scorpio1

Thanks Eloise.

I've finally decided to try my hand at digital music. Gone are my CD5X/FC2X. I plan on buing a Qute once they become available, so my question is wether I should use a PC or somehting like RipNAS as my server? I'm interested in achieving sound that was just as good if not better than my former CDP. Any help the forum members can supply wold be greatly appreciated since I'm totally green to all of this. Thanks much.

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.

Yes you did. I also forgot to ask will it also convert mp3. For some unkown reasons I can't explain, I have Cd's ripped in wma and mp3 in my library. Don't ask me what I was thinking......

Chris, When using Itunes I need to know if Itunes allows one to import music from WMP 11 in lossless compressed or AIFF? Or do I need to rip my CD's into Itunes? Thanks.

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?

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.

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........

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?

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?

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.

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?