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Wadia 170i or Macbook as source?

post #1 of 6
7/4/10 at 2:09am
Thread Starter 

When paired with an external DAC what would produce better sound quality? In Australia the Macbook is around $1200 where the 170i is about $500. A significant difference but obviously the 170i isn't a computer. So if given either option, what would you go for?

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post #2 of 6
7/4/10 at 2:43am

id say it would depend on the dac :P 

obviously if you spend the 700 on a DAC rather than a cheap one your gunna get a better sound :P 

 

also with the 170i id make sure your ipod has enough memory for lossless ;) 


Edited by james0195 - 7/4/10 at 2:44am
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post #3 of 6
7/4/10 at 2:48am
Thread Starter 

Thanks.

 

I was looking at:

 

Audinst HUD-MX1

Prodigy Cube

Audiotrak DR.DAC2 DX

 

I have a 30GB 5th Gen iPod running Rockbox and I only use FLAC.

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post #4 of 6
7/4/10 at 3:37am

Wadia should be much superior.

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post #5 of 6
7/4/10 at 3:37am

Why you restrict your choice to a MacBook, unless you want one as your main notebook computer anyway? And the Onkyo ND-S1 does the same as the 170i in a cheaper box.

 

Any netbook would do, being way cheaper than the 170i, with the option to put on any audio software you want and navigation by larger screen and keyboard rather than by a flimsy remote or clickwheel. Perhaps add an Airport Express (has digital optical output) for wireless connection to your DAC. The only advantage of iPod plus dock is instant play without booting a computer.

Generally I consider most iPod docks and accessories as heavily overrpriced, thanks to Apple's grabby licence fees and the iPod's status as fashion statement.

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post #6 of 6
7/4/10 at 9:47am

How about a netbook w/ an external hard drive and DAC. You should be able to get a nice set up for less than $1,200 and gain flexibility as well.

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