Zune output vs. CD output

Lossless encoding would sound nearly identical, and my guess would be that, on a second system of modest proportions, 320kb/sec encoding would sound great. And you'd have a lot of fun with it. Don't see how you could go wrong.

Cool, thanks for the input.

So does running sound out of a 1/8" mini into 2 RCAs yield any loss in comparison to running straight RCA to RCA? Let's assume I used identical RCA cables for each and a quality 1/8" mini plug.

I don't see how the little Zune is going to have enough output current to really drive the integrated amp well enough. If you could compare the two you would find the CD output to sound better... if you are looking for convenience then go the Zune route. I would get both, but that's just me.

I didn't read carefully enough - I read docked, and I assumed a docking mechanism similar to the plethora you see for iPods. The little 1/8" mini plug is far from ideal, I'm sure, as a connector. Still, with lossless recordings, my guess would be that the fun and convenience would outweight any perceived "performance" issues on a system of the type you describe.

Do you have a music server set up anywhere? You say that you have most of your music collection ripped - there are many ways to feed systems from a music server, either local or remotely. Lots of fun!

Hey,

Oh ya, I forgot to mention that in my original post... I will have the Zune docked in their A/V pack. I was actually amazed at this thing... you can output a full 480p signal via component cables from the little zune when docked.

So... I couldn't seem to find anywhere exactly what type of outputs come out of the dock... Would it most likely be 2 separate RCAs? And, in that case, would have enough output current / be comparable with CDs?

I just found out that it can play WMA lossless audio as well as some WMA 'pro' codec at 384 kpbs. It can also output 48kHz sampled music... I'm not sure if CDs are generally 44.1 or 48... Anyways, sounds good to me so far...

Kthomas... Heh, I'm actually not even sure what a music server is. I have a PC and a large collection of music scattered about on DVDs and some on my HDDs... not sure if that is the same thing.

I thought of using my PC... This has been my means of listening to music for years now... but now a few things are holding me back. First, with the schematics of my house I would need a hefty amount of RCA cable to make the run to my amp... and I would want it to be quality cable, so that would be a bit outside my budget I think. Second, I do have a nice MB with 6 'hi-def' sound outputs... and they do sound good... but again they are all 1/8" mini plugs, which you guys say is not ideal. I am assuming I would need to buy a sound card that can output straight RCAs to avoid using a mini plug. And third on the list, I might not want my computer to be on sometimes when I am listening to music.

Oh, and fourth... the Zune looks sweet and I would like to have the option of taking it with me places as well.

Just out of curiosity, how much does a good sound card typically cost?

I just thought of another option... although this may be the most expensive of all... Could I buy a sound card with an optical or digital sound output, run the opt/digital cable to a converter that outputs 2 short RCA interconnects to my amp?

K, appreciate all the feedback. Thanks.