Got speakers and amp, question on the source

[andychen]

Hi, all. I was introduced to the Hi-fi world not long ago and has purchased, returned and resold some stuff since. I got a lot of nice suggestions here. Now I pretty much completed my computer rig and portable rig. Now I want to complete a living room set up. I have polk rti4 and I just ordered a NAD 325BEE. I also have a Zen V M and a generic $40 DVD player with optical out. I am wondering what's the next step?

I have searched the forum, but I really does not have much clue about those electronics terms. I don't like the idea of a dedicated CD player. If I connect the ZVM line out to NAD 325BEE, then there is not much I can do, right? If I use the cheap DVD player, should I buy an external DAC?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[jamie2112]

I would look at the OPPO dvd players, they do it all playing all your recorded discs and dvds. And they are very highly recommended around this forum. They have every in and out you would possibly need. Good luck

 

[andychen]

Does OPPO have good internal DAC? or do I need an additional DAC?

My ZVM has a line out jack, if I don't want to get a better mp3 player (i.e. IMOD), are there any other ways to improve the system: ZVM>NAD>RTi4 or X-ls

Thanks

 

[chadnliz]

You can use the cd player internal DAC by just going left and right RCA jacks, and you can use the pre-amps DAC by goinh digital Toslink or Coax if you want to experiment on hearing any difference or not but you likely wont, what I am trying to get to is dont jump in the deep end with external DAC's and all that for now and enjoy.

 

[jcPanny]

Speakers

Andy,
Are you using these electronics to drive $2-300/pair bookshelf speakers? (RTi4 or X-LS) If so, I would budget most of your money on the speakers, the most important audio component, and not electronics. Some $600/pair (i.e. used Onix Ref 1's) will sound much better than the $300/pair speakers with an external D/A converter.

I have one of the Oppos and they are great upscalling DVD players and the new models include pretty good analog output for CD playback. I would expect similar performance from the digital output of your current budget player and the Oppo or another new CD player.

 

[andychen]

Many people say IMOD significantly improves the sound of IPOD by improving the DAC section. So it is not worth the money to get a good DAC?