Duffinator
Spin The Black Circle
I'm currently using a Denon DVD-2900 universal player for CD/SACD playback and it sounds noticeable better than any of the low/mid-fi players I've owned. I use it mostly for CD but have close to 20 SACD's. So much better that for the past year I've been wondering how much better a really nice CD/SACD player would sound. I have been looking at the new Sony SCD-5400ES, Marantz SA-8003, and several used players in that price range. The new Marantz has a USB connection on the front and that got me thinking about the future of digital audio. We can debate it all day long but from my perspective the days of physical digital media are numbered. So with that in mind I started looking at what's the best way to implement all digital audio without buying or building a dedicated media server since I already have my music ripped to a computer and have wired and wireless N capabilities in my home.
That got me searching here on AK and other sites and the first device that really caught my attention was the Wadia iTransport. While a really cool device, for my needs I'm not sure that's the answer although it could be the way I go. So then I thought about the AppleTV. I have one connected to my HT and I think it's a great product for my use, mainly music and photos. It has a wonderful GUI that is simple to operate (although Apple is really loading up iTunes and ATV with stuff I don't need or want). I've already bought into the whole iTunes regime so no need to debate that here as I'm not going to change at this time.
So my goal here is to have digital audio into my dedicated stereo system that sounds better than my current player and hopefully a lot better.
So what I'm thinking of doing is re ripping all my CD's with EAC into ALAC files. I will use an ATV wirelessly and then use the optical digital out into a DAC. Right now I'm looking at the new Cambridge Audio DACMagic. Opinions on whether or not you think this setup will meet my goal? One of the issues is controlling the ATV. I will either need a monitor or use my Touch to control the ATV. I could use an Airport express as well but I like the added flexibility with the ATV. I could even use the ATV as the server itself and not worry about streaming audio. The 160gb capacity will hold my entire music collection but I would eventually run out of space.
BTW, I will keep my Denon for occasional SACD playback.
Is anyone else using an ATV in a similar application?
That got me searching here on AK and other sites and the first device that really caught my attention was the Wadia iTransport. While a really cool device, for my needs I'm not sure that's the answer although it could be the way I go. So then I thought about the AppleTV. I have one connected to my HT and I think it's a great product for my use, mainly music and photos. It has a wonderful GUI that is simple to operate (although Apple is really loading up iTunes and ATV with stuff I don't need or want). I've already bought into the whole iTunes regime so no need to debate that here as I'm not going to change at this time.
So my goal here is to have digital audio into my dedicated stereo system that sounds better than my current player and hopefully a lot better.
So what I'm thinking of doing is re ripping all my CD's with EAC into ALAC files. I will use an ATV wirelessly and then use the optical digital out into a DAC. Right now I'm looking at the new Cambridge Audio DACMagic. Opinions on whether or not you think this setup will meet my goal? One of the issues is controlling the ATV. I will either need a monitor or use my Touch to control the ATV. I could use an Airport express as well but I like the added flexibility with the ATV. I could even use the ATV as the server itself and not worry about streaming audio. The 160gb capacity will hold my entire music collection but I would eventually run out of space.
BTW, I will keep my Denon for occasional SACD playback.
Is anyone else using an ATV in a similar application?