Nait 5i integration with surround-reciver

Posted by: TMA-1 on 06 January 2010

Ok, so I have a Nait 5i and Im planning to integrate it with a surround reciver. I would like the Nait 5i to act as a amp for the 2 front channels. As I understand it this can be achived by using the unity-gain feature.
I've read the manual but I don't I get it fully (I must be a bit slow), so would someone kindly explain to me how to set it up?

I guess I connect the surround reciver front channel pre-out to the Nait 5i AV-input? And then.....I press the AV-input button on the Nait 5i twice?

And to switch to 2-channel music listening I only have to select a different input (like cd) and the Nait 5i will act normal (no unity-gain)?

Posted on: 06 January 2010 by Richard Dane

TMA,
welcome to the Naim forum.

Yes, you can use the AV input for exactly this purpose.

To select Unity Gain, first switch the preamplifier into program mode by pressing and holding the handset prog key (with the handset in preamplifier mode). The front panel av button will illuminate if Unity Gain is selected. If it is not enabled it can be switched on by pressing the same button twice.

To exit Program mode, just press PROG again.

Unity Gain is now set on the AV input. This will bypass the volume control when using this input and the Nait 5i will act just like a power amp on the end of your AV processor/amp, powering the main front L&R speakers.

All other inputs work as normal.

Enjoy!

Posted on: 07 January 2010 by TMA-1

Thank you. It is much clearer now

Posted on: 11 January 2010 by SimonJ

Why as I'm curious about that comment, isn't it just dangerous the other way around?! i.e. If you plug a DVD player or Sky with no volume control into the AV input on your music amp with unity gain set, then basically it's set at half/full volume and you may blow you speakers and / or amp up!
I'd expect if you accidently unselected unity gain and had an AV amp plugged into the av input then the front speakers would just be very quiet, i.e. AV amp set at 1/4 volume + music amp set at 1/4 volume = 1/16 volume or something very quiet anyway.