Calling all AV2 users!

Yup, using an AV2 here.

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Forgot to put in what I'm using.....

AV2/175/282/200, B&W 805's front, B&W 6 something rear and also centre, Vibe Sub).

TT into 282
CDX2 into 282
DVD via coax into AV2
PC via RCA into AV2
PS2 via optical into AV2
Everything else via TV media box then into AV2)
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1. Yes, you can, I was using a Nait2 for just under a year until I got a 282, it covered the front left/right speakers.
2. There shouldn't be a major issue between matching, of course matching the sound levels is done a per speaker basis through the AV2.
3. Yes, the AV2 can do just down to two channel, it has an on-board decoder or you can just use it as a pre-amp and use the direct mode (if input supported for this).
4. My TV has a media control box so all video inputs go into this, I do have a scart switcher as well for my PS2/Gamecube (ran out of inputs!).
5. Speakers should be tonally matched, mine weren't for nearly a year due to having to do a gradual purchase of everything due to the cost! My front pair of speakers were Royd Audio whilst everything else but the sub are B&W. All B&W now though from the different ranges.
6. The quality of the pre-amp in the AV2 I believe is rated as around that of a 112 if used for direct stereo.
7. If you wanted to use a TT with the AV2 you would have to purchase a Stageline or similar then you could plug it in. Naim don't recommend this (for CDP's either), they should go direct into the 2 channel amp, as long as it's a integrated or pre of course! I guess if you went for a Av2/175/150 for instance, you would have to go the Stageline route into the AV2. Would be interesting to hear the result of using the NEO61M mode doing this (stereo mixed up to surround by the AV2).

Too early in the morning to think of anything else but if there's anything else you can think of based on this.....

Steve.

I am using av2 with 175/180/140 and there is no "matching" issue. Using kef 104/2 because that's what I already had, just added 200c centre, kef ds side, kef 104/2 rear (the latter are I think a bit over the top physically - I can't really get far enough away from them. Using MJ Ref 100 sub. It is important to get a tonal match IMHO. Used some old backup speakers from the loft (while collecting the newer gear) but it wasn't really satisifacotry.

Re quality of av2 - iam very pleased but then I haven't heard top of the range preamps. Also temporarily deaf in one ear which has put a different persepctive on things!. (Looking forward to upgrading to two again! - better than 250 and hi-cap!!)

I am using a Harmon Kardon DVD 30, as good as the Denon 2900 but a lot less money - and they break less often according to my dealer. Waiting to see how the DVD5 performs. The HK is connected to a plasma directly to component input. Sky, Freeview and Video are separately connected to the plasma via (2nd) rgb component input (scart to bnc) via a Quintro switch that works very well (automatically) with no visible reduction in picture quality.

The last bit of the jigsaw has been a Philips Pronto RC to control everything.

Hi,

I am using my AV2 with a Nap 300 for the front speakers(Ruark Crusaders Mk2) a Nap 175 For the rear surounds and center rear(Ruark Epilogues and Dialogue Mk 1)and a Nap 180 for the front center (Ruark Dialouge Mk 2).
The sub is a Rel Stadium Mk 3. I tried other subs which were forward firing but you could tell where the base was coming from,with the downward firing type it was not so obvious.

I've had a few dvd players in the past the latest is a Denon 2800Mk2.


Cheers,
Trevor.

You're Questions:

1. can you use older Naim amplifiers with the AV2?
2. if you're using a NAP175 and an older power amp, like a 180, is there a "matching issue"?
3. does any AV2 take any digital in and decode to two channel. ie. can you just use it as a DAC?
4. what do you do about video switching?
5. are speakers really that important in a HT set-up? (obviously assuming that they are all tonally matched for example.)
6. what's the vote on pre quality for tunes? Better or not as good as the 112?
7. anyone using a TT with an AV2? How'd you do that then?

A1 - Yep. I use all chrome, 2x250, 1x140.
A2 - N/A
A3 - Yes. My last CD was a Marantz. I wouldn't say the Naim decoding was better, it was presentationally different - and not worse.
A4 - Use the NAIM video switching box, when it's produced. Mt last Decoder was a parasound, I didn't use it's onboard swirching.
A5 - The thing that really sold me on the AV2 was that it really pulled my system together, despite the fact that my main speakers are Mk1 Kans (at the moment), centre is a KEF and rears are Yamahas.
I am just getting a pair of Art Skibos, and will be using the Kans as rears, can't bear to unload them having had them for 25 years!
A6 - Can't say. Was on a par with my 32.5 for CD - but presentationally different.
A7 - Don't have a line level feed and so not tested by me.

This is a seriously good piece of kit.

Martin.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jay:
Hi team

Interested in anyone who's using an AV2 and what they're using it with (DVD, amps, speakers) and, probably more importantly, why?

I have many, many questions but just to start off...

