Front pre-outs from Denon AVR to Nait5i?

Shouldn't be any problem. I suggest you go to Naim's website and download the manual for the Naim AV2 for pointers as to how to integrate your Nait into an AV setup. Just remember to substitute YOUR AV receiver for the AV2 in the diagrams, and that you will need a 2phono>DIN connector!

Can't recall whether your Nait has a unity gain input for AV use, if not, just use another input and remember to set your Nait to the same volume level every time you use it for AV (most people seem to select 12 o'clock for this purpose) You are going to use a sound level meter to set the system up?

Hi

I use a Denon AV amp and utilise the pre-outs to drive the fronts via my Naim set up.

Yes you need a phono to DIN lead to connect to the AUX/video input on the Naim (I use a NAC82).

You need to set the Naim volume control to normal listening levels (between 8 & 9 o'clock) then set up the various channels on the Denon (in audio settings) to ensure all channels are equal in volume when sat in the listening position.

When watching a film the Denon's volume knob controls all the levels (including the pre-out). You can then listen to music through your naim as normal.

Hope this helps....

The Nait 5i does have the unity gain function, and I've already got the din to phono gubbins. I'll probably be using the Audyssey set-up that comes with the Denon amps.

That's all really helpful guys, thanks!

In answer to your query about matching, I wouldn't worry too much about that. The MAs aren't difficult to drive.They have a 6-ohm nominal impedance with 91db sensitivity which means they're slightly easier than the average speaker to drive. Add the fact that the Nait5i is really rather powerful (more than its 50 watt rating) and I think you'll be happily surprised by the results. Almost certainly, the Nait will find it easier to drive those speakers than the Denon amp wich would need to drive the rest of the speaker complement.

The chances of clipping occuring before things get very loud are very slim indeed. The chances are higher if you use a separate CD player. My experience with these things is that the signal output of CD players tends to be higher than the equalised output you get from processors, so this isn't going to be a problem.

I appreciate that you feel you have 'just' a 50-watt amp in the Nait, but the speakers are rated for anything between 40 and 120 watts so the naim is right in there. True, you don't want to overdo it with the Naim but that would be true with your CDs too and if you haven't hit the problem there you're less likely to hit it with the surround option.

Switch on the unity gain. Setup the amp using the audyssey setup procedure. Fix the setup (almost always needs a bit of adjustment). Enjoy...

As for models, you say you'll be buying a Denon 3310. I suggest you also consider the Pioneers. I rather like what they do.

Thanks, Frank. I also have another query about rear surround positioning. MA say that the SFXs should be placed facing inwards, but with my room shape I'm going to struggle with that. So, in the attached pic, should my rears be both B, or A and C? I 'think' the SFXs are bipole as std but I'm not sure why I think that, and I also hear that they can be re-wired (there's no switch). But, I'm guessing if they go in pos. B then bipolar would be OK?

I know it's difficult to answer without seeing the room and what's in it, but any suggestions would be most welcome!

quote:

Originally posted by zebra3:
The Nait 5i does have the unity gain function, and I've already got the din to phono gubbins. I'll probably be using the Audyssey set-up that comes with the Denon amps.

That's all really helpful guys, thanks!

FYI - The AV input on the Nait5i is RCA connection only...DIN is available for CD and Tuner inputs only as well as RCA.

Having just sold a CD5i/Nait5i combination to a customer with Monitor Audio Silver 8i speakers, I can say that the Nait5i drove them beautifully...

quote:

Originally posted by PureHifi:

FYI - The AV input on the Nait5i is RCA connection only...DIN is available for CD and Tuner inputs only as well as RCA.

Having just sold a CD5i/Nait5i combination to a customer with Monitor Audio Silver 8i speakers, I can say that the Nait5i drove them beautifully...

Hmm, not on mine.....I've only got DIN sockets for the inputs? On a more sour note, it appears that I've mislaid the Nait remote during my house move. I've looked everywhere but I'm buggered if I can find it!!

Zebra,

if your "Nait 5i" has only DIN inputs then it's a Nait 5, not the i version. A somewhat different amplifier, and in many ways more sophisticated and flexible as well.

If you can't find your remote control then fear not, replacements can be purchased from your Naim dealer. The current remote may look different but it will function just the same on your amplifier.

Wow, what an idiot. I've spent the last five years thinking it was a 5i. To be fair, it's been in the box for 4.5 years, but still, I can't think why I thought it was a 5i?? I must be going senile in my old age!

So now I've established what I've got, rather embarrassingly, I don't think it's got the Unity gain function, which will explain why I can't access it. I'm still OK to use it through the Denon though, is that correct? As long as I make sure my volume control is set correctly so as not to do any damage to either my ears or kit?

edit: Hmm, I've just gone through the Audyssey auto set-up with the fronts connected to the Nait 5 via the pre-amp connections on the Denon, and I get a huge amount of hiss from the high freq. driver on both L and R fronts. I've changed back to the standard configuration using the Denon to drive the fronts, and it's the same. Anyone have any idea what could I be doing wrong?

Thanks in advance.

Your Nait 5 does have Unity gain available on the AV input. A quick look in the manual will explain how to set this up.

A bit of hiss from the Nait is normal, but it should not be excessive. Some speakers with a very bright balance can exaggerate this though. I'd suggest you set the Nait 5 up for unity gain and then try again.

Hi Richard

Thanks for that, sadly it appears I need the remote to access unity gain mode and seeing as I've lost it that's that! I've set it up without accessing it, and will just be careful to make sure the volume is down if I change inputs.