Quality control - Audio versus Video
Posted by: MGerald on 21 April 2006
I have a significant investment in Naim gear on the audio side. I decided to take a peek into this side of things and have been shocked by the number of quality control problems on the video side of things.
How long will we have to wait before the quality of the Naim video gear approaches that of the audio we are all used to ? I must say that I would be very hesitant to purchase any Naim video gear based on what I read in this section of the forum. Please advise.
How long will we have to wait before the quality of the Naim video gear approaches that of the audio we are all used to ? I must say that I would be very hesitant to purchase any Naim video gear based on what I read in this section of the forum. Please advise.
In my experience the quality of build and performance of Naim video equipment is not just fantastic, but also belting good value.
The problems you've seen, with the notable exception of the n-Vi power supply hiccup, are operating system issues.
Fortunately for us Naim have decided to make their products software upgradeable, which means that issues which develop can be dealt with.
The testing of video equipment is far more difficult than audio because there are hundreds upon hundreds of variables. As a low-volume, high quality manufacturer Naim appear to have opted to get the hardware spot-on, and continuously monitor and upgrade the operating systems.....
Before anyone claims that to be unacceptable, can you honestly say you've no other products like that in your home???
Seeing as you'll be viewing this post on a Mac or PC of some sort, I doubt it!
Which brings me to the n-Vi.
Naim, from what I know of it, have been let down by a component supllier providing a batch of faulty devices.
In murphy's law style the failiure characteristics of the dodgy part are such that the machines have sailed through soak testing but failed further on down the line.
Just to add to this unfortunate comedy of errors the "to spec" components are currently rare as rockinghorse-poo, and of course it'll be necessary to extend the period of soak-testing to ensure that all is well.
It is the very level of effort that Naim have put into sorting this out, and providing constant support, advice and upgrades to their customers, that re-affirms my inclination to own an n-Vi once they're sorted.
I was lucky enough to borrow one to put on the back of my AV system and running the front pair through my 112x/150x....the audio was stunning, but nothing prepared me for how good the picture looked... INTERLACED!!! on my 11 year old CRT!!!!
As some might say, it isn't the misakes one makes upon which one should be judged, more on the actions involved in attempting to rectify them.
The problems you've seen, with the notable exception of the n-Vi power supply hiccup, are operating system issues.
Fortunately for us Naim have decided to make their products software upgradeable, which means that issues which develop can be dealt with.
The testing of video equipment is far more difficult than audio because there are hundreds upon hundreds of variables. As a low-volume, high quality manufacturer Naim appear to have opted to get the hardware spot-on, and continuously monitor and upgrade the operating systems.....
Before anyone claims that to be unacceptable, can you honestly say you've no other products like that in your home???
Seeing as you'll be viewing this post on a Mac or PC of some sort, I doubt it!
Which brings me to the n-Vi.
Naim, from what I know of it, have been let down by a component supllier providing a batch of faulty devices.
In murphy's law style the failiure characteristics of the dodgy part are such that the machines have sailed through soak testing but failed further on down the line.
Just to add to this unfortunate comedy of errors the "to spec" components are currently rare as rockinghorse-poo, and of course it'll be necessary to extend the period of soak-testing to ensure that all is well.
It is the very level of effort that Naim have put into sorting this out, and providing constant support, advice and upgrades to their customers, that re-affirms my inclination to own an n-Vi once they're sorted.
I was lucky enough to borrow one to put on the back of my AV system and running the front pair through my 112x/150x....the audio was stunning, but nothing prepared me for how good the picture looked... INTERLACED!!! on my 11 year old CRT!!!!
As some might say, it isn't the misakes one makes upon which one should be judged, more on the actions involved in attempting to rectify them.
Sorry that answer in my opinion is unacceptable at this price level of equipment.
If this were a larger company we would say that the hardware issues should have been caught in extended burn-ins and the operating system issues caught in beta development of that software.
Sorry but for the dollars we are charged for Naim gear I expect more than this, and I have always received more than this from my Naim products purchased.
If this were a larger company we would say that the hardware issues should have been caught in extended burn-ins and the operating system issues caught in beta development of that software.
Sorry but for the dollars we are charged for Naim gear I expect more than this, and I have always received more than this from my Naim products purchased.
quote:Sorry that answer in my opinion is unacceptable at this price level of equipment.
Answer??????
Not an answer at all.... it's my opinion.
You may not share it, MGerald, but is certainly is acceptable for me to hold my view and express it.
I don't work for Naim, and I don't have to defend them. I'm a very very fussy customer, but I recognise service when I see it.
Next time you post looking for advice and opinions, have the decency not to damn those who've taken an hour out of their day to satisfy your curiosity with the benefit of their experience!!!
Think I agree Roy.
Can't be ar$ed...
Better ways to spend my time off than pandering to closed-minded folk who are looking for opinions to shoot down... I have a great hifi system to go and listen to!
Can't be ar$ed...
Better ways to spend my time off than pandering to closed-minded folk who are looking for opinions to shoot down... I have a great hifi system to go and listen to!
quote:Originally posted by Mike1380:quote:Sorry that answer in my opinion is unacceptable at this price level of equipment.
Answer??????
Not an answer at all.... it's my opinion.
You may not share it, MGerald, but is certainly is acceptable for me to hold my view and express it.
I don't work for Naim, and I don't have to defend them. I'm a very very fussy customer, but I recognise service when I see it.
Next time you post looking for advice and opinions, have the decency not to damn those who've taken an hour out of their day to satisfy your curiosity with the benefit of their experience!!!
As I specifically said "in my opinion" it is justified as is yours, and is only an opinion. Too bad newer members often take things personally and out of context and use our forum to throw personal stabs as you just have. No one is challenging your rights to say whatever you want. We are all only full of opinions in this highly subjective non-science. Chill out... this is JUST hi-fi, and we are all here to enjoy.