Would adding a NAP155XS to an nVi be a worthwhile upgrade?

Posted by: Consciousmess on 19 June 2010

Hi all,

Many of you may recall me being someone whose desire to upgrade was always in great leaps, but I have more moderate focus now as I am enjoying a wide range of audio inputs.

I know the nVi has been stopped by Naim, but I also know that it can be upgraded via adding a power amp. When the nVi was on the Naim site, Naim recommended the NAP200, but I was thinking of getting a NAP155XS and purchasing a 3D TV.

Would the NAP155XS do much for the nVi. Would the sound difference be noticeable or is a NAP200 the minimum??

I am using modest speakers (the nSATS et al.).

Many thanks,

Jon
Posted on: 19 June 2010 by Dungassin
I suspect that the 155XS won't be enormous improvement on the nVi's built in amp, but will not be insulted if others disagree. I would strongly recommend you go and listen for yourself.

Nothing wrong with the nSats. They have shown the benefits of every upgrade I have thrown at them so far.

Winker
Posted on: 20 June 2010 by james n
Hi Jon - As Dungassin says best to try at home. One of my favourite combos when just using the n-vi was using my ancient CB 140 to drive the front channels. IMHO for normal 2 channel listening the n-Vi + an external amp (up to 200 level) makes a sensible combo with options for the future (pre amp etc)

James
Posted on: 21 June 2010 by Occean
Get a 200 and really wouldn't suggest a 3d TV Winker
Posted on: 22 June 2010 by Neill Ferguson
I would forget the 3d Tv for a couple of years. I had a look today and wasn't overly impressed. I would use the money to buy the nap 250 which is a far more sound investment and will last several upgrades as others have said get along to a dealer and try for yourself.
Posted on: 24 June 2010 by winkyincanada
quote:
Originally posted by Neill Ferguson:
I would forget the 3d Tv for a couple of years. I had a look today and wasn't overly impressed. I would use the money to buy the nap 250 which is a far more sound investment and will last several upgrades as others have said get along to a dealer and try for yourself.


Agree regarding 3D TV. There is next-to-no content, and the demo I saw was appalling.
Posted on: 30 July 2010 by naim junkie
i had one a while ago and used a 250, was a great improvment, shame to see naim stop the nVi, thought it was a great bit of kit, only sold mine to upgrade to the av2/dvd5 and its not that much of an upgrade, certainly in regards to the picture. Wouldnt mind finding a second hand unit for the bed room one day
Posted on: 31 July 2010 by Phil Harris
quote:
Originally posted by winkyincanada:
Agree regarding 3D TV. There is next-to-no content, and the demo I saw was appalling.


I like the idea of 3D for use with projectors and "big screen" stuff but have to say that for TV's I really do find it a bit pointless ... I hate having to wear the damn glasses and am very conscious of the very synthetic nature of watching a 3D movie on a device which doesn't take up very much of your field of view (i.e. a TV in a typical room) as opposed to a projected image which is in a darkened room where the screen itself is much larger in proportion (and so takes up more of your field of view) and you don't have a fully lit living room in full view to detract from the experience...

...as for the n-Vi, I do think a 155 would yield an improvement over the built in amps but I did run mine on a 250 which was superb (but might be regarded as overkill) and that saw me through my next couple of "upgrades" onto a 252 / AV2 before itself being superceeded by a 300 (and then more 300's and a SNAXO)...

Phil