iPod to DAC Connection

The computer is the way to go if you want to get the best fidelity with a hard drive based transport. I rip my CD's to my hard drive and ipod uncompressed using AIFF. With hard drives getting larger and cheaper, I don't see any reason to use compression. I set up a system with a G4 Power book outputting via USB connection to an Apogee Mini-Dac and it sounds really, really good. On the other hand, I connect my ipod to my car stereo using the headphone out and it sounds good, too. Not as good as the computer through the Apogee, but good enough for the car, far better than a 6 CD changer.

All interesting comments and suggestions. I am now leaning toward getting the Slim Devices Squeezebox ($200) mentioned by Macallan25, which is hooked up to the computer (iMac in my case) by either an Ethernet cable or wireless system, and which has coaxial and optical outputs to connect to a DAC (in my case the MF Trivista CD/SACD player is my DAC). I will add a LaCie Big Disk HD, probably the 500GB ($550) model, so I can rip hundreds of uncompressed files to play via the Squeezebox. This is beginning to look like the best option since the iPod-to-DAC doesn't appear to be an immediately available option. I listen to my analog system for most of my serious listening sessions, but for $770 I can assemble a pretty good computer based digital system that allows me to put together my own playlists. Reactions?

>>for $770 I can assemble a pretty good computer based digital system that allows me to put together my own playlists. Reactions?<<

I'm with you. I also have a system for serious listening, but I also need solutions for more casual listening. I have been searching for something that will provide convenience, while minimizing sonic compromise. The computer is the way to go. Plus, if you're married, your wife and family will love the convenience of being able to scroll through albums on your computer screen, making playlists, etc. And you will love the fact that they don't have to fool with your CD's in order to play music. If you have a party, you can let the guests scroll through and pick songs for the background music -- it is a great solution.

The problem with letting the guests scroll through and pick songs for the background music is... well... they seem to invariably gravitate to the most embarrassing aspects of your collection.

Incidentally, if you would like to accidentally maximize your guests' ability to access the worst of your collection, tag a bunch of albums with the genre "SH*T" and see what happens. You are then left with explaining why you actually own an Enya album (bad recommendation from friend) and a Nick Gilder album (coincidence of finding it in cheapo used bin at precisely the *one* time in forty years I actually felt a desire to hear "summer in the city"). Also been desperatly searching for a decent band with a name starting "AA" something to avoid ABBA (was a freebie... honest...) showing up at the head of the artist list. Be warned.

I think they should put sporty tubes on the 'pod as well - of course you are walking around and... OW! THAT'S HOT!