 2 & Naim Uniti Nova.
Temporary bundle price € 9,999 (set price available until January 31, 2021, at the latest).
Inclusive Naim speaker cable and 5-year warranty on the entire system.
Unpacking
It is time to unpack the entire set.
Let’s start with the Naim Uniti Atom and the Naim banana audio cable.
A bit about the history of Naim!
The Atom is also neatly packed by Naim. Something we also saw with the Mu-so 2nd Gen and Mu-so QB 2nd Gen.
Naim supplies with the Uniti Atom a remote control, duster, 4 batteries, manuals, and two types of cables to power the Atom. One for the UK and the other for the plugs we are used to in the Netherlands.
As a reviewer of various products, I have had the opportunity to use a lot of remote controls. This is by far the best remote control I’ve had the pleasure of trying/using to date. The remote control is clear, fits comfortably in your hand, and also lights up when in use. That is cool! The middle-largest section lights up to show how loud the Uniti Atom is. This is also special. When lifting the remote control, the dial on the Atom also lights up.
The bottom of the Atom is not very exciting!
However, the front is exciting. What a beautiful device! At the bottom left is the Naim logo, which lights up when in use, a USB port, and a headphone jack. On the right are four buttons where the Atom can be started and music can be paused/played. The bottom two are for input and favorites. For example, via the Naim app, you can search for radio stations and also put them in your favorites. By pushing this button a few times, you can start your radio station again in no time.
On top is a large rotary knob with which the sound can be turned up/down. The volume meter lights up while turning and even when you hold your hand nearby.
And as icing on the cake is a color screen that shows everything. I will come back to that later!
The heat sinks that we saw in the Mu-so 2nd Gen also reappear in the Atom. A beautiful finish, if I do say so myself. And it works, where the heat sinks get a bit ‘warmer’.
At the back, we find the necessary connections. From left to right:
– Mains connection
– Connection for 2 speakers through a banana connector.
– Network connection (the Uniti Atom also has WiFi and Bluetooth)
– USB connection for your music on an HDD/SSD
– HDMI connection for audio input
– (Top right) digital inputs of which 1 via an RCA plug
– (Bottom right) ground switch for (floating or default), Preamp Output and input for, for example, a record player (and that sounds great too).
A 4-meter speaker cable is also included with this set.
Time to unpack the Focal Speakers!
The following is included:
– Dust cover
– Manual
– Needles and caps to put the speakers on the floor
– A base to place the speakers on which they are tilted slightly upwards, matching screws and Allen key.
How often do you unpack a speaker in such a way? Rarely! First noticeable thing: the speaker looks nice. One midrange speaker and two woofers. Obviously at the top of the tweeter!
The nice thing about the speaker is that it has a bass port at the front. Whether you place the speaker close to a corner, or far away, the effect is then less audible than when it is behind.
And to be complete, an overview of the elements of the Chora 826. Incidentally, this is also one of the other selectable colors. Beautiful finish if I do say so myself!
The sides have a kind of brushed wood finish.
The speaker cannot be used bi-wire. So this is purely about two full-range connections.
At the bottom, you can choose to screw in the needles/caps directly or via the elevation. This can also be screwed in. The needles/caps can then be screwed back into those.
The use of the elevation leads to a speaker that is tilted slightly upwards. This also ensures that the sound comes at you much better. You can of course choose not to use it and to screw the caps/needles directly to the bottom of the speaker. Then it stands ‘normally’/horizontally.
I must confess that I think they are quite nice speakers. That blue and black contrasts nicely. The Focal logo is also not too gigantic on the speaker.
The Focal logo sometimes reminds me a bit of the moment I sign for a delivery with PostNL. Then you also just mark something on the PDA. Or should I learn to write, that is also possible…
Of course, these speakers also come with dust covers. Today’s dust covers are magnetically attached. I remember in the days of my old columns the pins of the dust caps went into the speakers. Online you came across a lot of stories of people who over time no longer had the pins on the dust covers, but did have them in the speakers. Well, then you have a problem! Fortunately, everything is a bit smarter / more convenient these days.
I am a man of humor… When you see it…
Connecting
It is time to connect the Naim Uniti Atom & Focal Chora 826.
