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Wadia ITransport

Just purchased Wadia IPod dock for use with my IPod Touch. I am using Canare 75ohm cable as an interface with my Cambridge 840C AZURE CD player. Reading reviews about the IDock and importing Apple Lossless files, I noticed a difference (small)but noteworthy, where the Dock seems a bit compressed and lacking the resolution and dynamics when compared to the CD. I'm not quite sure, but I thought I remembered with lossless files, the Dock could actually sound better than the CD.

Thank you, I look forward to your thoughts and comments.
RPG
rpg
nglazer
847 posts
 
RPG,

To elaborate, the iTransport PC (power cord) has what is known as a C14 two-pin connector which plugs in to the iTransport; on the other end are the prongs for the connection to the wall of power conditioner. I was suggesting getting a Voodoo Cable C7 IEC to C14 two-prong connector (go to Voodoo Cable website and look under Power Products), which will allow you to use a high-end PC (power cord). I now use either a LessLoss Sig PC or Nordost Brahma to run the iTransport into my Audience AR6 power conditioner and changing PC's has made a huge difference in performance compared to the stock iTransport PC.

I cannot comment on the Canare digicable as I have never heard it. You will find wildly varying opinions on digital cables. I bought my Kharma Grand ref used many years ago. They are expensive, big and fat and unwieldly. The Canare may be great; there are also other reasonably priced alternatives. My point was if you replace the stock PC and use a first class digicable, and have ripped music to iPod using Apple Lossless or equivalent, you can get very close to the sound of the original CD.

Hope this helps.

Neal
rpg OP
126 posts
 
Hi. I was researching cables, specifically the newer Canare offerings. When reading reviews, one writer claimed a huge improvement when inserting a ferrite bead on the interface cable. What I know (little) about ferrite beads is that they alter the characteristic impedance of the cable (75 Ohms)and may be counterproductive. However, since this was so easy to try i did. Two things; the sound improved and the strange distortion that was affecting my Luxman T-117 was gone. So, bottom line, I need a new, well shielded cable. It seems, and I'm not sure why, my IDock is very noisy at it's output. Is it in need of service? Thanks! Rpg
rpg OP
126 posts
 
Dear Neal,

Though not broken in yet, I purchased a high quality PC that had the same termination configuration that plugged directly into the power supply, (no adapters required). I can tell you i was not expecting much, boy I was wrong. The new PC cable made a significant difference. Lastly, as I mentioned, it is clear i need a higher quality interface cable. I found my old Canare to emit noise. I installed chokes at each end of my current old Canare cable while waiting for two new cables. The noise imposed on my tuner has been eliminated due to the chokes, however, little impact with the sound from the dock. It will be interesting to try the new cables as I am sure this is where the opportunity lies. Thanks! the power cable made a notable difference! Rpg
nglazer
847 posts
 
RPG,

Good work. Curious which high grade PC you have which has two-pin connector.

Now on to better digicable and you'll be good to go.

Neal
rpg OP
126 posts
 
Neal,

The power cable I purchased is from Audioquest. They have two cables with the exact configuration required for the power supply. The cables are the NRG-1 and NRG-1.5.

Thanks again for your suggestions, I'm getting closer.

Rpg
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