iPod/DAC should be as good as MacMini/DAC

Posted by: Rockingdoc on 27 February 2009

As I continue to try to get my head round this digital stuff, it appears that the majority view on the net is that an Apple lossless file is an Apple lossless file, and will sound the same unless interfered with in some way during playback.
So, as the Wadia 1701T accesses the iPod's files for playback, before they are processed by the iPod's internal DAC and amplifier, the result into an external DAC should be the same as using a Macbook or MacMini.
The Wadia has a wireless remote, so nothing else is needed in the chain. Obviously the current iPod is limited to 120 Gb, but that's not far off a stand-alone MacMini, and offers enough choice of music for me at work.
Am I the only one here using the iPod as a true digital source?
Posted on: 27 February 2009 by natnc
I use the ipod/ Wadia i70 into my Supernait with great results. The digital cable makes a big difference which is why I use the Naim DC1 (coaxial). This does not allow you to playback hi-res however. I'm not sure it the mini is capable of 24/96.
I also use multiple ipods with the Wadia, so there is really no limit to storage capacity.
I still have my sights on a HDX this year, but I could live with this setup as my main source if that were not an option.
Nat
Posted on: 28 February 2009 by pcstockton
Munch, what if his screen name was DrRubberFinger? Winker
Posted on: 01 March 2009 by The Strat (Fender)
My issue with the iPOD is its durability. My daughters are now on their 2nd (each) and one is going back to the MAC Store in Milton Keynes later today under warranty because it's developed a fault.

I just think in using the iPOD as a source for home is using it beyond its intent - a mobile music carrier at which it is just brilliant.

For home use I would seek a more fit for purpose solution - perhaps a mini mac but a HDX or equivalent would appear to be more appropriate.

Fender (Strat)
Posted on: 01 March 2009 by Obsessed1
I have both the ipod/wadia and a sonos hooked up to a L**** DAC, and both sound excellent; only failing to engage when playing the (compressed) tunes downloaded from iTunes. Both sound so good that I rarely use the cd/sacd player anymore.

Each is viable for home use; the Sonos works best, though, because of its ability to be fully remote-controlled.

Vinyl still gets the most use in my system.
Posted on: 02 March 2009 by Rockingdoc
In my office, I feed my external DAC with the iPod/Wadia via coax, and and my desktop PC running iTunes via USB. I did think that the PC was giving a better sound, but now that the Wadia has been run in I'm less sure.
Posted on: 08 March 2009 by Jono 13
I have just ordered a 160GB AppleTV with the intention of syncing most if not all of my existing library across to it and then using it as a local source. When it fills up I will probably hack it to enable the USB port and attach more storage to increase the local library.

It can also playback the 720p movies from my wife's new camera and all our photos on the TV which is a real bonus.

It also offers the option of a seperate DAC/SuperNAIT in future.

It should be here tomorrow, Monday, and I will post impressions during next week.

Jono