Bypassing the iPod's DAC

[swt61]

Does anyone have any experience with any of the docks that bypass the iPod's internal DAC? I'm thinking about buying such a device to use with my home DAC, and would appreciate any relevant info. I'm aware of the Wadia and the Onkyo, any others of note?

A decent used Wadia 170i goes for about $250, and that's appealing.

[Genetic]

http://www.cnet.com.au/cambridge-audio-id100-339313584.htm

Seems a bit pricey but in the end it's a nice toy.

Amicalement

[skullguise]

I have the Cambridge unit, and used to have the Wadia (170, not 171). The remote on the older Wadia was limited in what it could control, I didn't like the (lack of) functionality. The Cambridge isn't a world-beater for functions, but it's better than the original Wadia.

The Cambridge is smaller, has more digital out options, will (perhaps awkwardly) fit the iPad, and has the better remote. I can't say if one is better sound-wise than the other, as I never had them side by side. But I like what the Cambridge did, and I liked what the Wadia did, sound-wise. Great recordings sound great, good ones sound good.

The Cambridge is sold street price for $300 new, and you may be able to find it cheaper. Personally, I think it's worth the ~$50 more than a used Wadia.

[swt61]

It does have some interesting features. I particularly like the AES/EBU output.

[Dusty Chalk]

Found out that the Onkyo unit from Japan is not iPhone compatible, so I'm going the Cambridge Audio route, myself.

[elnero]

There's the Pure i-20, I don't know anything about it, just saw on FS at the other place for $85.

[swt61]

That Pure unit is cheap, but I'm not sure it's up to par with the other units. Maybe someone who's used it will chime in.

At this point I'm leaning toward the Cambridge unit. I like that it's small, and I like the output options. Looks nice too. And it's nice to get first hand info about it.

[Beefy]

If you are going to be spending $300 or more, have you considered a Squeezebox Touch? Combined with an external hard drive it offers a lot more flexibility IMHO, although it does lack the AES/EBU of the Cambridge iPod dock......

[swt61]

I had not. Will it play from my iTunes folder? I already have all my music on an external drive, but it's all on iTunes.

EDIT: Ah, I see that you need a computer booted for the Squeezebox, and that does not fit my needs.

Edited July 12, 2011 by swt61

[Beefy]

If you have your music on an external drive, you can connect the Squeezebox directly to that - without needing a computer.

[swt61]

Interesting. I'll research it more.

[grawk]

steve, 1st gen appletv with a 160gb drive.

[vvs_75]

I read somewhere (Amazon reviews likely) when I was thinking to buy SB touch, some users reported that if you connect HD directly, every time you want to use it or have a glitch the SB have to rescan all you library again, plus some other inconveniences interface related.

[swt61]

Bits is bits eh? You may be right Reks. And it is 1/3 the price.

[vvs_75]

There is 22 pages thread called "Pure i-20 iPod/iPhone Dock as a DAC" on that other site.

[morphsci]

I will probably go or the Cambridge unit as itis one of the few that you can use for the iPad as well. Plus if they like it at HF, that's a bad sign.

[swt61]

There is 22 pages thread called "Pure i-20 iPod/iPhone Dock as a DAC" on that other site.

Why in the fuck would I do that to myself?

[vvs_75]

Why in the fuck would I do that to myself?

You are the one who can't make your mind.

I already know which one I want, so I do not have to hurt myself reading all that.

Edited July 15, 2011 by vvs_75