Question for the AV2 users

Posted by: SmauG on 14 July 2014

In my search of a soundwise compatible dac i might be tempted to purchase a preloved AV2.

Word online is that it's quite a good dac on it own and i might just try this out.

 

I have a quick question though about my options.

Section 17 (Manual ref. M page 18) says the following:

 

The AV2 is also fitted with both analogue and digital audio

outputs. These outputs duplicate the selected input signal in

either the analogue or digital domain. No signal will be present

on the analogue output if a digital input is selected and similarly

no signal will be present on the digital output if an analogue

input is selected. The analogue outputs can be used to restore

the amplifier tape monitor outputs if these have been used as a

signal source for the AV2.

 

I'd like to add the AV2 to my existing kit and use it as a pure 2.0 DAC with fixed ouput into the Nait and use this as pre-amp/volume control. (ease of use, one remote, not much digital inputs)

The DAC will initialy be fed with 2.0 PCM bitstream from TV and SettopBox, maybe lateron a Blurayplayer will be added. (Directly of trough TV)

 

Can this be done by utilizing the analog REC-OUT, or can the volume output be fixed in any way?

Posted on: 14 July 2014 by DavidDever

A used DAC might very well be cheaper and would also be much less expensive to service in the long term (no OEM decoder board).

Posted on: 20 September 2014 by Massimo Bertola

SmauG

 

I posted just the same question half an hour ago, not having seen your post...

I was considering the very same option. As DavidD replied, I fear that such a complex machine could fail sooner or later, and although it was a very good bargain (in comparison to its original cost), I am sure that any service on it would be dearer than what I paid for it.

 

It is a very good DAC - or, at least, I like it very much because of its natural but 'meaty' presentation - but it's true that it cannot be considered a very safe investment in the medium/long term.. Anyway, I use it for CD and DVD replay, outputting directly into a NAP 150x with SNAIC4, but I am aware that its preamp section is not sensational, so I too am wondering whether it could be a good idea to use it as DAC adding a 'regular' preamp.

 

If I discover anything useful by myself I'll post here quickly, to help you make your decision. Just as a guide: mine costed me £450 - I don't know of many other PCM/DD/DTS 2.0 to 7.1 converters half as good for that sum.

 

Best

Massimo

Posted on: 23 September 2014 by SmauG

Massimo,

 

Thanks for the useful reply albeit late

I have missed out on the AV2 offer, so have forgotten about it. Still the dac issue remains.