Ipod to Digital Out

I seem to recall a review in either Stereophile or TAS where they put three iPod mini-systems through the paces and the iDeck was one of them. I could swear they cited the same specification and that it succeeded because it used its very own (superior) DAC - though I recall it was bested by some very expensive German speakers without a DAC, but with tube amplification perhaps(?). The little misinformation probably originates from P.R. at Monitor and has just never been questioned by anyone selling or reviewing the stuff. Interesting that someone at Monitor divulged that discrepancy to Peter.

Great news that Apple is addressing the digital-output for those who may like to take advantage. Thanks for investigating Peter.

Marco

Hi Marco,

So the truth comes out! :-)

I just couldn't see a company making a product like Monitor Audio (which doesn't sell for all that much money) and also making all the effort to take the signal out of the iPod digitally and use their own dac which is supposed to sound better.... but they are using speakers that mostly likely cannot resolve the improvement that they claim ;-)

So if they really only use the analog line out from the dock connector, that is bad advertising. Actually, I don't remember ever reading on the Monitor Audio website about them using a different dac.... I've only read it in Audio Advisor!

Best regards,

Vinnie

Monitor Audio website says nothing about iDeck using its own DAC. That said, its a great piece for what it is, and on sale for $160 from original list of $360. Speakers are darn good.

Neal

I hope I didnt miss anything in my quick search of the archives....

.....but could anyone please comment on the brand new iPods and whether or not it is easier (ie possible) to get

1) digital out or

2) at least a true line level out?

I am in no rush to upgrade my iPod but would do so if either of these options were available.

Thank you,

I have plans to bring out the I2S interface on the iPod and interface it directly with my own DAC design. It will be like a portable docking station that you can hold in your hand like the iPod, but a bit larger. Rechargeable battery powered with DAC and headphone amp/volume control. I am calling it the iRod, for "hotrodded" iPod. This will happen probably next year after I complete the more important product of my Formula One DAC. The iRod uses many of the features of the Formula One DAC. It will be a milled, anodized aluminum chassis with rounded edges, available in colors, that the iPod slips into. You can even drive an amplifier directly from it.

The iRod will require modding of the iPod to connect the I2S interface to the docking connector, and improve the clock. The modded iPod can still be charged and used normally when not docked, except for the line-outs and some other ancillary features on the docking connector.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio