Best interconnect for Apple Express to Naim 202

Posted by: steveaxe on 18 May 2017

As well as playing ripped CD's through my HDX, I want to stream my Apple music from my phone through my main Naim system as well. My amp is the 202 - any recommendations as to what will give the best quality ? From the apple website I got this information: In order of quality (lowest first)
Aiport Express Analogue AAC
Airport Express Analogue AIFF
Aiirport Express Digital AAC
Airport Express Digital AIFF
Burned CD AAC
Burned CD AIFF
Original CD

As far as I can tell the 202 will only take analogue - is this correct or can I get digital somehow ? And if not would something like the AudioQuest Evergreen be a suitable analogue interconnect 3.5mm - 2 RCA 1mm ?  

many thanks for your help

Steve 

Posted on: 21 May 2017 by Huge

I've had no problem with a Mini Toslink to Toslink at 24/192 via a Chromecast.

Posted on: 21 May 2017 by james n
ChrisSU posted:

James, you are right, the AE is 16/44 max. I think it automatically downsamples higher rate files to that. We're probably drifting off topic a bit here, as the OP originally asked if this setup would work with Apple Music, which is below 16/44, so this issue might not be a deal breaker??

I've lost track of the original OP's question Chris. My point was not to go overboard on the optical cable given the AE source and its limitations. I'm sure the AE with the Mojo should make quite a decent solution 

Posted on: 23 May 2017 by steveaxe

I have gone for the AudioQuest Cinnamon Mini toslink to toslink. Thanks to all of you for your help and knowledge - hugely appreciated. 

I will now have the AE through AudioQuest Cinnamon optical through Chord Mojo through iChord. Can't wait to hear it - will let you know ! 

Posted on: 08 June 2017 by steveaxe

All set up and sounds GREAT - big thanks everyone !!!!!!!!

Posted on: 09 June 2017 by Kevin Richardson
steveaxe posted:

All set up and sounds GREAT - big thanks everyone !!!!!!!!

Now ditch the AE and get a Sonos Connect.... ��

Posted on: 10 June 2017 by steveaxe

now you tell me ! just bought all the interconnects for this set-up . will have to do for now

Posted on: 10 June 2017 by Huge

Then an Auralic Aries, then a Chord Hugo, then a Chord Dave...

The upgrade path never ends until you run out of funds!!   

Posted on: 10 June 2017 by ChrisSU

As you wanted this setup to listen to Apple Music, I can't see any reason to change from your Airport Express. Just enjoy what you've got!

Posted on: 10 June 2017 by NickSeattle

Steve, FWIW, I abandoned Sonos Connect because I didn't like the sound of it through my NAim DAC.  I actually liked the Airport Express better.  Many will disagree.

Any of Naim's ND players will upgrade your system nicely, if you ever feel the need.  They will give you iPad/Pod/Phone control of your Naim amp, too, if that appeals to you.

For now, you are in a very good place to stay for a while.  Enjoy.

Also, being an Apple guy, I think AIFF works best for me -- sounds as good to me as WAV, and works better across different apps, includung iTunes.

Nick

Posted on: 11 June 2017 by steveaxe

great blogs everyone - think i will stick with what i have and enjoy it for a while now  

Posted on: 11 June 2017 by Huge

Good call, the Mojo lifts it into a different league doesn't it!  

Posted on: 11 June 2017 by steveaxe

transforms it - what an amazing product !