Time to turn on the Uniti Atom! And it is immediately noticeable that it is quite a large screen.
For example, the entire installation can be followed via the screen in combination with the remote control, but also via the app.
The Naim Uniti Atom is being updated nicely.
A name can be selected via the menu. In this case, I’ll stick with Uniti Atom.
The Atom is packed with options. For example, there is also a Chromecast option in the Atom. For example, you can stream music/movies or the like to the Uniti Atom. For example, from your Chrome browser, or YouTube.
Multiroom setups can also be configured via Chrome and the Naim app.
A UPnP server can also be set up via the Atom. This means that a UPnP server can be set up via a data carrier that is connected via the USB port. Suppose you connect an HDD via USB with 1000 songs on it. Then you can play music from the Uniti Atom via other apps. However, this takes a little more power.
Once the installation is complete, the ‘home screen’ will be visible. The following items are visible:
– Now playing
– Spotify
– Radio
– USB
– Input (where different digital inputs or HMDI can be selected)
– Favorites (radio stations can be put under presets/favorites which can then be quickly recalled)
– Bluetooth
– Settings
Under settings there are the following options – further details of the settings can be found in the software chapter:
– Language
– Network Settings
– Bluetooth
– Factory settings
– Info
You can say what you want, but it is very clear when the volume is adjusted. 🙂
With the remote control, you can search for almost all radio stations in the world via the internet radio. The app also shows the bit rate of the radio stations.
Recently, during the Tweakers Oktoberfest event, I was asked if I am proud of certain photos. This is one of those that I personally really like. And that is of course not surprising with a beautiful device.
So should you put stations in favorites, they will be listed here.
You can also choose to turn off the screen when music is playing.
When playing music via, for example, a radio station or podcast, the label is also displayed on the screen.
When you reach back toward the Atom you will see some more info about the current artist and other info. 🙂 After a short time, the image goes back to the previous image.
Software
If you don’t want to use the app, the Naim Uniti Atom can of course also just be used with the remote control. However… Naim has quite a nice app, which can also be used for other Naim products.
The app prompts you to use and pair the remote. After that, the device can be selected via the app, which needs to be set up.
What I like; in my case I use an iPhone 12 and within a few seconds, I was able to go through the AirPlay speaker configuration, where the WiFi network could be set up.
The amplifier is set up within a few seconds. Then the app searches for the room, and off it goes!
When opening the app, the rooms are displayed. For example, by setting up multi-room, multiple speakers and amplifiers can be synced with each other. This way everything can be played at the same time throughout the house. During the installation, the current version of the firmware is also checked. So this can also be installed/updated via the app.
The name can also be changed via the app to a custom name or the default preset.
I think I have already mentioned in this review that the Naim Uniti Atom has quite a few options. Chromecast can also be set up through the app. You can then use Google Home to set the Naim speaker/amplifier as a Chromecast.
After the installation, you will enter the ‘home screen’ of the app – after selecting the amplifier.
The app has quite a few options and is quite uncluttered.
The default presets are as follows:
– Favorites
– Servers (when there are also other UPnP servers in your network)
– Internet radio
– USB
– Tidal
– Qobuz
– Spotify
– Chromecast Built-in
– Bluetooth
– Analog 1
– Digital 1
– Digital 2
– Digital 3
– HDMI
In the middle, you can switch between
– Preset
– Albums
– Artists
– Radio
– Playlist
At the bottom, the radio stations are stored under presets/favorites. These can be customized, added, and set up completely to your liking.
Of course, the amplifier can also be set to your liking. The following settings can be adjusted via the app:
– Stand-by
– Styles (color of the app)
– Input setting
—- Favorites
—- AirPlay
—- Analog 1
——— Input activated
——— Input name
——— Adjust input (0 = default)
——— Lip Sync (0 = default)
——— Input Sensitivity HiFi (2.5V)
——— AV fixed volume (off)
—- Bluetooth
——— Input activated
——— Open pairing
——— Input name
—- Digital 1
——— Input activated
——— Input name
——— Adjust input (0 = default)
——— Lip Sync (0 = default)
—- Digital 2
——— Input activated
——— Input name
——— Adjust input (0 = default)
——— Lip Sync (0 = default)
—- Digital 3
——— Input activated
——— Input name
——— Adjust input (0 = default)
——— Lip Sync (0 = default)
—- Chromecast Built-in
——— Version number
——— IP address
——— Time zone
——— Share usage data
——— Number of other options regarding Google’s privacy policy, etc.
