Hi guys (and gals),
I'm a fellow music enthusiast who is primary listening time is on his daily commute, and I am trying to find a good digital media player with: fairly high capacity and a pure digital output. Don't shoot me, but I'm not a headphone user... it just isn't me, but I have needs similar to what you all have, and you seem hi-end oriented so I thought I'd pick your brains. Search didn't help, so I decided to post. I don't really need the unit to have its own d/a processor circuit, if the best option included one, I could use it's d/a to feed analog inputs on my Audison Bit One processor. It has a fairly nice d/a stage and also handles such functions as: xover, time delay and eq.
I've been pretty innovative in implementing this as I just couldn't take digging through 300 cd's to play one song, then digging again for the next... so I did a lot of research then picked up Sarotech DVP260X and S model media players, which both pull from a 2.5" hdd of any size. Overall, they're good in function with a couple minor issues, but I suspect that there is a low end op amp in the digi circuit that might be muddling up my otherwise high end signal path. They both play m3u playlists randomly, which supplies a non-stop catalog of lossless music - keeping me mostly happy. They're a little old now though and I thought perhaps a better option was available.
I've researched a lot and right now, the Zune HD with 64gb and a digi out seems like it might better serve me than the other options - also the Redwine mod for my 5th gen Ipod 120gb might work, although it doesn't seem to have a digi out. Another option is getting the new Pioneer head unit which bypasses the ipod's dac and also handles all the role my current processor handles - but the $1200 price is a bit steep.
In case someone cares, one remote controls source control and music selection - another selects the EQ profile, basic adjustments and volume. The Sarotech's each have 250gb drives (they play video as well, but require a separate monitor) feed the processor which feeds a 6 channel McIntosh amp, which powers my front stage: ScanSpeak tweeters, mids and Morel woofers. All drivers are in hand made enclosures. The low end is handled by a trunk mounted JBL subwoofer - which is actually quite nice.
Thank you so much for your help - in advance! I'm hoping to find this a helpful community, willing to lend a fellow music enthusiast a hand!
Less aka Jim
(Also curious if there is a good place for discussion of well produced music that brings out the best in higher end systems here - or elsewhere on the net?)
Edited by less - 5/2/11 at 12:57pm
