Nait XS and N-Vi

Unless you have a seperate CD player and need the preamp functionality then adding a power amp to the n-Vi would IMHO be better than adding the XS. The n-Vi works well with a 200 and you can then switch off its front amps - use the 200 for sfron and just use centre and rear from the n-Vi internal amps. What speakers and Sub are you using.

James

Thanks James. I'm using N-Sats, N-Centre and an N-Sub with a small pair of wall mounted monitor audios for the rears (lovely). The reason I was looking at the Nait Xs is that a couple of people mentioned the pre-amp in the N-Vi was the weaker part of the chain rather than the power side - but I see the Naim website recommends a power amp as an upgrade.

Even using the XS, the n-Vi would still be used in a 'preamp' mode as the XS would be in AV straight mode so volume would still be controlled by the n-Vi so really you'd just be using the XS as a Power amp.

If you were to use extenal sources with the n-Vi then i'd agree that going to the XS would be a better route and then just use the n-Vi for DVD / DAB.

James

PS - you may want to look at running the n-Sub high level of the speakers - i found this to be better for music than running the n-Sub from the n-Vi .1 output.

James

Thanks, James. That's very useful. Can you just clarify what you mean about running the n-sub high level of the speakers...

No probs - been through all this with my n-Vi. You've probably got a single RCA subwoofer cable running from the sub out of the n-Vi and use the n-Vi for bass management. This is great for movies but for music you could use the speaker level inputs on the n-Sub - just connected cables from the n-Sub to the speakers and piggy back the connectors (you dont need to use anything fancy - 5A mains cable is fine see here)

You can then set up the presets on the sub for for movies (using the RCA connection) and music (using the 'speaker level' connection) to suit.

James

Yes - that's exactly what I do. I'll investigate the other method. Interesting. Many thanks.

Having a spare hour or so today and some speaker cable I didn't need I went to the dealers and got them to wire it up so I could plug the sub into the N-sats. Makes quite a difference as you suggested. I'll need to listen to it for a while to re-adjust the sub settings. Does this effectively mean that the sub is now being driven by the N-Vi amp (I switched the relevant pre-set to AMP rather than AV) rather than the internal sub amp? And one last question (promise) - what kind of gain and frequency setting do you use? I know this is entirely dependent on room, acoustics and taste, but interesting to get a benchmark.

The internal amp of the sub is driving it - its a high impeadance load to the n-Vi amp so doesn't load it. Settings - i use 46 / 60 / amp / no phase invert. Enjoy

Cheers

James

Thanks for the advice.

Yes - this does make a significant difference. Terrific.

I think the XS would be a good addition as it can be used as the preamp for cd replay leaving the nvi for just AV duties. The pre amp section on an nVi will not be any where near as good as the XSes.

Thanks Garyi - James suggests above that as the XS would be used in straight AV mode the XS would be used simply as a power amp. Is there on the XS, therefore, some way of connecting or switching it so the pre-amp can be utilised for CD use?

Yea I am not thinking straight.

I was thinking of a Supernait. in that you have a digital and analogue output on the back of an NVI, the digital could be hooked up to one input on the Supernait to allow simple passthrough of the signal from the NVI cd player for stereo replay and the analogue output could go for the unity.

I don't believe the XS has any digital inputs so no go on that one.

Sorry for the confusion.

Would, therefore, the Supernait be a better upgrade option than a NAP 200 for CD replay? Would seem to offer the solution of providing both a better pre- and power amp than the N-Vi for CDs and a better power amp for DVD replay? Cheers.

C P - What are you looking to do ?

If you want better CD replay and a few extras how about the Uniti ? - you can still use the n-Vi for DVD and powering centre and rear channels and use the Uniti in AV mode for the front channels. You then have a good CD player, a nice 2 channel amp and the streaming option too.

I'd say a trip to the dealer is next. Compare the n-Vi with a 200 compared to a Uniti or CD5 and Nair XS and see what you think. The n-Vi is an excellent all in one solution but i think it does movies better than music.

Cheers

James

Yes - trip to the dealer in order. What I want essentially is to improve CD performance of N-Vi. I have no issues with the movie side but slightly disappointed with the other side of things. I used to have a trusty old Audiolab 8000A and a Tag power amp coupled with B + W CDM 7SEs and although the N-Vi is undoubtedly faster, more precise, detailed and open I do miss the grunt and kick of the old system. There's a bass note at the start of 'Ghosts' by the Jam which on the old system sounded like it was being played in the room - on the new it sounds like it's being played next door. Against that, it sounds unbeatable on vocals. I know this is a minor point but always looking to improve (a poweline helped condsiderably).

An external amp would help - i added a 250 onto my n-Vi and that certainly gave more drive and power in the Bass. I'll be interested in how you get on and the route you go.

rgds

James

Yes we too are delighted with the n-Vi and NAP250 combination - CDs as well as DVDs.
Ray