[pebulus]

I currently have a Naim AV2/NAP150x/NAPV175 system powering a PMC 5.1 setup, and I'm using a PS3 for BluRay.

I'm trying to add HD sound to the rig without compromising the stereo and DTS performance and looking at the various options.

I've narrowed it down to the following options so far, although others are welcome!

Option 1 Keep the Naim rig, add a Pioneer LX91
Option 2 Keep the Naim rig, add a ModWright modded BDP83
Option 3 Jump ship, like so many others waiting for a Naim solution, and get an Arcam AVR600

Has anyone compared the Pioneer LX91 to the ModWright 83? I'm in the UK so warranty is a concern here, and all in the price isn't that different including the player.

Would moving to the AVR600, which I know also partners well with PMCs (FB1s, TB2, Wafers) be a step down in sound quality from the Naims? I love the 3D soundstage they produce on 5.1 movies.

[KelvinS1965]

I can't help with your query, but it is something I've been considering myself lately; whether an older Pre proccesor fed with 7.1 analogue or LPCM would be better than the AVR500/600 (I found that the 500 doesn't have pre amp outputs otherwise it would have been almost a dead cert for me ).

I'll be following any replies with interest.

[Thatsnotmynaim]

Get the Oppo BDP-83 and try it. I think you'll be more than satisfied by the sound into the AV2 and you won't compromise your 2ch. You can feed the AV2 via Coax/Optical digital and see what HD converted to max rate DTS sounds like. If that doesn't do it for you (I'm sure it will) then you can try the analogue route by getting some cables made up. If you're still not happy audition some HD amps using the Oppo.

[tony @ suffolk]

Coincidentally I was considering this move a few weeks ago. My main reason was to reduce the black box count, (from five to one assuming I can do without my video processor) and make for a much simpler system.

My local Naim dealer happens to be an Arcam dealer also and after discussing this option he felt the sound quality would be obviously inferior to that of the Naim amplification and advised I consider the Arcam 888 if I wished to go down that route.

I currently use Oppo BD83 & both SP/DIF and 7.1 analogues into an AV2. Using the Oppo to decode HD audio sounds superior to the SP/DIF, depending on the disc encoding of course, and for the time being I am now content to stick with what I've got.

The thing is, Naim amplification is superb & I think we'd all struggle to accept lesser, much as the idea seems attractive.

[pebulus]

I think you're right. I'm very interested in the ModWright modded Oppo as I have heard very good things about what it can do to what is already a very well regarded player, and I noticed there's a bit of discussion of it over on the Naim forums.

I'd also like to hear the Pioneer LX91 as the specs on that player look awesome... just to be sure.

I wish Naim would pull their finger out and give us all an upgrade path! It's time, Naim.. we're ready for it....

[pebulus]

Well after much deliberation, I've ordered a Denon 3800BD which at just over £700 is too good a deal to miss. Pick it up in a week, so will see how it sounds through the AV2...

[TX-Landman]

Option 4 Keep the Naim rig, add a BDP83SE. "The OPPO BDP-83 Special Edition uses the state-of-the-art Sabre32 family of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC) from ESS Technology." That is if the Denon doesn't work out.