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. 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!

 

[TSi]

Technically, your player can act as a dac if it has a line out jack on it, so if you connect it to a sound system, it should be okay.
BUT if it doesnt have a line out jack, you take the risk of double amplifying your music, first with a BAD amp and then a GOOD amp, which amplifies the bad stuff a lot more.

 

[andychen]

Thanks for your suggestion. ZVM has a line out jack. I am just worried about the DAC quality of ZVM and my generic DVD player. I know my amp and speakers are no where near high end, but they are good performers. I feel like my source might be a little weak. Other than getting a better mp3 (IMOD) and a DAC (for the DVD player), do I have other options?

Is there anyway to bypass the DAC section of ZVM? Thanks