£100 what DAC?

[PLuKE]

After looking at buying a better iPod, I have started to look at a separate DAC.

I don't want to spend anymore than £100.

My current dock is an Cambridge Audio iD50, linked to a NAD320BBE and B&W685.

Thanks

 

[Al ears]

May I suggest Epiphany Acoustics E-DAC 24 bit Miniature USB DAC

 

[PLuKE]

Thanks

How will I connect this then to my ipod dock, as it has RCA output, S video only.

Luke

 

[richardw42]

Unfortunately I don't think you ll be able to.

Your current dock is passing an anologue signal which has already been through the iPods DAC. you need a dock like the £70 Pure i20 and then onto a DAC.

Unless you can plug your iPod directly into the epiphany. AVRs have this facility so there should be a DAC out there that could do it.

Whatever, if you want a seperate DAC, the CA will be surplus.

 

[Al ears]

I sort of figured the OP would realise the dock was superfluous. Perhaps should have stated that.

Otherwise yes you will need a dock that takes the digital output from the iPod as suggested.

 

[PLuKE]

I have been looking all night, when I should be helping this missus with new bits for the front room we are doing tomorrow,

Well I think I will have to give up on a seprate DAC, as I would need to buy a new iPod dock with digtal out and that would cost to much for me right now.

I have been looking at the TEAC DS H01, seems to use the Burr Brown chip?

Any thoughts?

Luke

 

[davedotco]

Assuming you are using an Apple device, the simplest, cheapest and most complete solution is the Pure i20.

A dock that charges your device, extracts the digital output and makes it available for the dac of your choice or produces an analog signal from it's own on board dac. For the £70 odd that it costs it is an absolute 'no brainer'.

 

[PLuKE]

I already have a Cambridge Audio i50 dock. My only thing is output to an external DAC.

So I would have tobuy the Pure i20 first then a DAC, which I can't budget for.

Hence I have thought about the TEAC DS-H01

 

[richardw42]

HI as DDCs post shows. The Pure i20 has a DAC so will take a digital signal and convert if for you if that's what you want.

The Teac does look good though, and it mould probably be my preference too.

 

[davedotco]

I already have a Cambridge Audio i50 dock. My only thing is output to an external DAC.

So I would have tobuy the Pure i20 first then a DAC, which I can't budget for.

Hence I have thought about the TEAC DS-H01

I was under the impression that the id50 was analog only, ie no digital output.

Please put me straight if I am wrong.

 

[PLuKE]

Yes the i50 doesn't have a digital output.

The DS-H01 seems fair?

Luke

 

[davedotco]

Both the Pure i20 and the Teac DS-HO1 will do the job, though I doubt you will get the Teac for £100, about £140 is the best I have seen, the i20 is around half that price. In the UK at least.

 

[PLuKE]

Thanks

i can get a used TEAC for £80. Is the TEAC good, compared the DAC in the iPod.

I want to get a DAC that I will notice a better sound, not a placebo effect.

Luke

 

[Al ears]

I would very much doubt you will hear much of a difference. The only way to find out is to buy it. If you do not like it then should be able to sell it on without losing any money.

 

[PLuKE]

Well, that's a lot of food for thought.

Some reviews say much better sounding than the iPod DAC.

I don't trust the What HI-FI review!

 

[Al ears]

Ultimately rewiews have to be taken as a guide only. Most are just one man's opinion (admittedly one man that has more time to listen and more kit to play with than I have). In the end it's all down to you and how you think a piece of equipment fits into your system in your listening room.

Not very helpful I'm sure but that's the way it is.

I read reviews with an aim to drawing up a short-list if I'm after something new as there is generally a concensus of opinion one way or the other.

Then I go and attempt to audition said short-list.

 

[PLuKE]

I know what your saying. I just want the best kit that I can afford, and makes me look at it all and think, ye looks good, and feels alittle special when listening to it.

Maybe I should take the plunge.