[dlcleveland]

I was using a Zune 80 until it died recently and I now have a Zune HD on the way. I've seen that the new HD dock has an optical output and I'm wondering if people are using this in connection with external DACs? I am interested in hearing your impressions if you have. I've seen some threads on the Wadia/Onkyo docks for ipod, but there doesn't seem to be much discussion on the Zune dock. I know it does 720p video out via HDMI also, but I'm mainly interested in using it for music via optical output. If you have tried this please let me know. Thanks.

 

[Ricardo Dawkins]

Some dude tried it. he just posted some photos.

http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/zun...tml#post442419

 

[swanlee]

Anyone know if the optical out on the ZuneHD dock would work with older Zunes?

 

[lwells]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swanlee /img/forum/go_quote.gif Anyone know if the optical out on the ZuneHD dock would work with older Zunes?

The manual says it only works with the HD. :/


I use the optical out on my dock to feed a D10. It's terrific. My only beef is that you need USB power to use the optical.

 

[dlcleveland]

Thanks for the responses. I like that Benchmark setup. The D10 sounds like a nice match also. Looks like my next purchase is an HD dock!

 

[Jan Pietersz.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwells /img/forum/go_quote.gif The manual says it only works with the HD. :/

That's disappointing...
Can anyone confirm this with a Zune 120?
I have a Zune 120 and would like to use my a/v receivers DAC (onkyo monster). I know its possible to link them analog but a S/PDIF connection would be better.

 

[Nik1976]

I tried Zune HD dock with Zune 120 and got no optical out as expected. Toslink out is driven by Tegra processor available only in Zune HD, so don't expect miracles there.
Optical out works great with Zune HD, even with DRM tracks purchased on Zune marketplace. I'm using it in my car with Audiotrak Dr.Dac2 DX every day.
The only issue with Zune HD and dock is that remote operations are highly limited (switch tracks + play/pause only, no menu navigation at all) if TV-out is not enabled. You'll have to navigate on-screen or connect dock to TV via HDMI/analogue out to get fully operational remote control. Optical out is fully operational regardless of TV-out.
 
 
 

 

[Jan Pietersz.]

Thanks for the extra info!
 
Next problem is getting a home av pack v2 to the Netherlands, the dock is $23 on amazon but 30$ shipping costs :S