What's the problem with DVD5?
Posted by: Massimo Bertola on 10 June 2009
I've posted jokingly on this in the HiFi forum, but I'm beginning to be a bit distressed with my DVD5.
It works ok - once it's started to do it ok. Lately, even with >autoplay< off, I insert the disc and when it starts reading it it skips a few notes as if the connection with the AV2 was slow.
Yesterday I was playing a CD, pushed >stop< and it didn't stop, no way, I had to force it in standby and back to life again.
When I play a DVD-A, sometimes it doesn't send picture to the projector again immediately, and I have to start the DVD-video so that it connects to the projector again.
It has wonderful video quality and very good sound, but alas, it definitely is hydiosincratic (I hope I spelled it right, but if not, Adam, just let it go please this time).
I am tryint to love this unit as much as I can, but I must admit, sometimes I not only regret my CDX2 but also my CD5.
It was serviced by Naim, it's got latest software, once it's running it's perfect, why on earth does it have so many hydiosincracies?
Patient Max
It works ok - once it's started to do it ok. Lately, even with >autoplay< off, I insert the disc and when it starts reading it it skips a few notes as if the connection with the AV2 was slow.
Yesterday I was playing a CD, pushed >stop< and it didn't stop, no way, I had to force it in standby and back to life again.
When I play a DVD-A, sometimes it doesn't send picture to the projector again immediately, and I have to start the DVD-video so that it connects to the projector again.
It has wonderful video quality and very good sound, but alas, it definitely is hydiosincratic (I hope I spelled it right, but if not, Adam, just let it go please this time).
I am tryint to love this unit as much as I can, but I must admit, sometimes I not only regret my CDX2 but also my CD5.
It was serviced by Naim, it's got latest software, once it's running it's perfect, why on earth does it have so many hydiosincracies?
Patient Max
Hi SC,
I haven't really given up.. It's sort of a survey for possible interest.
Thanks for your words - but I really hope I'm not beginning to look pathetic
!
You see, I've really invested in the DVD5 - not only psychologically, but financially: I bought the multichannel board and the DC1 coax, I had alternate cables done for the Unity Gain connection - I really wanted it to be my only player for all purposes.
I must admit that it can be a little unnerving sometimes. I am beginning to think that a CD5x and a very plain DVD player might be a solution. But I am well ready to keep it.
As for Naim - they serviced it some months ago, and - without getting into details - I both believe that they did their best and that they acknowledged a bit the DVD5's general status and my own relationship with it.
It can't be helped, I think - it's a very special machine. Take it or leave it.
Ciao,
Patient Max
I haven't really given up.. It's sort of a survey for possible interest.
Thanks for your words - but I really hope I'm not beginning to look pathetic
!You see, I've really invested in the DVD5 - not only psychologically, but financially: I bought the multichannel board and the DC1 coax, I had alternate cables done for the Unity Gain connection - I really wanted it to be my only player for all purposes.
I must admit that it can be a little unnerving sometimes. I am beginning to think that a CD5x and a very plain DVD player might be a solution. But I am well ready to keep it.
As for Naim - they serviced it some months ago, and - without getting into details - I both believe that they did their best and that they acknowledged a bit the DVD5's general status and my own relationship with it.
It can't be helped, I think - it's a very special machine. Take it or leave it.
Ciao,
Patient Max
SC
since you mentioned the AV2 I have been listening to music choosing the COA1 input of it (via DC1 coax, instead of the Analogue Multi: all channels from the converting DVD5 via din cables) and I definitely confirm that IMHO music is more right, dynamic, true if digital datas are handled by the AV2 - even for plain stereo replay.
I understand that this point is presently of no special interest for the many (blueray DVD player from Naim??? AV3??? Is maxbertola again giving us the torment with his DVD5???), but yes, the AV2 is a wonderful processor that not only makes movies a very serious and nice experience, but music, too.
I know that at Naim they don't agree - the proper connection for music replay on the DVD5 is analogue - but a DC1 coax and an AV2 (plus some patience from theparent owner) make the three a GREAT music system.
The XS may have a part in it. The PSU socket is still empty, but not for long.
M.
since you mentioned the AV2 I have been listening to music choosing the COA1 input of it (via DC1 coax, instead of the Analogue Multi: all channels from the converting DVD5 via din cables) and I definitely confirm that IMHO music is more right, dynamic, true if digital datas are handled by the AV2 - even for plain stereo replay.
I understand that this point is presently of no special interest for the many (blueray DVD player from Naim??? AV3??? Is maxbertola again giving us the torment with his DVD5???), but yes, the AV2 is a wonderful processor that not only makes movies a very serious and nice experience, but music, too.
I know that at Naim they don't agree - the proper connection for music replay on the DVD5 is analogue - but a DC1 coax and an AV2 (plus some patience from the
The XS may have a part in it. The PSU socket is still empty, but not for long.
M.
I would say it really depends on your current system and/or what you are interested in for the future Don...
Yes, there are plenty of them out there now - although not as many as the DVD5s that are appearing everywhere ! I guess everyone is trying to jump while they still possibly can. Despite my constant queries and direct questions regarding the subject and many aspects related to it, here and to dealers, I still have no clue as to whether Naim AV still even exists....
If you don't think you'll go further than DVD source for a while to come then I would say the AV2 is still a great purchase and there's little out there to touch it on performance with plain Dolby and DTS....What I love about the AV2 and where Naim got it dead right, was that it was audio only - video source doesn't even go anywhere near it. If you obviously appreciate all the Naim attributes, have a Naim stereo system, have a DVD only video set-up then I think it makes much much sense.
