AV2 - Still up to it ???

Posted by: tripleweber on 06 September 2013

I'm currently using a Pioneer SC LX85 purely as a processor conneted to 202/200 through unity gain, V175 for rear speakers and V145 for centre. Looking to upgrade the Pioneer to a dedicated processor. Is the AV2 still worth considering or is it too 'outdated' and 'old hat'. If you think it still 'cuts it' would it be a worthwhile upgrade quality wise. If not any suggestions on a better option.

Cheers

Posted on: 06 September 2013 by Mr Underhill

TW,

 

I think the AV2 is a great processor, esp. for people with Naim amps.

 

In absolute terms an Oppo 105 may be better, depending on the source software - but it depends what your requirement is. In my case I use the AV2 as a pre-amp for my NS01 radio function, to listen in mono for non-music programming.

 

I think the non BR processing is great, and am happy to wait until I absolutely must move on, i.e. when my AV2 dies.

 

M

Posted on: 06 September 2013 by rackkit

I was planning to go the Pioneer route to add to the 282/SC2/250.2 i had at the time but my dealer advised me to go for the AV2 instead. His opinion was that it was leagues ahead of the Pioneer i was considering at the time even with a 175 doing centre and rears. Since you already have Naim amps esp the 145 for centre, i think your system is crying out for one the only problem being that you'll have to track down a used model now but if you do, they're only selling for around £450-600 minus whatever you can get for the Pioneer you already have.

 

If you do go this route, you might also want to consider a 200 upgrade for the rears. I was sceptical about going from a 150 to a 200 but the difference was surprising. The rear sound field suddenly fills in between the rears instead of it sounding like it comes from each corner and really links up with the fronts to create a really immersive sound all around. 

 

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

Cheers,

 

Rack.

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 07 September 2013 by karyboue

I have AV2 145, 200, 200.

 

Last year I wanted to test HD sound. I borrowed 2 amps with pre-out (Cambridge 551R and Yamaha Aventage RX-A1020) to use the AV2 7.1 analog input with Flasback Premiere cables.

 

Both decoding sounded better than the AV2's : Cambridge : superb voices but overall space and sound identical to AV2, Yamaha : more precise and unheard details but more analytical. The differences are quite light, it really is no sound revolution. So as I use my AV2 as a hIfi preamp I considered that the sound difference was not worth the money and gave back the HD amps.

 

 

In your position : HC only with no AV2 but Naim amps I would buy some HD amp or better an HD preamp but no AV2.

Posted on: 19 September 2013 by Manu

I have AV2, 145, 250-2, 175.

 

AV2 is still doing the job for me.