—- HDMI
——— Input activated
——— Input name
——— Adjust input (0 = default)
——— Lip Sync (0 = default)
——— HDMI Auto Select
—- Qobuz
——— Input activated
——— Put Qobuz favorites on the home screen (yes/no)
——— Quality (Hi-Res – 24-Bit / 192 kHz)
——— Log in to Qobuz
——— Open Qobuz App
—- Internet radio
——— Input name
——— vTuner MAC Address
—- Spotify
——— Input activated
——— Spotify bitrate (extreme)
—- TIDAL
——— Input activated
——— Put Tidal favorites on the home screen
——— Quality (HiFi)
——— Logout
——— Open TIDAL app
—- Servers
——— Input activated
——— Input name
—- USB
——— Input activated
– Set audio
—-Maximum volume (85 set by default)
—- Speaker Balance (0 default = center)
—- Max. Headphone volume (100)
– Register your product
– Search for updates
– Other settings
—- Room Name (Uniti Atom)
—- Timezone (Europe/Amsterdam)
—- Network Settings (Wireless/Wired)
——— DHCP (on/off)
——— Other IP info
—- Time to auto standby (20 minutes)
—- Server Mode
—- Display
——— Power off during playback
—- Remote control
——— Motion detection
—- Amazon Store (UK)
—- Stay connected
—- Volume Control
——— Slider
——— On-screen buttons
—- Tap for options
—- Share user data
—- Delete cache coverart
—- Rebuild music database
– Regarding
—- IP address & other IP info
– Help
In terms of streaming, there is a lot that the Naim Uniti Atom supports;
Chromecast Built-In, Qobuz, Apple Airplay, TIDAL, Spotify® Connect, Bluetooth (AptX HD), Internet Radio™, UPnP™ (hi-res streaming), Roon Ready
With Spotify, Tidal, or the like, it is searching for a song you want via your mobile device and then selecting the Naim Uniti Atom via the app.
The Naim app on the phone is stable and works without any problems. I haven’t had a crash and not even one problem with playing music via the ‘external speakers’ on Spotify. This means if you open Spotify/Tidal on your phone and select the Atom as ‘speaker’.
What is also very cool is that the Naim Uniti Atom immediately shows an album cover on the screen. Whether it’s a podcast or a Spotify song.
Music & movies
And then it’s time to listen to the Naim Uniti Atom and the Focal Chora 826 speakers.
I noticed right away how balanced and clear this set sounds.
The Chora 826 sound very full, and the bass is well present. I think the Chora 826 sounds better in terms of bass than the Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2. And as a fan of the 702s, that’s saying something. This makes the Chora 826 extremely suitable for movies and music where you also want to hear just a bit more bass.
The Focals sound incredibly neutral on mids and highs. With beautiful classical songs like a Moonlight Sonata (1st movement) by Bach, the low notes of the piano sound so neutral, sharp, and beautiful. The low tones are perfect. It’s really like I’m listening to 3000+ euro speakers.
If you watch The Martian, James Bond, or Mission Impossible, you notice that with these speakers and the amplifier you get sucked into the movie. In this case, it’s so clear that you feel like you’re on set. The deep sounds of the Chora 826 come out beautifully.
Especially in action movies or other films where a lot of sound effects happen, you can enjoy the smallest things. Like Mission Impossible where you hear bullet casings falling between the music and speech. It is an experience in itself.
The Naim Uniti Atom is a great stereo amplifier, with basically all the necessary options you would need. Initially, I thought the 40 watts wouldn’t be enough, well I can assure you that is certainly not the case. I think it’s also about a bit of British modesty. If you want, you can easily vibrate the windows in the frame. And the sound isn’t even distorted. Whether you throw Spotify or Tidal at it, the Naim Uniti Atom plays just fine.
