n-vi and HD...

Posted by: Jean-Denis on 05 April 2007

Hello,

Last week-end I had the following (crazy?) idea : to resell all my hifi equipments and buy a new n-vi... Well let's me explain...

I got in the AV in the last 3/4 years but still love listening to music on stereo system. Hence I've upgraded bit by bit my stereo to a full 5.1 system. Today I have an Onkyo TX-DS989 Upg2 amplifier, a Onkyo DV-SP503 and a set of Focal JM-Lab Cobalt speakers (816 + 806s + cc800s + sw800s). Recently, as I wanted to have a nice CD-player, I've bought the CD5i. And this is where the story starts...

As you can guess, I am really impressed with this Naim product, and I wonder if I shouldn't upgrade my all system to Naim's standard... This is so superiour to what I have, and to what I've been listening to during the last 2/3 years! Still I have some question, and this is the reason of this post :

- what is worth the n-vi for music listening? Can you force a full stereo system on it (meaning use only 2 channels and deactivate the other 3)?
- concerning the different upgrades/bugs reported on this (rather) new product, where are we?
- I have seen that my local dealer have 2 versions : 1 with the radio, 1 without... Any advise on this?
- and last part : future compatibility... I know this has been treated several time on this forum, as I read few comments, but what about the "upcoming" scaler? And what would be the output : 1080p???
- And is there any plan for HD-DVD or Blu-Ray compatibility? HDMI output? Of course, the idea is to change my 81cm CRT TV with a flat screen when the new HD standard would replace the existing one...

In fact, to make a long story short : is it a good idea to buy this new product? And if yes, should I buy it now or wait for new features (HD, ...)?

Posted on: 05 April 2007 by AV@naim

Hi Jean-Denis,

-The n-Vi is very good for stereo and multi channel use. It will allow you to use combinations of 5.1 all the way down to mono. If you wish to use it as stereo only, you can switch off the centre and surround channels in the n-Vi menu.

-You should update your unit to any currently available firmware as a matter of course.

-The two versions are DAB and non-DAB. The DAB version will enable you to pick up DAB and FM stations in your area.

-The scaler project is still active, but I cannot give any specific information at present. The main delay is due to changes in technology since initial inception of a scaler product.

-The n-Vi is an "SD" device only, which outputs 480p NTSC/576p PAL via component (YPbPr/RGB) and DVI (interlaced signals are via s-video and scart). At present there is no descision to implement HD modes.

For more information either speak with your dealer or with naim direct:-

http://www.naim-audio.com/contacts.html

Posted on: 06 April 2007 by Jean-Denis

quote:
Originally posted by AV@naim:
The n-Vi is very good for stereo and multi channel use. It will allow you to use combinations of 5.1 all the way down to mono. If you wish to use it as stereo only, you can switch off the centre and surround channels in the n-Vi menu.

First of all, thank you for your answer! Concerning the switch off of given channels, is there a way to "program" this? ie I would like to program a mode called "stereo" in which only 2 channels are active and I would like to activate/deactivate this mode easily (without a full sequence of key to be pressed). Is it possible?

quote:
The n-Vi is an "SD" device only, which outputs 480p NTSC/576p PAL via component (YPbPr/RGB) and DVI (interlaced signals are via s-video and scart). At present there is no decision to implement HD modes.

That's maybe an idea for improvement, no? Anyway, am I right to think that a decision should be taken in the near future? And concerning the last part of my initial post (buy it now or later) if such HD mode is decided, would it be possible to upgrade the current n-vi models?

My point is that I don't want to buy something today that won't answer tomorrow standard...

Posted on: 06 April 2007 by AV@naim

If you wanted to utilise 5.1 AND stereo, rather than just use the n-Vi as a "stereo only" system, there are other options:-

-Using CD in the n-Vi allows for PCM stereo (via front L+R) or PLII/Neo 5.1 modes.

-Using an external analogue stereo source you can utilise the analogue inputs. There is no DSP processing on these inputs, so you would get plain stereo out on the front L+R channels

-digital inputs/DAB and allow use of PCM stereo modes if required

This would then allow you to leave the centre/surrounds switched on, so when you require a 5.1 mode (via digital inputs, DAB or DVD/DVD-A, dependant on mode settings), you would not have to change anything.

Is that clear as mud?