New AppleTV on Rotel 1570

[chanlon]

Hi gang.

Anybody out there tempted to purchase the new Apple TV as a music server?

I'm currently using the "older" 160GB version connected via HDMI, digital toslink and analog cables. I use the HDMI connection for watching movies and have another input mapped to the toslink connection for listening to 2 channel (avoids that lousy 2-3 sec audio delay!). I also have a set of analog RCA's connected to a tape input on the 1570 in order to send the audio to Zone 2 and 3 in my home.

Since apple have removed the analog output connection, I have no current way of sending out to the other zones in my house. I've been looking at using either a "standard" digital to audio converter: (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Audio-...3&sr=8-1-spell)

or purchasing a dedicated DAC like Arcam's new rDac or Cambridge Audio's DacMagic.

Has anybody out there used an external DAC with the Rotel?

[Dmantis]

The DacMagic is a wonder external DAC and will solve your future problem.I have not used it with Rotel but I don't see how that would even matter. The sound quality is as good as any DAC I have ever used. I also use the current Apple TV 160g for a music server, Picture server and movies sometimes.

I also use it in my 2nd and 3rd zones. I also plan on using the DacMagic as I work for a cambridge dealer.

[chanlon]

I've been auditioning a DacMagic for the past few days.
I have my current ATV connected via toslink to the Cambridge unit which is connected to the Rotel 1570.

I find the sound of the DAC a little warmer than the internal DAC's of the Rotel.
However I find it a shade less detailed. I find the high end frequencies are not as "hot" but vocals lack a little of the clarity. I can't justify the $450 for the DAC for a "slightly different" not necessarily better sound imo. To each their own of course. Its nice to know that the Burr Brown's of the Rotel measure up!