My opportunity to get into AV..?
Posted by: Scirocco on 03 December 2008
I have a good mainly olive system (CDS3, 52, SBLs, 250 active). I have not really had same "ambition" level for AV and at the moment just hook up tv and dvd through the 52. However the credit crunch is popping up some good second hand deals so I am considering AV as stand alone (3-channel) or linking into hi-fi set-up (5-channel). I have tv via broadband as main source and a Denon DVD-3930 which is quite ok for the less use it gets. I was considering the options:
1. Nv-i: but I already have an ok DVD.
2. AV2 & NAP175: is this too high end for TV tuner signal (source first)? can it run as 3-channel (e.g. 1 set n-sats +n-cent) or 5-channel (link into 52), which would give future flexibility.
3. go for a much lower cost receiver solution -any recommendations?
I am thinking option 2 or 3 and trying to weigh up bang for the buck which is difficult when buying 2nd hand.
I appreciate any experiences / wise words !
Martin
Posted on: 03 December 2008 by garyi
Well. The first thing is I don't think 52s have unity gain, so you will need to adjust the volume knob on the 52 to a specific level before using the AV, Not the end of the world, but perhaps a tad annoying.
As for TV broadcast is in faux surround, so really even a basic receiver will bang pretend noise to the back for you.
If you are into film however 5.1 is just wonderful, don't let anyone tell you different. If you are not into DVD but think yu might be one day then perhaps start low. A Yamaha E800 can be had for 50 quid and does DTS and full dolby.
If you are into film, then any of naim offerings are good IMO, and if money permits you may as well stump up for an AV2 and 175, remembering of course that you could then play with distributed audio as well.
Posted on: 04 December 2008 by Scirocco
Thanks ! Is it correct that it is really only worthwhile to go for a high end set-up if using DVD since TV broadcast is not a good quality source ? and if TV broadcast is the main source then a budget receiver would do the job ?
Posted on: 04 December 2008 by jon h
If I remember right, it is possible to have the factory mod the 52 so it has a unity gain connector. Depends on the age of the 52?
Yes: from the FAQ:
*** We cannot economically carry out the "Unity Gain" modification on early (pre S/N 79143 ) 52s.
Posted on: 04 December 2008 by pjl
Scirocco,
I wouldn't advise going the n-Vi or AV2 route unless you are deadly serious about having a high-end AV set-up and have the spare cash. I have downsized from DVD5/AV2 to using a Sony AV receiver with a Pioneer DVD player. It's not as good, but perfectly adequate to thoroughly enjoy movies, where, for me at least, absolute sound quality is far less critical. You can configure the channels how you want with the AV2 and Sony. If you chose the AV2 I would think it will be fine with your TV and DVD player. When you've got a Naim set-up it's nice to keep it all Naim with the AV as well, but as I said, this comes at a steep price and unless you are really serious about DVD's then IMO it's probably not money well spent.
Regards,
Peter
