Naim AV2 vs Oppo variable output
Posted by: AMA on 04 October 2013
I'm trying to educate myself in HT so forgive me for numerous (and often not smart) questions.
Is it a case that Oppo 103 outputs "encoded" analogue signal and AV2 decodes it into 5.1 channels?
Does AV2 improves on Oppo 103 variable analogue output?
I know Oppo 105 is using Sabre DAC (good choice btw).
Is it for all 5.1 channels or for front channels only?
2) No. The AV2 is not that hot as a multi channel analogue preamp, it is much better dealing with PCM stereo, Dolby Digital, or DTS. It is pretty good if you set an Oppo 103 to down mix the HD variants into regular Dolby Digital or DTS, but based on what I've heard, just using a 105 straight to the same Naim amps should be at least as good.
Don't get me wrong, the AV2 is fantastic, but it is quite an old design and a lot of progress has been made.
3) there are two audio boards. 1 8 channel (7.1) with Sabre dacs, and a dedicated 2 ch board with its own Sabre dacs for down mixed stereo. The 2ch board drives 1 set of RCAs, 1 set of XLRS, and the headphone amp. These (not incl hradphones) can be set to act as the front channels of a surround setup instead of the FR and FL outputs on the other board. The main benefit of which is for better sound when listening to a stereo Bluray/dvd/cd.
Mike thanks -- that was helpful.
I have been using an AV2 with analogue out for some time, I experimented with other legacy non HD processors, various BR players including Oppo's including the 103 and for me the best solution has been using my Denon 3800 analogue out into the AV2, via 2 channel pre for front L and R
My system is 'old' naim, but the results are extremely good Denon 3800 BR/32.5/Supercap/7 x naim 135s Sonus Faber Speakers and Subs.
If anyone has any alternative suggestions to replace this set up. I wish the AV2 could have been upgraded by a Supercap
Damn! I currently have an Oppo 105 running straight into Naim power amps, and utilising the internal digital volume control. I'm not happy with the sound quality, especially at lower volumes, so was hoping to add an analogue volume control in between the Oppo and Power Amps. The AV2 had looked liked the solution, using the multi channel in, but from what you say it might not be.
Any other suggestions? I don't need any features apart from 8 channel in and volume control.
I have to disagree here. I experimented with HD processors when I moved to HD and settled on the best legacy analogue solution I could find, naim AV2 (I still use a 32.5/Supercap for L,R via the selection adn preferred this to striaght in on the AV2 for multichannel)
I tried, Parasound, Arcam (I have a P7 at the time and some P1's), Marantz, Denon (HD processor), and lots of others...
My best solution which is still superb for film is Denon 3800 analogue out - naim 32.5/Supercap/ AV2 analogue in/7 naim 135's/ Sonus Faber Extrema front, Cremona centre, Elector amator rears and SF Sub. All mains is dedicated with individual fused lines and star earthing back to the cinema board.
HD audio via HD cabling is very compromied IMO (Indeed Meridian admit this and hence use an alternative solution to HDMI HD audio)
Excuse my ignorance.... where is the volume controlled from for movies and music - does the AV2 do both?
You basically set the 32.5 to a fixed setting (in my case 2 O'clock) and use the AV2 for volume, the later preamps have a button for this.
Sounds complex, but once you have set it up the to move from CD to film, I simply choose the right input on the 32.5, turn the volume wheel to the right setting and then drive with the AV2. It uses the tape loop in the 32.5 to achieve this. I have unplugged and avoided the 32.5 to compare and being driven with the 32.5 in is preferable
You basically set the 32.5 to a fixed setting (in my case 2 O'clock) and use the AV2 for volume, the later preamps have a button for this.
Sounds complex, but once you have set it up the to move from CD to film, I simply choose the right input on the 32.5, turn the volume wheel to the right setting and then drive with the AV2. It uses the tape loop in the 32.5 to achieve this. I have unplugged and avoided the 32.5 to compare and being driven with the 32.5 in is preferable
So, do the FR and FL from the denon go into the AV2, then into the 32.5?
