Muso QB/Chromecast and eventually a network/all in one player?

Posted by: GuyPerry on 24 January 2017

Hi All,

I have not updated my kit since i bought it, Nait 5i/CD5i/Arivas (on isobue/NACA5). I'm happy with this set up and still gives me daily pleasure. The Arivas really suit my room (about 7.5mx4.5m) sound well extended and don't have the plummy bass they have had in many rooms they have lived in. 

My first foray into streaming was with Chromecast audio, with the 3.5mm>phono into my Nait using android to control and stream Spotify premium.

However, my wife would like a Muso QB in the kitchen after seeing and listening to one then realising we could play in conjunction with my main system, she was sold!

My thought for the time being would be to use another Chromecast audio, via its optical output into the QB as a stopgap to full networking (my son would use the CCA after for his system/phone). At the moment we don't have any WIFI issues in the kitchen. My only thought is could using the optical instead of 3.5-3.5 mm cause a delay due to processing? 

Has anyone used this set up and what was your experience? 

I will then go down the route of networking, attach a NAS, to my router, then take CAT5/6 round to a switch box, then have QB and streamer into this, Is this correct?

So then it is onto the streamer player. With all of the new options available from Naim in mind, do i add an older unitiqute 2 (and perhaps use the speaker outs for the garden) or an ND5xs, (that match aesthetically), along with the NAS, or do i go with a Uniti Star (and attach a USB drive, will the Star rip to this?) and ditch the Nait5i, CD5i and NAS (which would only be used for music anyway)?

My decision will obviously made with my dealer, but i would like to go armed with the wealth of knowledge/options ideas here!

Best regards

Guy

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 24 January 2017 by Ardbeg10y

I have no experience with multiroom setups, so I won't comment on that part.

But the optical out of the ChromeCast Audio to a proper Dac is a complete different league altogether. If you are happy with the sound in your living with your Nait 5i, I would not touch it.

My personal experience is that a proper Dac makes a gigantic step upwards and the Dac in the CCA is not considered to be a proper one. There are various threads on this forum on Dacs.

Furthermore, the network adapter for the ChromeCast Audio makes a difference also. Not directly in sound quality, but you will have much less drop outs etc.

If you get the Network adapter, also use the optical out to ensure galvanic isolation. You would risk ground loops etc ...

Posted on: 02 February 2017 by GuyPerry

Hi All,

Thanks for the reply Ardbeg.

First step done, Muso QB in the kitchen, I have connected with a spare optical cable (from AV days) and used the USB for power to Chromecast A from the QB (keeps me a mains socket free!), a few drop outs as WiFi router is through one wall, on the whole, great! Created a group in google home to to connect my second CCA into my Nait (as mentioned above), so now have multiroom.

Next step is to network my system, (at the moment Nait 5i/CD5i/Arivas) and also around to the Qb, to get a more stable connection and utilise its full potential. My son and daughter will quite happily have my redundant CCAs for their rooms.

This will mean i need a network player. do I;

1.Buy a ND5xs and NAS, (i have gigabit switch and cabling already), still using my old system, bought 2005! and having to rip all CDs to NAS using laptop. I would only use the NAS for music. Roughly £2000 for a ND5xs and £300 for a NAS?

or

2. Wait for new kit, have dealer/home audition of say eg, a Uniti Star and rip to a local hard drive and leave out using a NAS, trade/sell the Nait and CD player, as the new Uniti 'should' out perform these, certainly the CD source.

I see the budgets being the similar (well about a £1k different). As i have not upgraded for 12 years (!) this will be long term, so not too concerned about having upgradeable separates, but an all in one box, if something dies inside.........

Which route would you choose, or would you go another direction? I guess i have 6 months to decide if i go option 2, (waiting for new the new Uniti).

Any thoughts?

WBR

Guy

Posted on: 02 February 2017 by Dave***t

If you can, I'd wait until you can try out the Star vs ND5/5i, both playing into your Arivas. Only way to be sure. Virtually nobody's heard a Star, so authoritative comparisons can't really be offered in advance of an audition.

If the Star wins, great, it's a lot less hassle. Or if the 5i setup is on a par with the uniti (or better), great, keep it and get the 5i serviced. At 12 years old, it's due a service anyway.