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Can an iPod drive properly drive an amp

post #1 of 11
12/21/09 at 1:47am
Thread Starter 
Can an iPOD via an LOD properly drive a non portable amp? I see many people using their iPods to drive portable amps with LODs. I want to make my music collection movable with an iPod classic and a full size AC powered headphone amp. I don't mind having to plug in my amp to AC power. I want better sonics than a portable amp can provide, as well as the ability to drive a pair of Denon D-7000 . My plan is to connect my iPOD classic to my Headamp GS-1 with SCag Cryo'd RCA to LOD, to play my Itunes loss less files. My concern is adequate gain voltage, and correct impedance compatibility into a full size amp. Anyone tried an iPod Classic >LOD > RCA plugs into a full size amp?
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post #2 of 11
12/21/09 at 1:55am
Yes, but I didn't find the gain to be very good. I've always had better results from standalone CD players, DACs, phono stages, and tuners.

I keep the iPod around to drive IEMs and because it docks with my car's stereo and I can use it while driving.

For home use, I'll run the computer into a DAC (that I need to get around to building, for that matter) and then into the stereo.
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post #3 of 11
12/21/09 at 2:13am
I use my iPod Classic as a source to my AV123 x-head (desktop amp) at times. I connect a LOD cable to the RCA inputs on the back of the x-head. The iPod works like any other line level source at that point.

I've never measured, and don't have the tools to measure, the line level voltage from the iPod using the LOD. Seems to be plenty. The amp still has way more than enough power or gain to drive my HD600 or Denon D2000.
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post #4 of 11
12/21/09 at 2:15pm
Thread Starter 
One member with success, one with out. Perhaps input sensitivity & input impedance between amp are a factor. Thanks for replying to my thread
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post #5 of 11
12/21/09 at 7:27pm
You could try an inexpensive LOD to see how the signal level is with your amp and your equipment. If it works well then you can spend the bucks on a custom LOD with cryo cable.

eBay has little LOD gizmos that sell for around $14. You supply a mini to RCA cable. iBasso also sells the same LOD gizmo.

SendStation has the PocktDock Line Out USB that sells for around $30 and it comes with a few cables.
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post #6 of 11
12/21/09 at 10:38pm
Thread Starter 
I don't have an amp yet. I am trying to determine if my concept of driving a home amp with an iPod and an a LOD is feasible. I don't really want to buy an amp until I find out if others have been successful doing this. A lot portable amps are driven via an LOD. This should be workable unless portable amps are designed to be more compatible with low voltage devices?
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post #7 of 11
12/22/09 at 12:58am
I have a iPod/LOD connected to my GS-1 and it works fine.
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post #8 of 11
12/22/09 at 6:27am
I googled and found the line level voltages for various iPod line outs via the dock

Is the Line Out signal provided by the PocketDock a true Line Out?
Quote:
2. Is the Line Out signal provided by the PocketDock a true Line Out?
Yes. It bypasses the iPod’s/iPhone’s internal amplifier, thus is the raw, unaltered signal.
The levels are as follows:

* 1G/2G/3G iPod nano: 0.700 Vrms (approx. -0.88 dBu)
* 4G/5G iPod nano, iPod classic: 0.800 Vrms (approx. +0.28 dBu)
* all other iPod and iPhone models: 0.900 VrmS (approx. +1.3 dBu)
That seems to be a more than plenty strong enough line out signal. IIRC the standard line out level is -10 dBu for consumer gear (+4 dBu for professional studio gear) and the iPod Classic is at +0.28 dBu. That would mean the iPod Classic is pumping out a stronger line level signal than it should be. (unless I'm all confused about the numbers and measurements)
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post #9 of 11
12/22/09 at 7:46am
I use my DIYmod with desktop amps without any problem.
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post #10 of 11
12/26/09 at 3:32am
Yea people that are using iPods for serious audio either just use some good IEMs with them or go the LoD/portable amp route; me taking the latter I can drive just about anything I want depending on what amp I use.
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post #11 of 11
12/26/09 at 7:02am
I use my touch with headroom micro amp(AC powered) and it works great,plenty of power to drive anything out there.I am waiting for my akg701 to see the results.
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