There are three full-size new Q floorstanders to choose from, each sharing the same audiophile-grade technology in the same basic configuration: a new generation Uni-Q MF/HF array paired with a long-throw bass driver of equal size, and two matching ABRs.
I currently have my Xbox 360 set up as a music server where I just stream all my music to the Xbox with "connect 360" and the rca out of the xbox is hooked up to my amp. I believe it sounds better than using the standard headphone out of the ipod.
Just get an Apple iPod (any model) and be done with it.
If you really need a DAC, then so be it but I'd doubt it. I think you'll be very happy with the way the iPod sounds in your system and saves you lots of money.
Nice setup. Jaxwired is right on about getting a DAC to give you some options. I'm very happy with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic. With 3 inputs (1 USB and 2 either digital coax or toslink) and a toslink pass-through output, it gives you a lot of flexibility for not a lot of $$$. And I've been quite happy with the NAD T534 I picked up as a universal player with plenty of output options (RCA, 6 channel, toslink). I have the RCA outs directly into my stereo preamp and the toslink into the DAC which also connects RCA to the preamp, and the DAC toslink pass-through goes to my HT receiver. I'll be connecting the 5 channel outputs to the HT receiver as soon as the cables come in and will see how the sound differs with SACD material that I've only listened to in stereo so far.
You can't go optical to RCA. Optical cables carry a digital signal. To convert to RCA you have to have a DAC (digital to analogue converter). If you want to stream digitial music via Apple TV or any other streamer, you have to buy a DAC. There a lots of good reasonably priced DACs on the market. I'd recommend either beresford or the cambridge audio DAC magic. Both are excellent and pretty cheap. But if you just want to play CDs, then get the NAD C545bee, it will impress you.
The issue with toslink is that the NAD C326Bee only has rca in. Cause I also currently have a xbox 360 slim with optical audio out that I can't hook up to the 2-channel either. Does anyone have an inexpensive solution to the optical to rca? Or even splitting the audio out of the hdmi cable if possible?
prsamart, I used to own the NAD C545bee CD player and I can assure you it will take your system to a whole new level. It's a brilliant CD player and easily competes with pricier kit. But don't go for the C565bee which is much less special.
If you go the DAC route, I highly recommend using an Apple TV. That's what I'm using now and it sounds flawless with a high quality toslink cable.
Its just a 2-channel setup. Currently I'm using my dvd player for cds. I know that is a no no, but that all I have currently. I haven't decided if I want to get a matching nad cd player or to invest in a DAC. Also I will be investing in a phono for my record player at some point. I haven't listened to any other Kef but i've heard JM Lab and B&W before landing on the kef's. This is supposed to be primary for music but I do use it for movies, because any kind of speaker setup is better than simply tv speakers.
I don't think your system is a budget system but I guess here on A'gon it might be considered that. I think some systems cost as much as the latest and greatest Corvette. I bet your system must sound great. I'm a KEF fan but alas my budget only allowed me a pair of KEF 104/2s and a pair of KEF Q90 speakers. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on how the KEF Q700s sound.
I can't tell what your source is now matter how closely I look at the picture you provided? Is it from NAD as well?
Lastly is your "budget" system for HT use or for 2-channel music only? I'm curious to know if the new Q line is meant for HT or for 2-channel music only systems.
Here's what I think, you should go buy a lottery ticket as you've hit a home run right out the gate! You will have a hard time improving on that system. Nicely done.
