flembo1888

I think I'll try that Musicophile, as you say I can always return it if it doesn't do the job. I'm in Glasgow and I think Richer Sounds is the only show in town up here. I have been meaning to go in and have a wee look/listen to some of the gear.

Souptin, I wasn't aware of this, only problem now being that I don't have an optical output on my Dell Studio laptop. I would ideally like to maximise the Zep's potential before investing in any costly equipment, I feel like the real limiting factor in my current setup is the laptop's internal DAC and the headphone jack to aux connection with the Zep. New laptop perhaps? Or just bite the bullet and move on from the Zep, expand the budget a bit and go down the separates route (which I intend to do at some point anyway). You're help so far has been invaluable, thanks.

Those DAC speakers look very nice, I'd certainly consider something like that. As for a standalone DAC, would I be able to connect that to the Zeppelin and would that make a substantial difference?

I've sort of been assuming I could connect an amp with an RCA to 3.5mm lead into the aux port on the Zeppelin, do you think that would be problematic? I didn't really have a budget in mind as I imagined I would just add to the system whenever I had the need or desire to upgrade, but i suppose if you take the cost of the DAC and amp I was considering it would be about £500. Bearing in mind I'm not looking for anything spectacular, just enough to get me started with some nice quality audio.

So I've taken a few days to do some reserch and get a bit more clued-up on what I think will be useful and relevant to my needs. My plan is to first purchase one of the HRT musicstreamers, probably the pro if I can get someone to bring one back from the US (much cheaper) and soon after that either the Marantz PM6004 or the Yamaha AS500. Also to start using FLAC files where possible with the Foobar 2000 player. One concern I have is my intention to use the zeppelin as my speakers, because the zeppelin has a built-in amplifier would it negate any audible improvements the external amp would provide? Would an integrated amplifier be a complete waste of money in this case? Once again, thanks for any advice.

Thanks man, I will do that.

Hi, I'm a complete newcomer to this so please forgive my ignorance. I'm currently listening to most of my music through spotify, I have B&W Zeppelin ipod dock which i've connected to my laptop's headphone socket using a cheap jack to jack lead. I want to improve the audio quality but I really don't know where to start. Do I need a preamp or just an amplifier? I've been looking at the Marantz PM6004 but again i'm just not really sure if it's the correct piece of equipment. Would a better sound card make any noticable difference? Are there any specific leads i should consider? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.