scorpio1 Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Picking up my Naim set up tomorrow with IPod/MP3 dock. Can anyone tell me if the Creative has digital signal output? And if it doesn't what may be the best format/way to connect this to my new integrated amp for the best sound quality? Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Hey Scorpio1 nice to see you over here. I did some research on the Zen you have and I have one possibility for you. Using the Zen dock you can connect a cable with RCA terminations. This uses the line out from the Zen to go into your Naim integrated amp. There may also be a standard cable to go from the line out on your Zen to RCA connections on your Naim. What kind of iPod/MP3 dock does your Naim have? I looked for the manual but couldn't find it. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
scorpio1 Posted February 1, 2008 Author Share Posted February 1, 2008 Chris, thanks for the warm welcome. I actually pick it up tomorrow afternoon. On the front of the integrated it has a small hole for input. Once I get it, I can check the manual and find out what type off cable they recommend. I do have audio/video cables from Zen, but I'm unsure if these will work. I guess if I can't find the solution here and the dealer does not give me any good options, I may look into the Wadia iTransport and Ipod combo. I would hate to have to shell out another $750 after just making this major purchase. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Be sure to let me/us know about the port on the front actually is. I am very interested. If you already have cables from Zen I am guessing you could just plug them into the back of the Naim. Not the best solution because it will still use the Zen internal DAC. If you did go with something like the Wadia you'd have to make sure your Naim unit has an internal DAC. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
scorpio1 Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 Chris, Well come to find out that the Nait 5i-2 does not have an internal DAC. So I guess the Wadia is out. The Ipod/MP3 input on the front of the amp is simply a 3.5 mm stereo jack input. Now my question is the digital output on the Ipod cleaner/better than the Zen Vision? Meaning will the Ipod be more suited for audiophile use with my amp? Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 There is no digital output on either device without a product like the Wadia iTransport. The mini jack isn't the best either unless you have a line out from your Zen to mini. For your current setup I suggest using the line out port using a cable with RCA terminations on the other end and going into an AUX connection on your amp. Not the most audiophile type solution, but it will be the best of your current situation. What do you think? Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
scorpio1 Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 Since I already have Creative audio/video cable, I could try that and see how it sounds. Now is there any other type of device (inexpensive audiophile server maybe) that can be connected to the AUX/AV on the integrated.? I assume my worst case scenario is the AV input with the Zen and/or a better solution may be to use my laptop connected to the AV imput. Which do you think would provide the best sound given my contraints? Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 In this situation I would get an external DAC and connect your laptop to your new NAIM. That would sounds fantastic. There are some fairly good cheaper DACs like the E-MU 404 USB, Firestone Audio Fubar II or Spitfire 24/96. Or upgrade to one of Gordon's units from Wavelength Audio. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
scorpio1 Posted February 3, 2008 Author Share Posted February 3, 2008 I think the Waevelength Aduip stuff is out of my price range at the moment. Are you familiar with Musiland MD-10 I believe it is only $299 and looks promising. I'm still researching as well as my dealer........ Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 I haven't heard of that one before now. I checked it out, but couldn't really tell much. You'll have to let us know what it's like if you get it. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
scorpio1 Posted February 3, 2008 Author Share Posted February 3, 2008 I'm also liking what I've read about the Firestone Fubar II. Having the ability to change opamps is appealing. I will most certainly keep you posted. Link to comment
scorpio1 Posted February 3, 2008 Author Share Posted February 3, 2008 Chris, on another note, do you know if Foobar 2000 will allow me to import all songs in the format of my chose (WAV, AIFF, FLAC) from WMP 11? Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Audio formats supported natively: MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, MPC, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC / Ogg FLAC, WavPack, WAV, AIFF, AU, SND, CDDA, WMA. More audio formats supported through optional components, official or third-party. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
scorpio1 Posted February 11, 2008 Author Share Posted February 11, 2008 While searching for a USB DAC, I came across a SilverStone Ensemble EB01 USB DAC. Is anyone familiar with this unit or has any experience with it? I believe the cost is only $100. If I can find an online retailer I may just try it for that price. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 I appears to run off of USB power. That doesn't sound good as far as sound quality is concerned. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
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