Third Try
08-13-08, 01:15 PM
Hi all. Couldn't exactly figure out the perfect forum for this, but I think this one is closest and hope someone here can assist me.
Current (new) setup: NAD 755, PSB 5.1 speaker system, Pioneer 1080p plasma, Sony PS3 blue-ray.
Most of my music has been burned to iTunes on my computer, and I listen to it in two ways - either streaming wirelessly to my receiver via a music bridge optically connected to the receiver, or via a direct connection from the headphone out on my computer using an analog connection. That sounded fine on my old system, but on new system comparing music on iTunes listened to in that fashion vs. same cd playing on PS3 w/ optical connection - well, can really tell the difference. Unfortunately, got rid of most of my cds when burned to computer.
Realize the compression on iTunes is what it is, and nothing to be done re that (other than using Apple Lossless in the future), but have some connection options and would appreciate input on extent to which some may be better than others (from a sound quality perspective).
1. Wireless stream from computer to linksys music bridge with optical connection from it to receiver. Does wireless stream degrade sound quality?
2. Changing from analog to digital out direct connection (apparently my computer headphone output supports both) from computer to receiver. Best option?
3. Using NAD iPod dock - doesn't appear to be digital, so not as good sound quality as other options? (Although being able to sit and control it all with my NAD receiver has some nice convenience pluses.)
Thanks very much for your consideration and advice.
Current (new) setup: NAD 755, PSB 5.1 speaker system, Pioneer 1080p plasma, Sony PS3 blue-ray.
Most of my music has been burned to iTunes on my computer, and I listen to it in two ways - either streaming wirelessly to my receiver via a music bridge optically connected to the receiver, or via a direct connection from the headphone out on my computer using an analog connection. That sounded fine on my old system, but on new system comparing music on iTunes listened to in that fashion vs. same cd playing on PS3 w/ optical connection - well, can really tell the difference. Unfortunately, got rid of most of my cds when burned to computer.
Realize the compression on iTunes is what it is, and nothing to be done re that (other than using Apple Lossless in the future), but have some connection options and would appreciate input on extent to which some may be better than others (from a sound quality perspective).
1. Wireless stream from computer to linksys music bridge with optical connection from it to receiver. Does wireless stream degrade sound quality?
2. Changing from analog to digital out direct connection (apparently my computer headphone output supports both) from computer to receiver. Best option?
3. Using NAD iPod dock - doesn't appear to be digital, so not as good sound quality as other options? (Although being able to sit and control it all with my NAD receiver has some nice convenience pluses.)
Thanks very much for your consideration and advice.