The future for my nvi?

Posted by: nickpeacock on 25 September 2011

I am using an nvi + NAP 200 + Harbeth HL-P3ES, principally for (i) playing DVDs (through old Panasonic 22" LCD TV) and (ii) streaming audio via a Sonos ZP90.

 

This year will see a TV upgrade to something bigger and better, with lots of bells and whistles.

 

In practice, the nvi gives me the following facilities, more or less in order of priority (i) plays DVDs (I don't play CDs since getting Sonos); (ii) internal DAC; (iii) pre-amp and (iv) (though of less use in practice) DAB/FM radio, all in one box.

 

What I'm wondering is as follows:

 

1. Can I connect a soundbar (thinking of Yamaha YSP-2200 or better) into the nvi for audio when playing DVDs? [NB - my room size and layout leads me towards a soundbar rather than various satellites];

 

2. If so, how (ie which connections works best on the nvi and the soundbar)?

 

3. Can I continue listening to streaming audio files through the NAP/Harbeths as at present if I've connected a soundbar as well and vice versa (presumably I could turn either the NAP or the soundbar off when listening to the other...)?

 

4. Ultimately, how much more life has my nvi got left in it? I'm open to upgrading but, as you can see from the start of this post, dispensing with the nvi instantly requires more than one box (eg, S/nait plus blu-ray/DVD player). Is there a more gradual upgrade route (eg improve the DAC facility by something like an Arcam, Rega or nDac)?

 

5. Any thoughts on future speaker upgrade would be appreciated. Compact floorstanders are a possibility (eg Neat Motive 2s, Spendor A3 or A5) but nothing bigger would get past the style council.

 

Cheers!

Posted on: 25 September 2011 by garyi
The nvi in todays market has one use, 5.1 surround duties.

There is so much better out there for video, but dvd is old school mate.

Sound bars are shite. If you are not going to do it properly, don't bother.

Fwiw, left right and centre is all you need. You have the left right, so get a decent centre, but not a sound bar.
Posted on: 25 September 2011 by Tog

Ebay

 

Tog

Posted on: 26 September 2011 by james n

If Blu-ray is your bag then the n-Vi is obsolete. If like me you can't be arsed with Blu-ray and have a decent collection of DVD's then the n-Vi still does a great job. The DAC in the n-Vi does a pretty decent job. The limiting factor in the n-Vi is the pre-amp and you'll gain more (given the lovely speakers you have) by moving to a 202 preamp, using the n-Vi for DAC and DVD duties and then adding a decent external DAC such as the ones you mention.

 

I agree with Gary - forget the soundbar.

 

James

Posted on: 26 September 2011 by nickpeacock

Thanks, James, that's incredibly helpful.

 

I'm certainly sticking with DVDs for the moment (and will eventually stream anyway).

 

If I'm to buy another box, do you think I should audition a Supernait (which I would then use for pre-amp duties and, possibly DAC) alongside the 202? I appreciate there's a price difference (but Snait is less thasn 202 + DAC), but the DAC in Snait might be better than nvi?

Posted on: 26 September 2011 by james n

Hi Nick - How about the Superuniti - could be right up your street with its array of digital inputs, you can use the 200 as an upgrade and it can also handle UPnP streaming if you went that way in future ?

 

James

Posted on: 26 September 2011 by nickpeacock

Hmmm, this isn't going to be easy. Guess I'll have to audition the whole lot!

 

Thanks again for the suggestion.