1. can you use older Naim amplifiers with the AV2?

Yes you can and I have done so, though not not doing so now :-)

2. if you're using a NAP175 and an older power amp, like a 180, is there a "matching issue"?

There is no matching issue - I used an Olive 250 for the fronts and 175 for rears and centre before I bought a new amp.

3. does any AV2 take any digital in and decode to two channel. ie. can you just use it as a DAC?

Yes you can.

4. what do you do about video switching?

My TV has several SCART plugs so I select the one I want to watch :-)
When I'm using my projector, it too has several inputs: My DVD player plugs into component input.
My VCR plugs into the S-Video input and I either use the tuner built into the VCR or slelect AUX on the VCR (which my Digibox is plugged into) to view Satellite channels.

5. are speakers really that important in a HT set-up? (obviously assuming that they are all tonally matched for example.)

If you have it as a second system, totally separate from your hi-fi, I would suggest that you can get away with a lower quality. My main system uses NBL's. My home cinema set-up in a different room uses Royd The Minstrel for fronts, Rega Ara for rears and centre. In movies, there are a lot of special effects etc. so accurate reproduction may not be as important.

6. what's the vote on pre quality for tunes? Better or not as good as the 112?

I haven't done the comparison but concensus seems to be it is comparible to an entry level Naim pre-amp.

7. anyone using a TT with an AV2? How'd you do that then?

You'd have to use a phono stage and plug into one of the regular AV2 inputs

Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......

Thank you everyone for some supurb (and detailed) replies!

There are certainly some fantastic systems out there. It's good to see a huge range of different equipment combinations.

I've basically decided to take the plunge on an AV2 but l'm still undecided as to 5 or 6 channels. What do people think? A nice to have or a necessity for the future?

I'd be interested in how you guys are setting up your amps for 6 channels. Won't one amp need to power a centre front and rear? What do you do if you have a pair for centre rears?

And what is this NEO6 thingy? Any practical use?

If you're interested, this is how I'm thinking of setting it all up. I have most of everything now except for 2 amps and AV2.

So.....sources are Sky box, VCR and Philips 963SA. The fabled AV2. Then either 175/180 or 150/180/140 (that's the 5 vs 6 channel scenario) into 4 Royd Minstrels and the fabbo Royd front centre.

If I go 6 channel I might be able to grab another pair of Minstrels but then run the risk of the lounge looking like some kind of mini recreation of Easter Island

Soooo.....thoughts?

Jay

Yeah...well it seemed like a good idea at the time.

I've gone for all 7 channels, but I live in Japan where more and more DVD releases are being released in 6.1 DTS - I check the same releases in the UK and US and they are all only 5.1, and before anybody says anything, I know the two 'extra rears' are only producing the same thing! NEO6 in my opinion is crap. I much prefer Pro-Logic albeit only with 5 channels to watch DVD's that my Mother records for me from English TV.

I use a 175 for the centre and suurounds and a 150 to drive the extra rears - my AV2 is connected to a 202/200 (+CDX2/XPS2/HC/PSC) to drive the two front channels. I use Miller and Kreisel K4 Tripoles for surrounds and rears, a K17 for the centre and the L/R are currently a pair of Roksan Ojan 3's - soone to be replaced (hopefully in the next 10 days) with a pair of Ultimatum MF5's. This years (planned and hopeful) upgrades will see a 250 in the place of the 200 which will then drive the surrounds as I want to buy the new Ultimatum MFC for a centre speaker and 145 to drive it.

Very interesting to read this thread, there are some very nice AV systems out there.

Nick.

[This message was edited by Nick Riley on WEDNESDAY 11 February 2004 at 11:53.]

Rod,
You said'My 5.1 system is quite similiar to yours.'
I only wish that my system was similiar to yours!! I have a way to go before I can match yours yet.
Have seen a picture of the MFC, Ask Bob at Neat to send you one. I don't plan to do this upgrade until the middle of the year as the MF5's and an XPS2 have left me short of 'hi-fi' funds for a while. Unlikely I'll actually get a chance to hear one as no plans to be back in the UK for a while. Normally, I would never buy without a demo but if it tonally matches the MF5's then I'll probably just have to do it! It's going to an expensive year as it is with the imminent release of the DVD5.

Nick.

Yeah...OK...but how do you run 6 speakers off three, two channel, power amps?

Actually how could you run 7 speakers off three, two channel, powers amps? The last pair being in mono as centre rears.

Jay

Jay,

If I go ahead with the upgrades, I would do the following.

2 Fronts 250
2 Surrounds 200
2 Extra Rears 150
1 Centre 145.

I will therefore have to ditch the 175. Sure I'll find a buyer.

Nick.

I suspect Jay has decided to go completely flat earth home theatre, with a Nait 2 and briks at front, and one-or-two minstrels tricked up as rear speakers with the good old x-phase wiring one used to find described on the back of old Brian Eno albums. Visuals will be catered for by a mahogany-cabineted Philips K9 tv from the 1970's.