I certainly wouldn't buy new at it's current £2.6k (a mistake on Naim's behalf in my opinion), it has just become too outdated at that price point...I suspect they are being made to order for the odd purchase still coming in, but it surprises me it is still on the price list to be honest - unlike the DVD5 which has quietly disappeared...I even had a dealer actively talk me out of it ! I believe the AV2 still holds it's head above water in many scenarios and if Naim were to give it a price slash it would still be a very viable new purchase from the line up...I guess this will never happen however.
The problem comes with Bluray and the HD audio codecs it paves the way to. Obviously, the AV2 cannot decode these itself (even if it theoretically gained a software/firmware update, there would be no way to input the signal as the higher bandwidth required means use of HDMI as the connection type - something the HDMI does not have of course). The only option open, is the multi-channel analogue inputs the AV2 has. This would work fine from say a Bluray player that can decode onboard and has a good quality analogue out stage. However, in my mind, 2 problems arise with this:
1. The BDP suddenly becomes a highly important part of the audio chain. Decoding and analogue supply duties would greatly influence the final sound (think source first) and there are perhaps only a trickle of players currently available that could arguably be justified in the context of a Naim amplified system. I'm not sure really, what the AV2 would really be bringing to the table in such a situation - it's something I have yet to test. It's a set-up that would work fine if one already has a AV2 and a DVD system and one wants to add BD whilst ringing the last out of the AV2, but whether it is a justifiable and worthwhile approach for a BD and HD centric system I have my doubts....
2. The AV2 only has one set of analogue inputs. So, if these are already in use for something else (for instance, for me it was going to be the DVD5 for DVD-A duties) then you are buggered - unless you are happy swapping cables every time you want to chance source and watch a film....
So, as I say Don, it really depends how you are going to use it. They really are very good pre/processors and they are increasingly becoming available at silly prices. On the one hand, they are very tempting and I keep getting close myself. However, on the other, they are relatively limiting for future need. Also, although they are becoming cheaper (used) in their own context, for the same £1-1.5k you can buy an awful lot of Pioneer/Denon/Marantz/Yamaha/Sony box, with all the whistles and wizz bang built in as standard. It may not be Naim, but it's hard to ignore. Link the front pre-outs to your existing Naim system and you really have to squint to justify the AV2....But I put my own hand up, it's hard to walk away from the attraction of all Naim...
The cat amongst the pigeons for me will be the Arcam AV888 later this year. The 600 receiver, which it is based on, has been very well reviewed and seems to be making all the right noises, so it's hoped their pure processor will take this a stage further....I have a feeling this is the product that will take on where the AV2 left off....
Hope this ramble helps a little Don !
Steve
Yes, there are plenty of them out there now - although not as many as the DVD5s that are appearing everywhere ! I guess everyone is trying to jump while they still possibly can
. Despite my constant queries and direct questions regarding the subject and many aspects related to it, here and to dealers, I still have no clue as to whether Naim AV still even exists....If you don't think you'll go further than DVD source for a while to come then I would say the AV2 is still a great purchase and there's little out there to touch it on performance with plain Dolby and DTS....What I love about the AV2 and where Naim got it dead right, was that it was audio only - video source doesn't even go anywhere near it. If you obviously appreciate all the Naim attributes, have a Naim stereo system, have a DVD only video set-up then I think it makes much much sense.
I certainly wouldn't buy new at it's current £2.6k (a mistake on Naim's behalf in my opinion), it has just become too outdated at that price point...I suspect they are being made to order for the odd purchase still coming in, but it surprises me it is still on the price list to be honest - unlike the DVD5 which has quietly disappeared...I even had a dealer actively talk me out of it ! I believe the AV2 still holds it's head above water in many scenarios and if Naim were to give it a price slash it would still be a very viable new purchase from the line up...I guess this will never happen however.
The problem comes with Bluray and the HD audio codecs it paves the way to. Obviously, the AV2 cannot decode these itself (even if it theoretically gained a software/firmware update, there would be no way to input the signal as the higher bandwidth required means use of HDMI as the connection type - something the HDMI does not have of course). The only option open, is the multi-channel analogue inputs the AV2 has. This would work fine from say a Bluray player that can decode onboard and has a good quality analogue out stage. However, in my mind, 2 problems arise with this:
1. The BDP suddenly becomes a highly important part of the audio chain. Decoding and analogue supply duties would greatly influence the final sound (think source first) and there are perhaps only a trickle of players currently available that could arguably be justified in the context of a Naim amplified system. I'm not sure really, what the AV2 would really be bringing to the table in such a situation - it's something I have yet to test. It's a set-up that would work fine if one already has a AV2 and a DVD system and one wants to add BD whilst ringing the last out of the AV2, but whether it is a justifiable and worthwhile approach for a BD and HD centric system I have my doubts....
2. The AV2 only has one set of analogue inputs. So, if these are already in use for something else (for instance, for me it was going to be the DVD5 for DVD-A duties) then you are buggered - unless you are happy swapping cables every time you want to chance source and watch a film....
So, as I say Don, it really depends how you are going to use it. They really are very good pre/processors and they are increasingly becoming available at silly prices. On the one hand, they are very tempting and I keep getting close myself. However, on the other, they are relatively limiting for future need. Also, although they are becoming cheaper (used) in their own context, for the same £1-1.5k you can buy an awful lot of Pioneer/Denon/Marantz/Yamaha/Sony box, with all the whistles and wizz bang built in as standard. It may not be Naim, but it's hard to ignore. Link the front pre-outs to your existing Naim system and you really have to squint to justify the AV2....But I put my own hand up, it's hard to walk away from the attraction of all Naim...
The cat amongst the pigeons for me will be the Arcam AV888 later this year. The 600 receiver, which it is based on, has been very well reviewed and seems to be making all the right noises, so it's hoped their pure processor will take this a stage further....I have a feeling this is the product that will take on where the AV2 left off....
Hope this ramble helps a little Don !
Steve