I had an nVi for just over a year. In fact I was on my third one and when this went wrong I lost confidence with the product and now own an Arcam solo movie. I have been running this for just over a six weeks so can make a fairly good comparison
In the context of my system, which is a 43 inch pioneer plasma and KEF based satellite speakers + REL sub, there is not really any discernable difference in either sound or picture; both are very good.
The advantage and good points of the nVi; it had the potential to be intergrated it into my 2 channel Naim setup (which I never got round to doing anyway) Naim aftersales support was fantastic.
The advantages and good points of the Arcam; rock solid integration with my Sky HD box with no issue with DD sound dropping out(a continuing problem with my nVi), no fan noise (the Arcam uses heat sinks only), HDMI switching, a fantastic remote control that controls all the functions of the Arcam and Sky box (as well as my Naim 2 channel gear, interestingly). It also has an in-built scaler and a DAB radio. Faster boot up time from standby than the nVi. Not related to performance, but a point worth considering is it is more than £1000 less than the nVi.

I have had naim equipment since the 1980's and have built up a pretty good 2 channel set up (CDX2/XPS2/hi-line/282/250.2/2 x hicaps/fraim/totem forests) so had high expectations for the nVi. It is a good product, but I am far happier now I have the Arcam, particularly as I have not had to spend the last six weeks or so wondering when the next software upgrade to fix the problems would be released!

quote:

Originally posted by JonR:
Well now you're nit-picking...

Maybe!!!

I run an Arcam 350 for the AV firing the front two channels through my Naim stereo. The Arcam does the rest of the channels. I'd like to go all Naim but if I did then it would be another amp at least and I'm running out of room. If Naim did a Supernait style AV box with extra channels of amplification then that would suit me fine. The DVD player could be your own choice then with regard to future developments on the HD front. (Yes, yes, I know the N-vi is a very fine SD player)

I agree with your qualification about the n-Vi, ie. it's very good - but with SD only. Anyway, as regards multi-channel amps, here are a couple of Naim-made alternatives:-

Three-channel amp

Six-channel amp

Neither seem to get too much in the way of a mention on this forum, especially the latter product, nor do they come equipped with a surround-sound processor, but they are alternatives if you are looking for all-Naim amplification of a multi-channel system.

I've had mine for over a year now. It's replaced all my previous Naim kit and gets used every day. Sound and picture are excellent and i still like the fact i've got all this functionality with superb sound and video from Naim.

Downsides - Clunky ergonomics (although i do need to get the SW updated). No Scaler card and it looks poor value now compared to the Arcam Solo Movie. (Saying that i bought the n-Vi after an Arcam DV79 (display failed), changed that for the DV137 - so many problems...)

Naim - i've been a customer for 19 years and i'll be sticking with you - Bring out a decent programmable remote control. Give up on the scaler and give me an HDMI switching card :-)

James

Straight up processor with three power amps would be lovely.

Oh and 300 quid of course.

Oh dear. Looks like I will put off buying an n-Vi for a while and make do with something else.
Thanks for all the feedback
David

quote:

Oh dear. Looks like I will put off buying an n-Vi for a while and make do with something else.

I wonder just how much other business Naim have/will loose in Abu Dhabi like this.

I should have thought Adu Dhabi had a big enough (and rich enough) population to support its very own Naim franchised dealer?

cheers

Don

Don,
Great idea. Can I volunteer?
David