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Using iPod Classic as music server

I finally decided to organize my music on a "server" using an iPod Classic that I got as a hand-me-down from one of my grandsons. In order to replicate music as accurately as possible I'm ripping CDs using Apples lossless CODEC. My understanding of these formats like FLAC and ALAC is that accuracy of replication is 100% and I'm finding that playback using earphones or good buds at least, seems that that is so.

However, when playing through my system, although good, playback using the iPod is not the same as when the source is the CD player. The information seems complete and obviously better than compressed versions I've heard but resolution and detail in the upper frequencies seems to have been softened.

My ability to compare these two sources is straightforward because I can have the same track playing on both sources and A/B using the source selector on the preamp. Now il get to my question.

First I need to say that the present system performs extremely well for my listening tastes so I'm not questioning the existing components. However, there are at least the 2 new issues of concern; one is the quality of the CD transport in the computer and the other is the quality of the iPod playback. I don't mean to imply that the playback from the iPod is terrible. As a matter of fact, it sounds quite good but a little softer/warmer than I prefer for critical listening.

There must be a reason why dedicated music servers are expensive and I'm assuming it has to do with reproduction quality as with other components in a system. I've never seen one so don't even know the process(es) for downloading music to them but, for several reasons, I want to pursue the use of a digital server of some kind. I'm, therefore, asking for corrections of my assumptions as well as some guidance toward making an intelligent choice.

My present system is: Shanling S-100 CD player, Peachtree Audio Nova as a preamp, Peachtree Audio 220 amp and Martin Logan Odyssey speakers.
128x128broadstone
bjbcab
131 posts
 
Broadstone

I have heard digital playback from iPods, iPhones, Mac mini's and solid state server. I have compared directly to the CD on the same equipment and the. CD always sounds much better. I don't know why but it does. This is running through my DCS Puccini and a friends DCS Scarlatti stack. I don't know what the issue is but a big difference to me.

Perhaps something like the Bryston referenced above has a better transformer and components and that will make the difference.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
playback using the iPod is not the same as when the source is the CD player.

I'm not sure what you are comparing. Playback from your computer vs. iPod?
Maybe the master clock in the CDP is superior to whatever is inside the iPod. The CD (or computer) is controlling jitter and possibly has a better DAC. Thus, better sound.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
Are you using the 30 pin connector on the iPod or the headphone jack? You will get significantly better results using the 30 pin connector, but in my experience the DAC on the iPod cannot compete with a CD player. Something like the Wadia essentially turns the iPod into an external hard drive and should improve your listening experience. There is another product that I have seen on Music Direct that appears to do the same thing. I have never been curious enough to pull the trigger to see how they do.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
The analog section of the ipod is pretty bad. You can't expect it to perform in the same league as your Shanling. It would be no different than if you were to take a portable walkman style CD player and put that against your S-100.

If you want to use your ipod with good results, you'll need to run it through some type of dac. Someone above mentioned the Wadia. I would go with something like that.
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
I have downloaded all my CDs to my Mac Mini. They are played through a M2Tech HiFace using Audirvana and an Eastern Electric DAC. I synch my 4 ipods to the Mac Mini using each for a separate genre or style. All of my music is in Apple Lossless and is synch that way to my classic ipods. I can carry my entire library of music everywhere I go. I have an apartment away from my home. I use a Pure i-20 dock ($99)from the 20 pin connector and the digital out to another DAC there. The i-20 dock takes a pure digital signal out of the ipod without using any Apple conversion. It is a pure digital stream. The digital stream is identical to any other source be it computer or digital out from a CD player. Thus, I have all my music in both places. Another advantage is with the i-20 you can use an ipod Touch and wi-fi to stream any internet music source and also get a digital stream, although it will be a compressed and lossy stream, whereas the Apple Lossless from your classic ipod will be lossless. I liked the i-20 so much I bought two to have a spare but have not used it. Highly recommended.
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