Hi,

Apologies in advance for this, presumably, stupid question, but could someone please explain what options I have?

I currently have this system (CDX > 102/HC/NAPSC > 180 > Neat Elite SE). I want to add a processor (in Olive form if at all possible?), centre speaker, sub and rear speakers for 5.1 sound, using the Neats as fronts.

What options do I have from Naim to achieve this?

Thanks

Andrew

The only Naim option is the AV2 processor and separate power amp(s). The processor comes in a 5-series box. The matching NAPV175 is obviously in a similar box, but of course, you couold buy yourself a couple of 140s (or anything up to 3 135s!) for the olive effect if you prefer.

Since the 102 does not have a unity gain option, you will either have to setup the system such that setting the 102 volume to 12 o'clocl is the correct output, or you can have the 102 adjusted by Naim so that one of its inputs gives unity gain (i.e. just sends all the signal straight to your power amp).

The AV2 covers all the DVD surround modes, but it does not cover the more modern bluray high def audio codecs, nor HDMI connectivity. So if you're interested in a bluray solution, you will probably want to look elsewhere.

As it stands at this time you dont have many Naim options.
As Frank points out in the above post.
Another option would be to change your Nac for one of the latest Nacs so you can use the Unity gain that the older kit does not have.
Then add a good quality Dennon/Arcam/Sony Surround/AV amp to do the surround/ rear centre and Sub work.
Stu

You could choose to have your NAC102 modified at Naim HQ so that one of the Tape inputs becomes a unity gain input. This bypasses the volume control for that input - a pass-through, in effect - and allows an AV processor to take over volume control.

The AV2 is the ideal Naim partner, concentrating on getting the audio right by virtue of leaving out the video. While it may not have all the latest Hi-def audio processing for Blu-ray, so long as your player has internal decoding, you could use the analog 7.1 channel input on the AV2.

Otherwise there is the n-Vi. This has a superb DVD player built in and can easily be integrated into your current system. However, there's no multi-channel analog input, so any Blu-ray player would connect via S/Pdif, which means only regular DD or DTS decoding.

It all depends on your priorities. If you want a great musical multi-channel set-up with the possibility of taking advantage of Blu-ray audio (in analog at least), then the AV2 still has a heck of a lot going for it.

quote:

Originally posted by Richard Dane:
...so any Blu-ray player would connect via S/Pdif, which means only regular DD or DTS decoding.

True, though it should be noted the core DD or DTS on BD, used in this way, is often of a better quality than the DVD equivalent, due the higher bit-rate used in the down-mix....

Steve

Many blu ray players also output 5.1 or 7.1 audio so you can use that with the AV2.

I've had mixed results with a cheap pioneer BD30 some disks are better this way some via the down mixed optical out.