need to maximize quality of sound for iPod use with studio monitors

[GrandPixel]

I have read recently that certain generation iPods have an audio line-out cable/adapter that will bypass the headphone amp for significantly increased audio quality when used with a hifi audio system. I am looking to pick up a pair of studio monitors.

My question is does this line-out vs headphone-out really make that big of a difference and why? Also need to know which iPod models and generations support this. Currently have a 2nd generation nano, which I am guessing does not have this ability.

I would also like to know if there have been any other advances between iPod models and generations that would significantly improve quality of sound. Thanks for your input.

 

[Boerd]

I have read recently that certain generation iPods have an audio line-out cable/adapter that will bypass the headphone amp for significantly increased audio quality when used with a hifi audio system. I am looking to pick up a pair of studio monitors.

My question is does this line-out vs headphone-out really make that big of a difference and why? Also need to know which iPod models and generations support this. Currently have a 2nd generation nano, which I am guessing does not have this ability.

I would also like to know if there have been any other advances between iPod models and generations that would significantly improve quality of sound. Thanks for your input.

There is another thread like this:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59365

 

[GrandPixel]

Boerd, that thread only talks about active monitors, not getting the best signal from an iPod.

 

[Boerd]

Boerd, that thread only talks about active monitors, not getting the best signal from an iPod.

My bad - here is my 2c about iPods: the best sound to my ear is the iPod classic. I also googled the specs/measurements for different generations of iPod and it seems that generally the classic line of iPod is the one with better sound (for once size does matter - they can fit in a better headphone amp).
To be honest I am NOT sure I can make the difference while listening to 128Kb mp3 - I think I can make the difference when listening to flac or non-lossy formats.
The DACs on ALL iPod are very good - theoretically you can't make the difference BUT the difference is in the mini amplifier of different models.
I would rather spend my time looking for a good pair of monitors... The speakers will be in the end much more important.
The headphone amp in the last gen of iPod classic (the one I have) is really good and quiet.

 

[Hicks]

I'd recommend getting the iTransport that bypasses the iPod's DACs, which aren't really the best in my opinion.

 

[adwilk]

Using an Ipod video, nano, and shuffle... same song... level matched... headphone out vs dock output... Myself and one other guy could not tell a difference on a pretty good setup. Just FYI. That said, I almost always use the dock side for the output cause "I heard" it was SUPPOSED to sound better.

By the way, the song was an apple lossless file.

 

[GrandPixel]

iTransport bypasses digital to analog converter completely, giving digital output from the iPod. This is different than using line-out through the dock port (which bypasses the headphone amp) and also different than using the headphone output. However, the iTransport is several hundred dollars. Cost is a big concern at this point.

Anyone know if the DAC has changed from generation to generation or from model to model in iPods? If I get a dock cable that gives me a line output, the DAC in the iPod will be the only thing that could concern me.

 

[audiohonic65]

I also checked this thread. Cudn't find any answer for this. I will look for some info on this and share with you.

 

[chris357]

if you are using this for home audio with speakers and dont need portability get an Apple TV it has a digital (toslink) out which bypasses the onboard DAC and lets you use the DAC in your AVR whcih should be better. This gives you CD quality as long as you use a lossless file type.

the Wadia is very good but does not really give you any type of onscfeen menu, and there are alot of things I cant think of at the moment that it cant do very well.

the Apple TV gives you onscreen (tv) menus you can do all your video, and you can even do the remote app if you have an iphone and control it from anywhere in your house.

its about the cost of the biggest ipod

 

[cyclist231]

to my ears my ipod sounds better through the dock out than the headphone out when used with the line in jack on my car stereo. Ive got a power plug that connects to the dock connector and powers the ipod and gives me a line out so its more convenient too.

 

[tooskinny]

I always used the headphone jack to hook up to my receiver. I recently purchased a cable that connects to the dock part of the ipod then to the rca's on the receiver. The sound quality was really noticable. I picked this cable up at amazon for $15. It's the same principle of using a docking station but it doesn't charge the ipod or control with your remote.

 

[chris357]

i used to use a D Lo home dock deluxe which was about 129 at Best Buy. it connected to the video and allowed for on screen menu via their remote. it worked really well but still used the DAC on the IPOD which I've also heard is not all that good when played on a anctual system and not just head phones.

so if the objective is to get CD quality on a home system for a reasonable total price..

a home dock at $100 +/-
Ipod at $200 +/- ish

or a 160gb Apple TV for 250 - 300? whcih does have a digital output to bypass the cheap DAC and use a better DAC in a AVR

plus get a much better on screen menu and remote system AND a portable remote via an Iphone or Ipod Touch with wifi

 

[Prevtzer]

Hey,
if you want to get the most out of your iPod you have to get iMod from Red wine audio. IMod is actually among the best sounding players out there.

 

[yepimonfire]

the DAC on an ipod is actually very good, ive listened to the same song using a direct PCM out on my CD player and then my Ipod, no difference in sound whatsoever, aside from volume. the CD player is a bit louder but that is because the DAC in my receiver put out a much stronger signal, but its only off by about 3 numbers on the volume meter. i have a thing for doing useless tests like this all the time when im bored haha. what i havent done that i now just thought of doing is actually recording them both on a line in, equalizing the amplitudes, and doing an inverted test to see if there are any differences, gah see what you got me started on.

 

[yepimonfire]

found a solution http://www.ramelectronics.net/ipod-mp3/ipod-cables/i-extreme-ipod-docking-to-stereo-rca-cable/prodIFEPDRCA.html

 

[WmAx]

Hey,
if you want to get the most out of your iPod you have to get iMod from Red wine audio. IMod is actually among the best sounding players out there.

Snake oil dealers.

The stock IPOD will output transparent audio for mere mortals. Even if it did have some tiny level of coloration, my goodness, the best speakers in the world add more coloration to the signal than the iPod's DAC possibly could....

-Chris

 

[Prevtzer]

If you have an iPod that isn't of the latest generation then you have terrible and way overpriced source. If you have iPod of the latest generationthen you at least have a decent source but still way overpriced. There are just so many better media player out there that I don't see a point of using iPod. Currently hottest product is Nationite S:flo2 which kicks the **** out of any other media player out there (except for HiFiman, but that one is like 7 times more expensive).

 

[LucB]

Still, iPod may be good but I can hear the difference between compressed audio and a CD, when both are playing and I switch between them. Not with pop music, but certainly with jazz and some classical music. So if you really value quality, I'd go for an uncompressed source.

If it needs to be iPod, I'd go for a docking station, in that case you don't go via the headphone output. And there are a few with remote control with playlist view, that make your life easier. Here's a little overview and comparison of a few iPod docks.