There are other Naim-heads with exactly this setup, Minky for one is rumoured to employ one-and-a-half SBL's somewhere to the rear of his listening altar before the NBLs for that 'disembodied heads' goulish rendering of country and western singers in not-so-tru surround.

Don't try this at home though folks, lest you short out a channel! This is really only for hardened stunt-naimsters.

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

I've had to give up my dream of a flat earth home theatre. I mis-interpreted the meaning of picture disk. Appartently I can't use my Rega as a source after all

Jay

No no - you can still use the Rega as source - Home theatre was charades to music, was it not?

Rico - SM/Mullet Audio

He he - flat earth home cinema - I love it...

If you can find Super Beta and RCA Cartrivision you'll be there - and for projection - Super8

Laserdisc's the nearest I get (excluding VHS of course!) - shame my LD won't play analog audio, so my recently acquired (for free) original 1982 PAL version of "Raise the Titanic" (one of the very first ever British laserdiscs) plays in glorious "silenceurround" It sounded like a worn LP on my mate's higher end LD though - nice crackle and pop and static...

__________________________
Make your choice, adventurous Stranger;
Strike the bell and bide the danger
Or wonder, till it drives you mad,
What would have followed if you had.

Using AV2
Bryston 5 channel amp to drive Snell loudspeakers with matching centre, I use Linn rears. I have just added the Linn Unidisk machine to the system.
I have a playstaion contected via optical cable
Sky+ via a optical cable
Dvd via coxial and phono to phono for two channel.
Video switching is via the telly at the mo
Hurry up Naim with Video Switching box.
Oh all cable are from the chord company.

Neill

Well guys, this is m first post on this site.... so here goes!
Started collecting Naim goodies some 18 yrs ago now & when kids came along audio had to take a back seat. Things have now changed a little & I'm near to reclaiming some of my living room for listening / viewing once again....
To be honest, I very, very nearly sold all I had on ebay as it hadnt been powered up for nearly a year for various (decorating) reasons... but was severly told off by a very nice dealer who showed me the error of my ways, and who also managed to show me that Naim now made some (rather tasty) av goodies as well.
So now my old 32.5 / Hi cap / 250 / CDI / Linn-Gedddon has found a new lease of life. I'm now sitting on my hands awaiting a nice new AV2 / 175 and some Proac speakers... but then decided that it would be good to have the old stuff serviced & made to look like the new stuff.. but thats going to be a while by the look of the caps thread...
Then, whilst sitting on the hands syndrome took over, I noticed that I could rip up the floor whilst waiting for a new one & install 10mm feeds to all that lot plus a bit more for when the new stuff turns up. ( 13 runs of that stuff, plus a 4m run of 25mm (!)tails is no joke!) oh, and the consumer unit.. maybe I shouldnt have read that one, because my nicely decorated room that was finished three weeks ago now resembles a bomb site. My excuse... I had to keep busy while waiting for the new stuff, and while the old stuff is away...
Very glad to have found this site, and the information on it is brilliant, well done guys.
I just have to be patient to see how it's all going to sound, but what am I to do for the next eight weeks??

Steve

What DVD player and screen are you using at present???. It's good to hear the gear still works well after all these years.
Oh what Pro ac speakers have you ordered??

Neill

Hi Neil,
Currently using an old Toshiba 210e and an old sony tv. They have worked remarkably well for what I paid for them!... but both of those are being replaced shorlty... tv with a Panasonic plasma and hopefully a new dvd in black livery from Sailsbury... depending on my thoughts on Sunday at the show! Will I be at the end of a long ( but well ordered) line I wonder?
Proac's will be there Hexa surround & centre, Tablette signature 8's for fronts and their sub... it sounded awsome in the dem, and I'll be able to use my existing 250 to drive the front surrounds in stereo so enabling some serious vinyl listening again... cant wait to hear it on song here, cant sit on hands much longer!

Steve

Let me know what you think of the new machine if you see it. I saw it at the Scottish show when I set up the AV2 for the guys from Naim, am friends with one of the shop owners up here and he asked me to help out so I did. The mock version locked all well and good until I pointed out there was no button to open the draw.
The fact it does not do SACD or DVDA I think is a bit of a let down. I just wonder what other brands machine it is made from.
Most DVD players seem to be hot rod versions of pioneer's 757. Thats why I bought the LINN,it seems more devolped from there company although it wouldn't suprise me if it was just another hot rod. The Fact that recent postings suggest a Hi-cap etc won't make that much difference makes me wonder if Naim have went down the hot rod route.
you sound like you have got a great system coming together, I heard the Hexa range before and couldn't help but be impressed by them.
Steve e-mail me or post and let me know what the DVD5 is like

Neill