Naim AV2 with a 32.5 pre

Posted by: IWC Doppel on 01 March 2010

I have been looking at wiring and wondered if I could run a Naim AV2 with a 32.5 pre based system ?

My system is a Denon 3800 using analogue out into an Arcam AV8 and 5x Naim 135's and a single 250. I sues 4 x 135's to drive Sonus Faber Extremas, 1 x 135 to drive a Cremona center then the 250 to drive a pair of Elector amators. I have a Gravis sub with a dedicated sub equalisation unit.

I am thinking that a 32.5/hicap with an AV2 might be an upgrade. I have a 32.5/hicap which is better than the AV8 for stereo, any advice if this is possible ?

I use the AV8 in analogue in (6 channels) and bypass as I use the 3800 to set speaker levels, distances and process the HDn audio. I was thinking of doing the same with an AV8 in combination with an AV2
Posted on: 02 March 2010 by Dungassin
The simple answer is yes. The wiring is exactly the same as with any other Naim preamp (see the AV2 manual on the Naim website). It's just that there isn't a specific "AV" or "unity gain" input, so just pick one of the other line inputs instead. Then when you set up the levels, set the 32.5 volume control to an easily remembered figure (e.g. 12 o'clock), and remember to set the 32.5 to that level whenever you wish to use it in conjunction with the AV2.

8-)
Posted on: 02 March 2010 by Dungassin
Also, remember that you will need the appropriate "reversed DIN" lead for the "av" input.
Posted on: 02 March 2010 by IWC Doppel
Thanks, I wish I could find a copy of the HiFi news review of the AV2, Arcam AV8 and I think TAG player. I am unsure just how good the AV2 is
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by Richard Dane
quote:
Originally posted by Dr John William Martin:
Also, remember that you will need the appropriate "reversed DIN" lead for the "av" input.


This came as standard with the AV2, so make sure any unit you buy comes with it.

The AV2, in the interests of best sound quality, lacks the video switching functions of the TAG and Arcam. However, it is far and away the most "musical" AV processor out there in my opinion (and, as you're asking, in the opinion of HFNRR and other reviews...).
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by IWC Doppel
Richard many thanks, my intention would be to run this with a Denon3800 BR player in analogue out. As I currently do with my AV8, so it will be primarily the pass through non processing qualities that I will be seeking.
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by IWC Doppel
Looking at the connections I think I will need 4 RCA to 5 pin din for FL, FR LR, LR, and one 2 RCA to 5 pin din for Sub and Center. Would a converter be okay to use my existing connections or would a special cable be the best in the longer term ?
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by IWC Doppel
Oh, final question what do you think a used/exdem AV2 is worth today ?
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by Dungassin
I dare say Flashback will advise you on the appropriate cable.
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by SC
quote:
Originally posted by IWC Doppel:
Oh, final question what do you think a used/exdem AV2 is worth today ?


Shouldn't be any more than £1k.....

quote:
Originally posted by Richard Dane:
The AV2, in the interests of best sound quality, lacks the video switching functions of the TAG and Arcam.


It was supposed to have the Naim VS1 video switching unit though, wasn't it...! Winker


Steve.
Posted on: 04 March 2010 by graham55
So, it's possible, but will Naim be persuaded to make an AV2 to match your CB electronics?
Posted on: 07 March 2010 by IWC Doppel
I don't mind if it doesn't match Cool

It is in a light controlled cinema room. I wonder how good this will be using it effectively as a 6 channel preamplifier ?

I can find no reviews that offer comparison to other AV units in pass through.

If the 32.5 is effectively set at unity gain will the AV2 act as a line stage for the FL and FR or just a volume wheel ?

I am a little confused as to what will actually be happening with the AV2 and 32.5 in situ
Posted on: 08 March 2010 by Richard Dane
Naim or Chord can supply the cabling you'll need.

When you use the AV2 in pass-through it is effectively a 7.1 channel analog pre-amp. Of course if you have it running through the NAC32.5 for the main front channels then you'll also be running through the NAC32.5's volume control. It works but for outright SQ it's not ideal. The problem being that the NAC32.5 does not have the option of unity gain (i.e. pass-through avoiding the volume control). However, this will at least allow you to keep the NAC32.5/Hicap as your 2 channel preamp. Is there a reason you really want to keep the NAC32.5 in the system? Could you consider changing the preamp to a NAC202 or 282? Or even a NAC82 with a Unity Gain update?
Posted on: 08 March 2010 by IWC Doppel
I will be looking at Pre's but it's cost. This room is primarily for film. The trouble is I like listening to CD in the room and keep getting drawn into building two systems !......

Do you think I could modify one of the selectors to provide unity gain on the 32.5 ?
Posted on: 09 March 2010 by Richard Dane
No, modification of the NAC32.5 would not be recommended. Have you tried the AV2 on it's own as a preamp? Keep an open mind here...
Posted on: 15 March 2010 by IWC Doppel
Anyone know the updates for the AV2 like case work and any internal upgrades ?
Posted on: 17 March 2010 by Stuart M
Should be no probs using the NAC32.5 I used a NAC62 and a 102 both without unity gain.

The AV2 will control the volume so it's important to be able to set the volume control to a known value. A tiny dot (white) on the case and volume can make this easy. For me volume at 12 O'Clock worked. You can then spend aged going through channel setup, (worthwile investing in a SPL meter) and know it won't be fouled up as your the NAC32.5 volume control is in a different place. (Also ensure your knobs are on tight, the old large knobs have a habit of sliping)

But if your only using the system for AV then I'd recomend Richards advice and try the AV2 as a pre for all channels, it will make life much simpler amd probably more consistant.

However as