Hi guys, first post here so appreciate feedback..

Currently looking at some hifi options, one is to buy the new Naim UnitiQute which is an all in one digital music streamer, DAC, and amp, and pair this with some speakers.

The other option is to go the old B&O route with a mid 90s Beosound 4000, paired up with the legendary 8000 speakers I have just been offered.

Most of my listening would be from digital files on my mac, or from internet radio (itunes) streams when I just want background music, hardly ever CD.

Im leaning to the B&O direction, but would like to sort out the source side of the audio before I purchase. My current plan would be to plug in an airport express into a 3.5mm to 7pin plug which would plug directly into aux of the 4000. I could then control music from my iphone with the Apple remote, as the Airport Express would be picking up my macbook tunes.

Obviously this is not as good an audiophile option as the naim which has the DAC etc built in. What would be the audio quality upgrade path later for me if I went with the B&O? I want to increase audio quality and have as simple set up as possible, the idea of having to open up my laptop to listen to music will do in the meantime but isn't ideal.

It seems the option would be to switch the main control unit of the 4000 with a new B&O 3200 that offers Beoport connection. Otherwise a DAC going into the 4000... but would I notice a difference? This seems a lot of work for little gain.

Thoughts?

Quite tricky as you are comparing completely different systems. I suspect you are really wanting a digital file system like the Naim but are attracted by the outward appearance of the Beolab 8000s. I would be tempted to miss out on the 4000 - you say you won't use the CD player and you therefore certainly won't be using the tape! I would either go for the Naim or what about a Mac Mini as a dedicated music server with BeoPort and 8000s. You can use an iPhone as a remote - or an iPad for something a bit flasher, and leave your update path clear.

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the advice, I sure won't be playing any tapes! I like the idea of Mac Mini as a dedicated music server with BeoPort and 8000s. What is the point of the Beoport, is this just to get control over remote for the stereo? I would also be getting the beo4 remote with the setup.