mstieb

Not more or less. iTunes is *explicitly* designed to insert itself between files on the device and what you'd prefer to do with them. After you get the files off using a 3rd party utility, consider running rockbox [rockbox.org] firmware instead, if this iPod is hard-drive based. That way you can drag & drop and then play multiple formats, including lossless FLAC files, just like with a USB stick.

Have you looked into NuForce? The Icon2 (US$350) is an integrated amp that has: a USB input that accepts 24bit/96kHz an RCA input a 1/8" stereo input a digital amp to power 2 passive speakers http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/icon2/index.php What it won't do that a many receivers will: allow for remote control remote source switching no tuner no DSP for home theater AudioAdvisor still has the Icon (16bit, lower power amp) for US$250

As soon a the first consumer CD burners became available for PCs in the late 1990's, I was hooked on EAC, using SHN and FLAC for music archival (and snubbing lossy formats & captive music libraries/DRM schemes). Discovering RockBox firmware for HDD-based iPods was another revelation. It took realizing that a desktop motherboard I had purchased in 2005 had requisite S/PDIF coax out that could talk to my Rega IO DAC @ 48kHz, to allow my streaming experience begin in my main system. It didn't take much convincing that I need my music collection available on a NAS

I'll second: the HRT Streamer II 24-bit USB DAC @ $149 a T-amp clone like the Dayton Audio DTA-100a @ $100 and I'll propose: a refurbished Atom-CPU-based netbook @ $250 a refurb. 1TB or 2TB external USB hard drive @ $100 used bookshelf/tower loudspeakers the higher the efficiency, the better @ $200-500

I've not bought a Plextor for a few years, so the model is likely irrelevant. Mine is an internal ATAPI (IDE) DVD burner that I put in a 3rd party USB case.

I don't think the RAM or CPU matter as much as the optical drive and software (with error correction) you choose. I used to get great rips on a low-RAM Pentium133, while using an 8x Ricoh SCSI via Exact Audio Copy [http://exactaudiocopy.de] software. Today's ATA/IDE or SATA drives are quite speedy, and I've had good luck with Plextor drives, both when used internally, or placed in a USB external enclosure.

I don't think the RAM or CPU matter as much as the optical drive and software (with error correction) you choose. I used to get great rips on a low-RAM Pentium133, while using an 8x Ricoh SCSI via Exact Audio Copy [http://exactaudiocopy.de] software. Today's ATA/IDE or SATA drives are quite speedy, and I've had good luck with Plextor drives, both when used internally, or placed in a USB external enclosure.

40GB iPod (RockBox firmware, FLAC & SHN capable) > BioScienceGeek (OPA2227P-based) mobile 'phone amp > beyerdynamic DT-831 (closed)

I'm not sure there is a difference. Making your own is fairly easy, with basic soldering skills: http://www.soundstage.com/synergize/synergize111998.htm

It would help if you tell us what DAC input (USB, coax, optical) you intend to use, and a little about the rest of your system.

Hard to offer advice without a bit more info: Could you tell us about the source & amp that was driving the Diva Ti's? How are the acoustics in this room? When you clap, is there an echo, or are the furnishings/floor covering capable of absorbing reflected sounds? How high is the ceiling?

If you have an inclination toward DIY: http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/flexye.html

The more resolution your system has, the worse lossy formats like MP3 (even at 256kbps) will sound. The online sources for lossless music might be highly taste-dependent. If you like live music from bands that allow their performances to be recorded, you can check out The Live Music Archive. http://www.archive.org/browse.php?collection=etree&field=%2Fmetadata%2Fcreator It varies by uploader, but many who contribute recordings will post them in FLAC format. You can narrow your search to show items that have SBD (soundboard) in the recording lineage. Many recordings are posted with an embedded media player, allowing you to hear a streamed version (usually VBR MP3) before downloading the lossless files.

I have not purchased one in a few years, but I've had good luck with Plextor CD/DVD burners. You can buy an internal one and put it in its own external USB/FireWire case to get it out of the noisy PC case (and away from the main PC power supply).

You'll have lots if options with your new DAC, but they may not all sound equally good. Let your ears tell you. Try the USB connection to your PC and send the line out to your receiver > speakers. Also make sure to try the coax out on your motherboard, feeding the coax in on the DAC, which then feeds a line out to the receiver > speakers. Optical outs generally don't compare as well, I've read here numerous times.