USB vs iPod Touch through the DAC

Posted by: Jan-Erik Nordoen on 18 March 2010

I've compared playback from the iPod classic and USB; the latter wins hands down.

Has anyone compared USB and iPod Touch? I'm wondering if the solid state memory in the Touch brings it closer to USB playback.

Thanks

Jan

Posted on: 21 March 2010 by pcstockton

quote:
Originally posted by MartinCA:
quote:
I am not saying there isn't a difference. But the language used is making it appear as though one source through the Naim DAC sounds like a 5i and other make it sound like a CDS3.

I know this isn't exactly what you meant, but more generally I think it can sound anywhere between those two extremes, depending on what system you have. In a system with 555 tech and XPS power and all the expensive cables it could well sound like a CDS3. In a system with an old Nait, and no gismos, it will sound like a 5i.

By the way, I think this is brilliant. You can build a system around it. You can plug it into your entry level system , and it can still hold its own along the upgrade path onto top end systems too.

So the DAC will so better on 500 series kit. Thanks for the amazing insight there. EVERYTHING will sound better on better kit.

The key would be comparing it with various sources on the same kit, right?

Posted on: 21 March 2010 by banjer1

quote:
Originally posted by Jan-Erik Nordoen:
quote:
Originally posted by pcstockton:
really??????????????? really? That big of a difference?

You were playing the EXACT same files??

Yes, ripped using Exact Audio Copy

WRT reading digital data from the ipod storage directly, bypassing the ipod DAC:
You mean the first Naim unit? I think the Wadia unit did it "first"...Assuming the Naim actually does it. I'm not convinced quite yet. My Naim rep said my uniti did, but he was WRONG.

Posted on: 22 March 2010 by MartinCA

quote:
Originally posted by pcstockton:

So the DAC will so better on 500 series kit. Thanks for the amazing insight there. EVERYTHING will sound better on better kit.

The key would be comparing it with various sources on the same kit, right?

Bit harsh there! In any case top end kit often exposures the shortcomings on entry level sources.

But my point was really that the DAC holds its own in amongst top of the range stuff as well as being affordable as part of a relatively entry level system. So it is something you can build a system around.