Wadia 170i iTransport in Black now in Stock @ Moon Audio

[drubrew]

Wadia 170i iTransport in Black now in Stock @ Moon Audio



Come one, Come all. The Black version is now available.

Wadia 170iTransport (Black): $379 shipped in the US

The iTransport is the first ever component specifically designed to transform your iPod into a high-resolution audio/video media server. The iTransport combines the convenience of personal audio with the performance and connectivity of your home audio/video system, delivering bit-perfect digital audio signal via S/PDIF coaxial (RCA) output, DVD quality video via component outputs, and built on a sleek aluminum chassis.

When the iPod docks with iTransport, the iPod transforms into an audiophile-grade media server that rivals some of the top performing digital source components available. Experience the iTransport for yourself at a Wadia dealer nearest you.

Experience true audiophile sound quality and superior video performance by integrating the iPod into your home Audio and Video system.

Built on a precision-engineered aluminum chassis, the 170iTransport is the first and only iPod component to offer native digital audio output, high-resolution component and S-Video output, and analogue outputs.

Infrared remote control, coaxial digital cable, and docking inserts are included.

Advantages of Digital Audio
Digital audio signals can be processed without the additive losses and distortion found in analog processing. This loss of resolution is caused by analog circuitry and connectors in a signal path. The 170iTransport bypasses the digital to analog conversion and analog output stage from the iPod. By providing a pure digital audio output from your iPod, the 170iTransport enables performance that is only limited by the resolution of the audio files stored on your iPod, and the overall quality of your audio system. In other words, the 170iTransport makes it possible to achieve true audiophile performance from your iPod.

Made for iPod

The Wadia 170iTransport is certified by Apple as "Made for iPod".

Made for

iPod touch (1st and 2nd generation)

iPod classic (80GB, 120GB, 160GB)

iPod with Video, also known as 5th generation (30GB, 60GB 80GB) Extended Interface*

iPod nano (4th generation)

iPod nano (3rd generation)

iPod nano (2nd generation)

iPod nano (1st generation) Extended Interface*

*Extended Interface

iPod nano G1 and iPod video will automatically enter the “extended interface” mode when docked in the
170iTransport; the Wadia Logo will display on the iPod screen indicating digital audio output is now available. While in the “extended interface” mode there is no control of the iPod from the click wheel interface. If you choose (queue a selection) before inserting the iPod into the 170iTransport, the 170iTransport will continue to play your selection until it is complete. If there was no previous selection, the 170iTransport will play the entire content of the iPod in the “All Tracks” order. The 170iTransport will not manipulate the shuffle setting. Whatever shuffle setting the user has chosen before connecting the iPod will be honored by the 170iTransport. The Wadia Logo will be present on the screen of the nano G1 or iPod video the entire time the iPod is docked in the 170iTransport and the digital signal is synced.

Digital Output:
1 S/PDIF Coax (RCA)

Analog Outputs:
1 pair of Unbalanced (RCA)

Video Outputs:
1 set of Component Outputs
1 S/Video Output

Power Consumption:
6 Watts

Weight:
4.6 lbs., 2.42 kg

Dimensions (HWD):
2.7 x 8 x 8 inches
6.85 x 20.32 x 20.32 cm

Finish Options:
Silver/Black Anodized Aluminum Stocking Black. Silver Available for order.

[Scottsmrnyc]

How much of a sound improvement will I get if I purhcase the unit as compared to just playing my Ipod directly into my preamp? Scottsmrnyc

[drubrew]

Assuming you are using the DAC in your Headroom Balanced Max Headphone Amp with The Alps RK-50 potentiometer, it should be pretty substantial.

Bypassing the headphone output of the iPod and using the the line out dock outputs is the first step in better sound from an ipod. Bypassing the internal iPod dac is the next step. Using Wav or Lossless compression is next in line.

There is only so much circuitry that can be stuffed in an iPod. Using it primarily as a storage and transmit device and letting other more powerful gear do all the work will yield as good as CD results.

The iTransport is well worth it's meager price tag. I have new for $379 shipped. Or a Mint Demo for $330 shipped.

[mrarroyo]

$330 w/ S&H is a nice deal.

[drubrew]

Yes it is Does that mean your ready to step to te plate?

[LeeSC]

Are there noticable improvement in sound quality compare to using lossless file on iMod?

[cardude]

Originally Posted by LeeSC

Are there noticable improvement in sound quality compare to using lossless file on iMod?

I'm curious about this too.

[paulchiu]

got mine a week ago and has been running non stop since.
about the same or maybe a tad better than playing apple lossless via optical connect into the grace dac.
currently, the 170i is connected to the grace dac by coaxial, the same non brand cable wadia packed along with the itransport.

i have on order a couple of more expensive coaxial 75 ohms cables. hoping to hear some difference when they arrive.

sonically, this combo is hard to beat



only a few issues.

1) wished that remote sensor blue window in the front of the 170i lights up. rather boring right now.

2) with every ipod except the iphone or itouch, you cannot play with the ipod once 'docked and digitally locked' with the 170i. only way to change songs is to track forwards or take the ipod out of the dock..
this means wear and tear. wonder how much replacing the dock male postings cost and if it is DIY?
3) no optical input

paul

[mrarroyo]

... only way to change songs is to track forwards ...

One song at a time? How about changing genres, artists, etc.

[paulchiu]

Originally Posted by mrarroyo

One song at a time? How about changing genres, artists, etc.

nope

you'll have to create a playlist of any genre and whatever settings (shuffle) you have before you dock, that's what you'll have or that track advance or reverse.

with the iphone, you do have the full control, but you'll need to play with the iphone directly while docked.

yeah, quite limited!
but the way i look at it, is performance of stuff many hundreds if not thousands more, at only 379

paul

[gooky]

How about usage with iPods with Rockbox? I'm guessing that won't work?

[paulchiu]

Originally Posted by gooky

How about usage with iPods with Rockbox? I'm guessing that won't work?

i am not familiar with rockbox....

[drubrew]

Yes I would agree the advantages out way the disadvantages. I am cursed with the Video IPod and am very limited in my IPod control as the processing power of the first Video IPod does not help. All I get is a Wadia Logo on the display. S what I do is just put the iPod on shuffle songs and plug it in. Doesn't bother me that I can control it. It forces me to listen to all my music. Which keeps me from getting bored. So I see it as a plus. I run mine 10hrs a day this way. Love it......

[paulchiu]

Originally Posted by drubrew

Yes I would agree the advantages out way the disadvantages. I am cursed with the Video IPod and am very limited in my IPod control as the processing power of the first Video IPod does not help. All I get is a Wadia Logo on the display. S what I do is just put the iPod on shuffle songs and plug it in. Doesn't bother me that I can control it. It forces me to listen to all my music. Which keeps me from getting bored. So I see it as a plus. I run mine 10hrs a day this way. Love it......

as i discovered over the last week. when the iphone is docked on the 170i, it shows the incompatibility message but a digital source is transferred to the 170i because music is played.

the best thing about this connection is that the iphone's ipod controls are fully accessible. just not easy to operate since the iphone is standing in the 170i.


so i ordered one of those dock extension cables. ordered the one with the shortest length. (as short means less chance for audio degradation)

with the cable, i should be able to control tunes selection and not have to just have shuffle of playlists.

i'll report once the extensions arrive and whether it sounds any different.

paul












i

[intelonetwo]

This may be a misplaced question, but does lossless (FLAC) coming from the Wadia (iPod), sound better than say, WAV from a CD?