Using an iPod with an outboard DAC
Robert Harley -- Sat, 08/23/2008 - 13:09
I very much enjoyed the August issues dedicating space to the digital landscape. I am admittedly a novice when it comes to things hi-fidelity and all that surrounds the subject. Steven Stone's articles helped clarify the matter. I appreciate TAS addressing this subject directly. Additionally, I enjoyed Robert Greene's article on the Benchmark DAC1. My questions is, if one were to run their iPod (Apple lossless) from the iPod dock into the Benchmark, would that serve any purpose? Would you be getting the same affect that Steven Stone got with his arrangements? And finally, when do you use a DAC? I might add in closing, the diagram that Steven Stone used to show the connections between all the components was very helpful. I would love to see that for the DAC1. Thank you for the time and the good reporting. Regards, Tim
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Thanks for your comments about the issue.
To use the Benchmark with the iPod, you'll need to tap into the iPod's digital bitstream. The first device to provide this functionality is the Wadia 170 iTransport ($379). It's an iPod docking station with a digital output jack (RCA connection) for connecting to an outboard DAC. The combination of the iTransport and the Benchmark (or any other outboard DAC) replaces the DAC and analog output stage that are built into the iPod, and are not of very good quality.
My review of the iTransport will appear in Issue 186 (November cover date).
I hope this helps.