N-vi and Tag Power Amp

Posted by: Chris Paling on 23 March 2009

Hello gurus. Just joined the forum after lurking for a while. Very useful. Couple of questions. I'm just in process of buying an N-vi and I know that I'll need to use a power amp with it (I have a pair of B + W Cdm 7's - bit bass heavy). I've been using an Audiolab 8000 amp as a pre amp and to drive the tweeters and a Tag Mclaren 60p power amp to drive the lower frequencies. Do you think it will be possible to use the Tag in conjunction with the N-vi or am I looking at saving up for a Naim power amp? I know I won't be able to bi-amp due to the different power outputs of the Naim and the Tag. And one more question - I have an HDMI cable to connect to TV but I've read that the Naim doesn't have an HDMI output. Is there a recommended lead? Or should I just use a decent scart.

Any advice much appreciated.

and

Hello all. I've posted this on the AV site but thought I'd also ask you purists for advice. I'm in process of buying an N-vi and I know I'll need more power for my B + W CDM 7SEs. Obviously a Naim power amp is the answer but I have no cash left. I do, however, still have my trusty Tag Mclaren 60p power amp which I currently use bi-wired (with an ancient Audiolab 8000) into the B + Ws. So the question is could I use this power amp with the Naim? Will connections be an issue - and I'm assuming I can't bi-wire as the N-vi is 50w and the power amp is 60. Any advice appreciated.
Posted on: 23 March 2009 by joe90
Hi Chris

The n-Vi uses a DVI output. You can get a DVI to HDMI adaptor for a modest sum.

Personally, I'd never recommend biamping with Naim. It's weird-sounding.

With all the money you'd spend on a power amp, I'd suggest an alternative:

Sell you excess kit, and the B&Ws and get a speaker that works on the n-Vi and in the room.

Luck!
Posted on: 24 March 2009 by Chris Paling
Hi Joe,

I hadn't thought of flogging the B + Ws but that's not a bad idea. Rather fond of them but they might have to go if I can get a decent price. And thanks for gen on the DVI output.
Posted on: 24 March 2009 by bon
I think he was referring to bi-wiring not bi-amping.

I used to bi-wire my old Audiolab 8000P with beneficial results.

General recommendation is not to bi-wire Naim amps, to do mainly with cable loading etc.


However Bi-amping is another story but demo it to ensure you like the result. (I do with a pair of 200's and it's excellent but you may not like it.)
Posted on: 25 March 2009 by Chris Paling
To be honest I flogged all my old gear as soon as I bought the Naim, including the Tag. To my untutored ears the N-vi sounds absolutely fantastic through the B + W's. More than enough power. Really nicely defined sound, especially on uncluttered acoustic albums. More than happy with it. Thanks for advice though.
Posted on: 26 March 2009 by DrMark
You should be OK if the CDM 7's are not 4 ohm and have decent sensitivity. I had a pair of Totem Mani-2 Sigs (now departed) on mine and they were kicking the n-Vi's butt, being 4 ohm and only 85 dB sensitivity (too current hungry) - kept kicking it into protection mode and couldn't get any real volume out of it.
Posted on: 26 March 2009 by Chris Paling
The B + Ws are 8 ohms so seem to be fine ta.
Posted on: 26 March 2009 by john R1
my 5 mk speakers are all 4ohms my n-vi has no problem driving them, not sure about the sensitivity of them though