Streaming to a Naim Nait2

Posted by: Davidbike on 05 September 2011

I have a decades-old system that's still serving me well: Naim Nait2, Rotel RT-830A tuner and a pair of Spendor LS3/5A speakers.

 

For convenience sake, I admit that I do most of my listening via streaming -- my own CDs through iTunes and a lot of online radio (I use Airfoil for non-iTunes sources). I use Airport Express units to stream the music from my MacBook Pro to three rooms in the house, including to the Nait/Spendor setup in the living room.

 

Recently, one of the Airport Express units died after years of service. Instead of just replacing it (which would cost about $100US), I wonder if I could spend a bit more and do something to stream in better sound quality to the Nait2 setup? Perhaps with the use a an Apple TV unit?

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

David

Posted on: 05 September 2011 by badlyread

Hi David

 

I used to run a Squeezebox Classic via DacMagic to my Nait 2 which was fairly good quality before I moved up to a Transporter which was very good indeed. The Squeezebox Touch is meant to have a reasonable internal DAC I believe so might be worth a shot (upgrade the power supply though - not too expensive). I now have a Qute .

 

Regards

 

Neil

Posted on: 05 September 2011 by Tog
Apple TV2 would seem to be your best and most straightforward option.

A Squeezebox Touch would also work nicely.

Tog
Posted on: 05 September 2011 by Davidbike

Thanks for both replies. Because the Apple TV2 is digital, can I use it directly with the Naim Nait2, or do I need some sort of other piece of equipment?

Posted on: 06 September 2011 by Jono 13

David,

 

Either hunt down a good second hand ATV MkI which has analogue out or you will need an external DAC to generate analogue to your NAIT from the ATV MkII, as it only has optical digital output.

 

I use the very good Rega DAC with my ATV MkI and can recommend it.

 

Jono

Posted on: 11 September 2011 by Davidbike

I don't know what an ATV MkI is

Posted on: 12 September 2011 by badlyread

Version 1 of Apple TV.

Posted on: 13 September 2011 by fixedwheel

Another vote for the Squeezebox Touch, great little box that was a big upgrade over the earlier 3/Classic.


Also responds well to replacing the wall-wart with something a bit better, but keeping the neat looks  of the Squeezebox.

 

HTH

 

John

Posted on: 13 September 2011 by Jono 13
Originally Posted by Davidbike:

I don't know what an ATV MkI is

The original version of the Apple TV had either a 40GB or 160GB disk internally mounted which could be used to hold your music/films/tv shows/pictures without have a PC/Mac powered up. It also had an onborad DAC and analogue plus optical digital output.

 

I love mine and am dreading the day when it dies.

 

search ebay to find one they should be very cheap now.

 

Jono