iPad as a music server?

I'm surprised this topic hasn't come up before. I've been using my iPad as a digital source in my main system for a couple of months now, and have been extremely pleased with the results.

I don't often have time to post comments here, but all this talk of camera kits and Wadia docks has spurred me to come forward and reveal the true secret to achieving iPad audio bliss: a bluetooth DAC.

No cables or connectors need apply. The iPad's built-in Bluetooth transceiver allows you to wirelessly output a digital signal to a DAC of whatever quality and/or price is most suitable to your needs.

The one I've been using is the Chordette Gem (from Chord Electronics in England), which is described as their "entry" model (US price: $799). Should this strike you as laughably cheap (and lacking all semblance of true audiophile cred), you can always spring for the QBD76 (a more reasonable $5995). I've not heard the QBD76, so can't speculate what kind of improvement the extra $5200 will buy, but I can say without hesitation that I've been extremely pleased with the Gem.

It should be mentioned that the Gem has a USB input, too, but so far I haven't had time to try it out, nor have I had a chance to compare the Gem critically with either my Wavelength Brick or my NAD M55 CD/SACD/DVD player. But after 200+ hours of break-in, it is clearly in the same league. Close listening would likely reveal differences among them, but these might easily be of the "different" but not necessarily "better" variety.

Highly recommended!
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Dyfrig,

Just came across your post. Since you're able to get the Chordette to work with your iPhone, my first guess is that the Chordette is ignoring the iPad because it thinks it should be paired to the iPhone.

If you power cycle the Chordette (or flip the little toggle switch from the "wireless" (Bluetooth) setting to the "wired" setting for a few seconds, and then flip it back), you should be able to start fresh and pair the DAC to your iPad.

On the iPad, go to Settings (General) > Bluetooth. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is "On" and look for the "Chordette" strip under devices. Tap the Chordette strip. It usually takes a couple of seconds to pair the DAC and the iPad, and you're good to go.

Also, with the new "AirPlay" software, there is now an AirPlay icon next to the volume slider in iPod (music-playing) mode that looks a bit like a TV balanced on a triangle. Touch this to expand it, and make sure the Chordette is selected (checked).

Good luck--and report back!
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