Suggestions for Portable DAC to bypass iPod's DAC?

[kissmehardy]

Hi,

 

First of all, I apologise for making my first post nothing more than a request for advice. Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute something in return as time passes.

 

I own an iPod Classic 160GB. I've read that Apple does allow manufacturers to produce DACs that can access the raw digital stream (ie. allow you to bypass the internal DAC) but it requires a license. Such DACs appear to be as rare as hen's teeth, however, though Wadia appears to do some.

 

I was hoping someone here might have knowledge of a portable version of such a thing, something having the same proportions and functionality as the Fiio E7 (which I currently use). It's something I'm having difficulty performing a web search for - I can't seem to come up with a good set of terms.

 

The chief aim is to eventually use such a device between my iPod Classic and a pair of Grado MS-1 headphones (or AKG 450s) to listen to ALAC copies of my CDs.

 

Thanking you in advance

[ESL]

Hi,

 

First of all, I apologise for making my first post nothing more than a request for advice. Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute something in return as time passes.

 

I own an iPod Classic 160GB. I've read that Apple does allow manufacturers to produce DACs that can access the raw digital stream (ie. allow you to bypass the internal DAC) but it requires a license. Such DACs appear to be as rare as hen's teeth, however, though Wadia appears to do some.

 

I was hoping someone here might have knowledge of a portable version of such a thing, something having the same proportions and functionality as the Fiio E7 (which I currently use). It's something I'm having difficulty performing a web search for - I can't seem to come up with a good set of terms.

 

The chief aim is to eventually use such a device between my iPod Classic and a pair of Grado MS-1 headphones (or AKG 450s) to listen to ALAC copies of my CDs.

 

Thanking you in advance

 

Here you go.

 

http://cypherlabs.com/

 

 

Martin

[Musicophile]

Here's another one, but only line-out. No integrated head phone amp though.

 

http://www.highresolutiontechnologies.com/istreamer/

[AudioExplorations]

Fostex HP-P1. Portable DAC + headphone amp.

[Musicophile]

http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/ido/index.php

Nuforce iDo

[jhwalker]

Hi,

 

First of all, I apologise for making my first post nothing more than a request for advice. Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute something in return as time passes.

 

I own an iPod Classic 160GB. I've read that Apple does allow manufacturers to produce DACs that can access the raw digital stream (ie. allow you to bypass the internal DAC) but it requires a license. Such DACs appear to be as rare as hen's teeth, however, though Wadia appears to do some.

 

I was hoping someone here might have knowledge of a portable version of such a thing, something having the same proportions and functionality as the Fiio E7 (which I currently use). It's something I'm having difficulty performing a web search for - I can't seem to come up with a good set of terms.

 

The chief aim is to eventually use such a device between my iPod Classic and a pair of Grado MS-1 headphones (or AKG 450s) to listen to ALAC copies of my CDs.

 

Thanking you in advance

 

The Fiio E7 already does this - it's an external USB DAC that bypasses the internal processing of your iPod, just as you requested.

 

Are you saying you're not satisfied and are looking to upgrade, or were you not aware you already had the solution?

[XP9433]

The Fiio E7 already does this - it's an external USB DAC that bypasses the internal processing of your iPod, just as you requested.

 

I suspect you might find that the E7 does not actually process the "digital" signal from any Ipod. I have this feeling it only takes the analog output (post Ipod DAC processing) and amplies it?? I could be wrong but I recommend you check this out before buying!

 

Frank

[jhwalker]

I suspect you might find that the E7 does not actually process the "digital" signal from any Ipod. I have this feeling it only takes the analog output (post Ipod DAC processing) and amplies it?? I could be wrong but I recommend you check this out before buying!

 

Frank

 

The Fiio E7 acts as a DAC if you use the USB input on the unit, which is what I do. I use the Camera Connection Kit to get USB out from the iPad / iPhone / iPad and use the E7 as a DAC + headphone amplifier.

 

Of course, if you use a line-level adapter (or the like) the *iPad* will do the digital > analog conversion, and with that type of connection, the E7 becomes merely a headphone amplifier.

[rickyg]

Have you looked at head-fi.org and their Head Gear section already? As a dedicated site I could imagine they cover your basics?

 

And then you might want to look over at 32ohmaudio.com who are dedicated to portable audio.

 

I've looked at both extensively myself but couldn't decide on a rig yet, so I can't recommend any actual dac myself.

 

Rick

[XP9433]

John Walker

So the E7 only acts as an amp (not a dac) when used with an Ipod?

Frank

[jhwalker]

John Walker

So the E7 only acts as an amp (not a dac) when used with an Ipod?

Frank

 

You're right, of course: only the iPad support the Camera Connection Kit output thru USB, so the E7 will only work with the iPad as a DAC. Don't know why that simple distinction slipped my mind

 

When you use the E7 with an iPod or iPhone, you may use a line level output adapter from Fiio that bypasses the headphone amplifier built-in to the iPod / iPhone or you can plug in directly to the headphone output. Either way, the internal DAC of the iDevice does the digital > analog conversion, *not* the E7.