For film I think so !
My leads have been in place for a few years now, for CD it's direct DAC then feeding front L&R via 32.5. With the Film it goes via the AV2 to the 32.5 for F,R. So from memory the 32.5/supercap replaces the pre on L,R and effectively the AV2 adds a few wires and a volume wheel
So you're running a Denon 3800 via analogue into an AV2 as well IWC? Same but my amps are a 200 for the rears (n-Sats) and 145 for the centre (Axess). I still sometimes find that the centre on voices can be too low compared to the rest of the mix. I set it all up with a sound meter, making sure i got the same level for all speakers from my listening position. Just wondering if it's more down to how the audio tracks have been mixed rather than a set up issue.
Some films are better than others though and it's the same whether the AV2 has done the mixing over optical out of the Virgin Tivo, or HD from the analogues of the Denon.
Any advice would be welcome.
Not sure why voices don't seem central, I have the screen just above the top of the centre channel its 134" screen, so quite large, the extremes are 'normal' height and sit either side of the screen. Voices are very convincing.
I'd be tempted to alter F,R level a little and possible the angle of the centre channel. One thought could be that the centre with a 145 is quite dynamic and draws attention to itself more than the fronts ?
Not sure why voices don't seem central, I have the screen just above the top of the centre channel its 134" screen, so quite large, the extremes are 'normal' height and sit either side of the screen. Voices are very convincing.
I'd be tempted to alter F,R level a little and possible the angle of the centre channel. One thought could be that the centre with a 145 is quite dynamic and draws attention to itself more than the fronts ?
Sorry, i meant the level not the height level of the sound as it just below the tv which is fine.
BTW, do we still get Av technical from the Naim guys on here?
I'm trying to educate myself in HT so forgive me for numerous (and often not smart) questions.
Is it a case that Oppo 103 outputs "encoded" analogue signal and AV2 decodes it into 5.1 channels?
Does AV2 improves on Oppo 103 variable analogue output?
I know Oppo 105 is using Sabre DAC (good choice btw).
Is it for all 5.1 channels or for front channels only?
The 105 will be my new player....Shortly...It is a beast and such a value, it is almost silly.
Marc
My AV2 might still be able to serve as an analogue preamp fro my DVD5 for CDs.
And I am hoping it will still accept 5.1 analogue input from the oppo.
Is it really worth spending 4 times as much on the 105 if I do not use it for CDs?
And how did you guys hook up your oppos if you are also using an AV2? I mean, either the AV2 has to pass through the oppo or the oppo has to pass through the AV2? You can't hook up both to the same poweramps simultaniously.
Hi Guys,
This answer is not exactly what you are looking for, but may help your decision making! I used to own TAG Mclaren AV equipment on the basis that one size fits all, but since their demise in 2002 and with the advent of different medias of film and music on the market, I came to a decision to scrap the whole TAG stuff and after a lot of listening to equipment, plumped on an all NAIM setup. But wait a minute I still want to watch films and stuff and NAIM don't do any AV or DVD player anymore, infact in early 2013 I was hard press to find a system that I liked where one size fits all.
This is where the OPPO 105 came into play, personally I think OPPO and NAIM are a match made in heaven I can have both Music and Film content coming out of the one system, dont get me wrong the 103 is a good player but the 105 is a different beast altogether, with its dual Sabre DACs and so many inputs and variations you would be hard pressed not to be pleased!
So at the moment I stream music via a ND5 XS and Unitiserve with a NAC282 and NAP250 doing the front duties and when we want to watch a Bluray, DVD,Virgin TV or Apple TV, I put the NAC282 into AV Bypass mode and the OPPO now takes over with a couple NAP155's doing the rear and centre. If I want to watch Apple Tv, the Oppo has an HDMI in at the rear and your good to go.
Steve