Supernait as a hub

I use a laptop running itunes, and stream music to an Airport Express. From this AE I take the optical output and chuck it into a Supernait. With lossless files on the laptop the resulting sound is excellent. I now rarely use my cd player ( A superclocked Sony SACD thing) , preferring the convenience and simplicity of itunes. When I did some comparisons I found it very difficult ( probably impossible) to tell the difference between a cd and a ripped lossless copy in itunes.
I also take the digital outputs from dvd player, and Sky+ box and feed those into the supernait as well. Thus I have decoupled video and audio and all sound comes out of the hifi. itunes also has internet radio channels as well so you can listen to those.

The Supernait came out at just the right time for me, coinciding with a desire to upgrade. I'm not disappointed, and I've now added a power supply to the SN as well, which gives another leap in quality. I've also come to the conclusion that cdp's are dead and the future was hard disc based.


I too considered the apple tv but the biggest disc in that box is 160Gb which i reckon is a bit small if you're gonna build up a library of ripped lossless music files (which you should). My laptop /AE arrangement is fine and dandy and I don't see what the apple tv can offer which is worth paying good money for.

I run a similar setup to the sherrif (see profile). I too am very happy with it. My music files are actually stored on a 1Tb Timecapsule which also serves as my router. I use a USB external drive to backup the TC (but not as often as I should . The convenience of not having to handle CDs is offset by the slight mucking around with the Macbook/software/backups etc so I don't see that as a factor one way or the other. Being able to easily browse my collection probably leads me to listen to more varied music than I otherwise might, but there's not much in it. I travel a lot for work and use my iPod - this means I would have to rip all my CDs anyway.

However, the main reason that I am reluctant buy a CDP is that I see the future in HD-based or internet audio, hopefully moving to higher quality over time.

quote:

Originally posted by baz100:
but I wonder whether I should bother investing so much in a CDP, I am pretty sure about the Supernait though...
Barrie

Barrie,

It sounds like you should maybe look for a used 5i if you plan on it only being a second source. The 5x is not a cheap CDP...

Possibly channel the remaining funds into a Flatcap or Hicap for the Supernait.

.....or use it to buy a decent turntable - I also prefer Rolex to Seiko, although I appreciate both are experts in their own way.
I am basically a technology loving luddite !
Cheers
Barrie

Barrie,

Welcome to the forum. I have heard a Supernait at the local dealer, and it is something special. Not only does it sound teriffic, take only one shelf on the rack, but you can plug your iPod into the front, and it has a very nice DAC. In my opinion (you should, of course, trust your own ears) you will get better sound and the pleasure of music access from a music server playing digital into your new S'nait DAC. It sounds like you are comfortable with the technology and are willing to be an early adopter. You can rip your music to a hard drive and roll your own music server. At some future time, there may be a compelling new product from Naim, and perhaps your piggy bank will be full again.

My advice: Save the money you would spend on the CD player, but don't waste it on a Rolex.


Charlie