 

My apology for the earlier misleading post.

[XP9433]

My apology for the earlier misleading post.

 

Apology not needed. I use a Fiio E11 with my Ipod and it makes a small but worthwhile improvement (plus with gain setting change, allows me an absolute polarity selection option for each track - but that's another story).

 

I am sure Fiio could do a briliant job of making an Ipod compatible and Apple licensed portable DAC/Amp. Also sure it would be equal sound quality but much better priced than say the Fostex. I know I would buy one if Fiio took this development path!

 

Frank

PS I only listen to 44.1kHz wav file on the Ipod

[ajm057]

Hi -- by far the best Portable DAC to use with an IPhone, IPod etc. is that ADL X1 -- it is a DAC and takes feed from the Apple 30 Pin iDock-to-USB A to the USB input on the X1. I use this with my Grado PS1000 headphones and the results are spectacular.

 

ADL X1 | Headphone Amplifiers | Products | ADL

[Elo]

Hi -- by far the best Portable DAC to use with an IPhone, IPod etc. is that ADL X1 -- it is a DAC and takes feed from the Apple 30 Pin iDock-to-USB A to the USB input on the X1. I use this with my Grado PS1000 headphones and the results are spectacular.

 

ADL X1 | Headphone Amplifiers | Products | ADL

Hi sorry for being thick but is the ADL X1 made by Fiio do you mean that X1 ?

If you are referring to the Fiio X 1 is that not a music player as well as a Dac

and if it is, on a scale of 1 to 10 how much of an improvement in sound is there

up against the IPod classic ? This is my first post on this fourm and I'm getting a bit old though i love all types of music and like to hear it at it,s best.

Thanks for any info you can give me. Elo

[ajm057]

Hi sorry for being thick but is the ADL X1 made by Fiio do you mean that X1 ?

If you are referring to the Fiio X 1 is that not a music player as well as a Dac

and if it is, on a scale of 1 to 10 how much of an improvement in sound is there

up against the IPod classic ? This is my first post on this fourm and I'm getting a bit old though i love all types of music and like to hear it at it,s best.

Thanks for any info you can give me. Elo

 

 

Please see here -- ADL X1 | Headphone Amplifiers | Products | ADL

[ajm057]

They now also make the A1 -- which is even better.

"ADL – Alpha Design Labs – creates innovative, smart-looking components for computer-based systems as well as personal and portable electronics. Tokyo-based ADL by Furutech™ aims high using the best materials and innovative design for an expanding line of Japanese-designed precision products including the superb sounding DSD & 24/192 ADL A1 Headphone Amp."

 

If Iphone 6 plus is 3 out of 10 -- when playing into a pair of GRADO PS-10000e's; then the X1 take it to a 6. The IPOD classic is 1/10 for me -- because it can only cope with lower resolution sample rates.

 

If you have this then I suggest you think about all the elements you could upgrade to include the quality of your listening experience -- A huge amount depends on the full chain of reproduction:

a) the quality of the original recording -- there are a lot of just bad pressings/masterings and 44hz -- obtaining a good recording and reproduction is the 1st step.

b) the quality of the digital conversion and sample rate -- my minimum target is 320 kbps; however with a good dac I am moving my favourite recordings to at least 24bit/96hz minimum -- or much higher for some instrumental works

c) the player -- be this IPhone, PC or MAC if it is used as anything more than a data-source. Some players, like JR River and Audirvana bipass the computer's sound card and sync directly with the DAC -- it makes a difference

d) the connection from the source to the DAC -- I use an ADL lightning connector to high-speed cable sourced from Custom Cable: The Headphone and Portable Audio Specialists to connect the Iphone to the DAC

e) the quality of your cans (headphones) -- again a huge factor -- no point driving great sound into crappy little headphones -- you need larger drive units and high responsiveness if you want to hear the difference

f) the environment within which you are listening -- RU sitting in a nice armchair next to a fire in a log cabin on top of some desolate mountain -- OR -- are you standing on the metro, in rush hour, with hundreds of irritated sweaty bodies bashing into you -- having to breath-in someone else's garlic and alcohol fuelled supper....

g) the level and type of background noise .......... no point seeking high def playback if your on the metro

h) the volume you listen at ...... it really does make a difference

h) the quality of your own hearing and mental state......... no point paying a bunch for good repro if your a bit "mutt & Jeff" -- i.e. cannot hear the difference. -- or are so pissed at the world that morning that you just are not listening....

 

For me now - I'm only occasionally am in the write place/head state to use a DAC and my good cans while on the move -- its just as good to have a good set of light headphones with good enough reproduction -- I keep returning to B&O EARPHONES & EARSET 3I when I'm out of the house -- I must be on my 10th set -- I just keep catching the lead.

 

BUT for in the house -- its the Resonessence Invicta DAC and Headphone Amplifier with SD Reader for me now -- hooked up to my Mac Pro and then analogue out to either my cans or hi-fi, via Balanced XLR - played in my partially sound proofed studio -- WONDERFUL

 

Anyway -- hope this helps