A good ipod dock for an ipod classic.

Ive had the 170 since it came out. Great product, I really like it. If you read all of the posts out there, there are many descriptions of its weaknesses, especially that it is prone to jitter. To my ears it is hard for me to decern between the Ipod with music ripped with Apple Lossless, and the same CD. All is running through my Cambridge Audio 840C CDP.

So naturally I am curious about the new model. It is listed at $600, and bosts a new power supply and some other upgrades over the 170.

If you have an iPod, then I assume you have an iTunes collection on a PC or Mac. If you also have wi-fi in your home or an ethernet outlet convenient to the audio system, you could instead get a Logitech Squeezebox Touch and bypass the iPod altogether. The Squeezebox Touch will find your digital music files residing on the same wi-fi. It can also channel any digital music services you've subscribed to.

The Squeezebox Touch costs less than the Wadia iTransport ($299 vs. $379), has a built-in 24/96 DAC, can use the internal DAC to output analog stereo headphone or R-L RCAs, or bypass the internal DAC to output SP/DIF in RCA coax or Toslink. It can accept input from wi-fi, Ethernet cable, or USB.

I have thought of that. I do have wi-fi, however I don't know if it would be convienant for me, as the only CPU's in the house are laptops.I don't have a central CPU as the hub, that could be powered on at all times. If im thinking about this the wron way, please let me know.

Space has also been an issue, as the location of the stereo, is in a remote location in my living room, off to one side, in/on a small cabinet.

As info, my system comprises: Wadia 170 feeding the Cambridge Audio 840C DAC section, and a Cayin A 50T integrated with Gold Lion KT77's in the output section. All cabling is ZU Mission, and Zu Essence Speakers.

12-23-10: Ton1313
I have thought of that. I do have wi-fi, however I don't know if it would be convienant for me, as the only CPU's in the house are laptops.I don't have a central CPU as the hub, that could be powered on at all times. If im thinking about this the wron way, please let me know.

I have kept my laptop on all the time for 2-1/2 years, so I don't think that would be a problem. I use a USB portable hard drive (about the size of a wallet) attached to my MacBook to hold all my iTunes files.

But now that I think of it, the Squeezebox Touch has a USB port, mostly intended for plugging in a thumb drive full of music files, but I wonder if it could find the files on a portable USB hard drive plugged directly into the Squeezebox? I'd think so. The reviews I've read indicate that the Squeezebox Touch is very good at finding all the music files on your home network.

As for room/space, the Squeezebox touch is only 3"x5"x3"d. You can tuck that pretty much anywhere.

I have all my music on a portable HD as well. If It can run thru and play the files witout itunes, that would be a major plus in my book. If this is possible, will it recognize and play apple lossless compression?