Adding Naim Dac to AV2 system

Posted by: Tsvikab on 07 October 2010

Hi,
My system setup include Naim AV2, Nac 112, Nap 150, Nap 175 and is currently used for both multichannel and an audio system. I am using the AV2 as DAC for digital sources. I am considering of adding a Naim Dac for the audio part since I read very good reviews. My question is how to add the Naim Dac in a way that it will decode 2 channel music through the digital connection from one hand and will recognise a 5.1 channel decoding to be passed through to the AV2 for decoding?

Thx

Posted on: 07 October 2010 by Mark Gilbert

You didn't mention what you use to play the digital source material. I would look for two digital connections - one that you connect to an nDAC and one that connects to the AV2. The choice of connecting "wire" may depend upon what's available out of your source.
For example: if my source is a blu-ray player that has a TOSLINK optical digital output and a SPDIF digital output, and I'm assuming each can carry the full number of channels (5.1 or 7.1 or 2.0, etc.), then I could connect the SPDIF wire to the nDAC and run the TOSLINK connection to the AV2. When I play a 2 channel CD or a multi-channel movie through the AV2 then the AV2 would use its' DAC through the optical connection. (I'm assuming you connect the nDAC to the 112.) If my source had 2 SPDIF digital outputs I could run wire interconnects to both the AV2 and nDAC.
[In your case I could also see the possibility of doing without the 112 and routing the signal from the nDAC through an analog input on the AV2 but that is a separate subject and only if you desire it.]
If my disc player has only HDMI output then I have a very different requirement for achieving connections. If my source is a computer or server network then I have to determine what connections I have available from that source.
Mark

Posted on: 07 October 2010 by Tsvikab

Hi,
Thanks a lot for the quick answer. I will probably take the advice and connect the two digital connection to AV2 and the nDAC

Regards

Posted on: 07 October 2010 by Occean

My PC is linked to both my av2 and snait, works really well.

Also consider that the AV2 has a digital out, may prove useful.

Also I'd get the ndac on home demo, while
Better than the AV2 you may be suprrised how good the AV2 really is....

Posted on: 08 October 2010 by Tsvikab

Hi,
Just on the same topic, what will result in a better sound:
1. using the Naim AV2 as a processor/DAC as well as pre amplifier
2. Using the Naim AV2 as a processor/DAC only and use my Nac 112 preamplifier?

Thanks

Posted on: 08 October 2010 by Occean

Before I moved to a supernait, i was using a av2/112/150/175. Personally I found virtually no difference between preamps, so when I sold my cd5 to switch to a Sonos the 112 went with it, no loss IMHO.

But swapping out my 150 to a supernait was a massive upgrade, as you'd expect as it wa a dac, pre and power upgrade all in one.

I have demoed an ndac against the supernait (see previos post somewhere) and yes it was better, but not enough to throw £2k at it (which I was itching to spend) but it would have made perfect sense if I decide to go 282/250...which I am still deciding...