I would like to buy a good home theatre,one which will last me for many years
What is the difference between an n-vi and a dvd 5, av2, nap 175/150 or even a dvd 5 and a denon or yamaha amp

Adam,

Welcome to the forum. Practically, the n-Vi does not have the flexibility of the DVD5/AV2/etc combination nor of a DVD5/Denon/Yammie. However, it is the perfect solution for people who don't want many boxes in their lounge.

Technically, the n-Vi is a very different solution to the DVD5/AV2/etc. It uses a switched mode power supply and class T amplifiers. Naim have had to use these technologies in order to fit everything in one box and to reduce heat emissions from the components. Even though this is the case, the n-Vi still preserves enough of the Naim character to provide a distinctively different take on playing music to the norm.

The separate box Naim solution uses traditional Naim linear power supplies and class B amplification. In theory, this should give you better sound even at the most basic level. What you are also able to do is to incorporate far better amplifiers which will give you more freedom in terms of speaker choice.

Naim has a reputation for very high quality 2-channel reproduction and both the n-Vi and separate solutions can be incorporated into a fully fledged 2-channel solution. However, the separate solution remains more flexible since the n-Vi only has outputs for the front left and right channels, not all channels.

As to using the DVD5 in a non-Naim system, this will work of course. However, there is a big difference to the way in which Naim makes sound and music to that of the Japanese route. It's difficult to describe and the only way of noting the difference really is to hear it for yourself. The n-Vi offers 90% of the video quality of the DVD5 at a package price of the DVD5 and mid-price Denon or Yamaha surround amp. If you want the ultimate in video or would be prepared to use the Japanese receiver until you could afford the better Naim solution, then this is the right choice. On the other hand if you're looking at a neat, but less flexible solution, the n-Vi may be for you.