Naim Uniti Atom HDMI ARC Setup: TV, Speakers and Streaming

Quick answer

Connect your TV's HDMI ARC port to the Uniti Atom's HDMI ARC input using a standard HDMI cable, then select the HDMI input on the Atom and enable ARC/CEC in your TV's audio settings. Wire passive speakers to the Atom's binding posts (minimum 4Ω), and use the Naim app to add streaming services over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. This gives you TV sound and high-resolution streaming through one compact integrated amplifier.

Check your TV and cables before you start

HDMI ARC requires the TV's HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC. Not all HDMI inputs support audio return, so confirm the label before running cables. Use a standard High Speed HDMI cable; premium certifications are unnecessary for ARC audio. If your TV lacks ARC, you can still connect via optical, but you'll lose CEC volume control and the convenience of a single remote.

Wire speakers correctly to avoid damage

The Uniti Atom's 40-watt integrated amplifier drives one pair of passive speakers. Use speaker cable with banana plugs or bare wire; keep the positive and negative strands from touching across terminals. Observe impedance: the Atom is stable into 4Ω, but avoid pairing with speakers below that. If you're unsure, check your speaker's nominal impedance in its manual. For headphones, the Atom has a front-panel jack, but it's not a substitute for dedicated headphone amplification with hard-to-drive planar models.

Enable HDMI ARC and CEC on your TV

In your TV's sound settings, set the audio output to HDMI ARC or external speakers. Turn on CEC (often called Anynet+, Bravia Sync, or Simplink) so the TV remote can control the Atom's volume and power. Some TVs default to internal speakers even when ARC is connected, so verify the output is switched. If you hear no sound, try a different HDMI cable or toggle ARC off and on.

Set up streaming and network sources

Connect the Atom to your network via Ethernet for the most stable streaming, or use Wi-Fi. Open the Naim app, select the Uniti Atom, and log in to your streaming services. The Atom supports high-resolution streaming up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD, so use wired network if you have a large local library. For Bluetooth, pair your device in the app; aptX HD is supported for better sound quality than standard Bluetooth.

Step-by-step setup

1. Connect HDMI ARC: Plug a standard HDMI cable into the TV's ARC-labeled port and the Uniti Atom's HDMI ARC input. Checkpoint: The TV must show ARC or eARC next to the port; if not, use optical instead.
2. Wire speakers: Connect passive speakers to the Atom's binding posts, observing positive and negative. Use banana plugs for safety. Mistake: Letting stray wire strands touch across terminals can trigger protection mode.
3. Enable TV audio output: In your TV's sound menu, select HDMI ARC as the output and turn on CEC for remote control. Checkpoint: If you hear no sound, toggle ARC off and on or try a different HDMI cable.
4. Set up streaming: Open the Naim app, connect the Atom to your network, and log in to your streaming services. Mistake: Using Wi-Fi for high-resolution files can cause dropouts; use Ethernet for critical listening.

Product facts

• Naim Uniti Atom All-In-One Integrated Amplifier with HDMI ARC: 40-watt integrated amplifier with high-resolution music streaming and HDMI ARC. Delivers enough power for typical bookshelf speakers and lets you route TV audio through the same system without a separate receiver.
• Final Audio D8000 AFDS Open Planar Magnetic Headphones: Final Audio D8000 AFDS Open Planar Magnetic Headphones use Air Film Damping System for sensitive highs and open bass. If you plan to listen with headphones, these planars benefit from a dedicated headphone amp rather than the Atom's front jack, which is convenient but not optimized for low-sensitivity planars.