I went from a Denon x6400h surround amp to the Naim Uniti Atom stereo amp, and the difference – even with the same speakers – is audible.
So if you are looking for a 2.0 set, and you want to start somewhere, I can personally really recommend this set.
Do not buy a surround amplifier if you want a 2.0 set. The costs will go to multiple – and mostly unnecessary – components and licenses. In that case, it is better to put these costs into good stereo elements. And you will notice the difference.
Previously, I used two columns on a surround amplifier, and my wife and I often noticed that we could understand speech less well. With a pure stereo amplifier, that problem is gone. Really; speech is extremely clear and intelligible. Even in movies where there is a lot of talking and where there is also a lot of background noise, the speech is clear. Many times we had to ‘rewind’ to hear what was being said – or turn on extra subtitles.
For example, the Spotify list is turned on every day with: “Your Top Songs 2020”. Those are also the songs that you have been able to listen to so many times that you can dream of them. And also with this set, it sounds great.
In fact, I caught myself sitting in the middle of the couch on several songs to listen to exactly the music that was presented by this set. Those are moments I can enjoy. I say it more often in my audio reviews. Do you know the feeling that music makes you move? With such a set and the combination of songs, you feel a kind of happiness, and you start to move slightly. Just enjoy… 😀
I play the song below on every set of speakers, headphones, in-ears, and others. And in this case, too it’s enjoyment. The instruments are really crystal clear. Because the speakers are also slightly tilted (upwards – is a choice, of course, not necessary), the sound also comes better at you.
So, fast forward to Christmas. Andrea Bocelli’s deep voice comes out beautifully. The Chora 826 makes it sound really clean. The instruments in the background are also reproduced beautifully. No instrument distortion is audible.
The Atom is also well-recognized by Roon. This way you can easily stream music to the Uniti Atom.
And so I was also able to play a lot of other Spotify (via Airplay), Podcasts, and radio stations via the Uniti Atom. The Naim Uniti Atom is in my opinion a really small powerhouse with a lot of options.
Conclusion
The Naim Uniti Atom & Focal Chora 826 have both positively surprised me.
I’m quite a ‘nag’ when it comes to audio, but with this combination, I’d be genuinely happy too – and so would my wife. Listening to music (especially with the somewhat ‘heavier music’), and watching movies, it’s all possible with this set.
The Chora 826 is also available for sale in other colors should this finish not be the one for you. The Focal Chora 826 has the option of being tilted, and the sound comes at you better. You notice that in everything. It is, of course, your own choice, you can of course also screw the needles or caps directly under it. But the choice to tilt that Focal gives with the 826 is a cool thing. I have never experienced this before.
The disadvantage of the Chora 826 is that, due to tilting, dust quickly gets on the front of the speakers. It does attract some dust.
But, those are advantages and disadvantages on the visual level. When I focus purely on the sound with the Focal Chora 826, I don’t have any complaints. Honestly, I can’t think of one. All the songs – and I’ve been able to listen to a lot of them – sound great, just perfect.
The Naim Uniti Atom has fine (and especially stable) software and is also easy to operate with the little screen. The fact that the remote control is illuminated is of course also very handy. The finish of the Uniti Atom is also beautiful. The brushed steel at the top, the dial, and of course the illuminated logo makes for a showpiece. After all, the eye wants something. 😉
The lesser part of the Uniti Atom is the price when purchased separately. €2900~ is of course an investment. And this set together now costs; about €3500.
Yes, it’s an investment, but one that pays off…in pure enjoyment.
The great thing about this set is that a Naim cable is also included. This results in a complete set that you can just get started with right away.
In the months that I have been able to borrow this set, my wife and I are genuinely happy with the Naim Uniti Atom and Focal Chora 826. “We can move forward with this set for the coming years,” my wife said several times. I share the feeling.
Because of such a bundle, it feels like an entry-level, but it’s not. As I mentioned earlier in this review, these speakers give a feeling of being in a ~3k price range. I think that’s very nice. This bundle is therefore not just an entry-level, it is a good start. I think it’s a great set. And even I think that’s an understatement!
Both get 5 stars from me. It’s a great deal and certainly an excellent combination.
