iPod to DAC Connection


I was disappointed that the fourth generation iPod announced this week did not have a digital output so that it could be hooked up to an DAC. I think it could provide near audiophile caliber output if you used the best AIFF or Apple Loseless processing options and a digital output. Now, I'm wondering if it is possible to have a digital output for it by somehow hooking up a cable to the iPod itself or the dock that would be Firewire or USB 2.0 at the iPod/dock end and S/PDIF at the other end to plug into a DAC. Anyone know if this is possible? Does such a cable exist, or maybe the digital bits coming out of a Firewire output are different from those going through a coaxial data cable? Any insights would be appreciated.
bruce_1
you may want to try getting sound card for your pc run
optical to your dac use itunes site as your jukebox and
you have as much storage as your pc alots better sollution than ipod anyway i tried hooking ipod through analogue input sounded like crap
check out the apple's airport express. It has a digital out and can also play Internet radio which isn't possible on an iPod. I'm running a toslink out to a sharp digital receiver. the sound out of the box wasn't great but it is improving nicely after 24 hours.

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

"Enjoy your iTunes music library in virtually any room of your house. Share a single broadband Internet connection and USB printer without inconvenient and obtrusive cables. Create an instant wireless network on the go. Extend the range of your current wireless network. How many devices do you need to do all this? Just one."

Presenting AirPort Express.

I'm not really sure what a digital output would do for most iPod users. In order to get AIFF files or even high bit rate AAC files onto the iPod you have to rip them first unto a computer and then transfer them to the iPod. It's actually fair easier and more flexible to run a digital output directly from the computer to an external D/A and bypass the iPod entirely. A digital output on the iPod would only appeal to those people who transport their iPod from system to system where each system has digital inputs.
This is in response to Tarsando's comments about the TAS article descibing the IPOD. I have a good friend who has a REALLY NICE system in his home, with Sony's new reference Sacd player and even he couldn't believe the sound of my IPod connected to his wicked system. The files I have on my IPod are AAC format. It was obviously no contest between his reference player and my $499 IPod, but should it be? His player cost $3000 and is a bargain at that price. He said that (referring to the IPod) has no right sounding that good. I don't have a player as nice as his yet, but still have fun using my IPod and think I probably always will. Serious listening probably not, but for fun and ease of use as well as an entire collection at your fingertips it is money well spent. Cool gadget that I wouldn't part with.
Hi

Not sure if this helps, but click and copy and put to your browser and see. lat us know

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_overview.html

cheers