Naim CI-Uniti 102 vs NAD C 399 Detailed Comparison

Naim CI-Uniti 102 vs NAD C 399

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Naim CI-Uniti 102

Integrated Amplifier | 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 399

Integrated Amplifier | 180 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Naim CI-Uniti 102

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NAD C 399

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Naim CI-Uniti 102

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NAD C 399

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Naim CI-Uniti 102 vs NAD C 399 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different types of amplifiers. Naim CI-Uniti 102 is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier speaker whereas the C 399 is a Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Naim CI-Uniti 102 and NAD C 399 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key Specs	Naim CI-Uniti 102	NAD C 399
Power	150 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms, 260 watts x 2 into 4 ohms	180 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 180 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms
Amplifier class	Class D	Class D
Built-in DAC	Yes	Yes
Phono input	No	Yes
Headphone output	No	1/4
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
App control	Yes	—
Weight	4.50kg / 9.9lbs	11.23kg / 24.7lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)	1-3/4" x 11-3/4" x 11-3/4" 44.5mm x 300.0mm x 300.0mm	4-13/16" x 17-1/8" x 16-7/16" 123.0mm x 435.0mm x 418.0mm

What size room are the Naim CI-Uniti 102 and NAD C 399 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment	Naim CI-Uniti 102	NAD C 399
Near-field	Are you nuts?	Are you nuts?
Small Room	Bad	Bad
Mid-size Room	Poor	Poor
Large Room	Good	Good
Very Large Room	Good	Good

The sections below take each area in turn: power output, inputs and outputs, features and physical size.

**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Naim CI-Uniti 102 over NAD C 399

MSRP Price(*)	1,799USD vs 1,999USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Full-color Display	Yes vs No	Displays Album and device Info
App-Based Control	Yes vs None	Control the amplifier via an app
Watts into 4-ohms	260 watts vs 180 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Signal to Noise Ratio	110 dB vs 95 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Bluetooth Version	v5.1 vs v4.0	Higher transfer rate and range
Apple AirPlay 2	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay 2
Built-in Chromecast	Yes vs No	Compatible with Chromecast Streaming
Built-in Chromecast	Yes vs No	Compatible with Chromecast Streaming
Base Surface Area	900.0cm²/ 139.5inch² vs 1818.3cm²/ 281.8inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	44mm vs 123mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose NAD C 399 over Naim CI-Uniti 102

Handheld Remote	Yes vs No	Control the amplifier by the included RC
Watts into 8-ohms	180 watts vs 150 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.02% vs under 0.006% at 1kHz	Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Analog sources
PhonoInput	Yes vs No	Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Optical Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input	Yes vs	Connect Sources via USB
Headphone Output	1/4 vs No	Connect your headphone to the amplifier

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the Naim CI-Uniti 102 and NAD C 399 differs from each other.

Naim CI-Uniti 102 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 1
1 Optical Digital Input
0 Coaxial Digital Input
HDMI eARC
Ethernet Port

NAD C 399 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A(Service Only)
HDMI eARC

Naim CI-Uniti 102 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs

Outputs

Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

NAD C 399 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Naim CI-Uniti 102?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of CI-Uniti 102:

CI-Uniti 102 streaming amplifier
2 x 19-inch rack mounting brackets
2 x external antennas
Detachable Euroblock speaker connectors
Removable AC power cord

What's in the Box of NAD C 399?

Here are the items that come with the C 399:

Integrated amplifier
6-feet AC power cord
Remote control (SR 9)
2 AA batteries
Antenna
Quick Setup Guide
Important Safety Instructions
Warranty Card