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Is iPod Digital Output Possible?

I've been scouring through all the ipod accessories and cannot find what I am looking for. Perhaps it does not exist. I was wondering if there is any cable or dock that will allow me to extract a digital output from my iPod video (or any iPod for that matter)? There's plenty of adapters to pull the analog out, but it seems like you always need a computer interface to get digital output. Why? Is it just a matter of software to sort out the library? More to the point; I want to connect my iPod directly to my DAC or even to my Waveterminal (requires the squareish delivery end of a USB cable) to my DAC...is this possible? Has this been discussed previously? If so, where the heck was I? No, don't answer that last part! The authorities may be listening in! Just tell me how to get a digital stream out of my iPod if it's possible.

Marco
jax2
jax2 OP
3,031 posts
 
Thanks Kana813! That appears to be the real deal.

From another thread, compliments of Peter_S and Monitor Audio:
The digital/ audio over USB protocol has only just been released to us by Apple in September, which will mean that products in the future may use the digital data stream with local D/A conversion.

I imagine once Apple begins releasing products with that protocol they would be very popular among audiophiles.

As for the MSBtech device; for $2K you can buy a Mac laptop, an 500gig external drive and have money left over for lots of music.

Marco
kana813
956 posts
 
"I imagine once Apple begins releasing products with that protocol they would be very popular among audiophiles."

Marco- I'm afraid their marketing plans will be ruled by the MP3 world and the new iPhone.

PS- I agree the MSBTech devise is way over priced, but
I'm sure some iPod groupies will still buy it.

PPS- I'd love to hear that MSB Power DAC.
michaelrutherford
6 posts
 
Wow. The MSBTech devise is exactly what I have been waiting for... until I saw the price.
No doubt a similar product will be around soon for much less.
You might as well buy a spare laptop, with all its advantages.
In the mean time I am using my ipod in a docking station that is connected to my pre-amp through a modified Musical Fidelity X-10D tube buffer. Surprisingly good.
junkmailforbrook7889
1 posts
 
It appears that it is, at around $2K.

http://www.ipodhacks.com/article.php?sid=2085
bwhite
807 posts
 
I just stumbled upon what appears to be a (lower priced) iPod dock solution that has a Toslink digital audio output - Escient FP-1.

Here are photos of the FP-1

Does anyone know anything about this solution for potentially interfacing an iPod to a DAC?
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