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DAP to coax / optical

post #1 of 11
1/25/11 at 4:31am
Thread Starter 

Simple question;

I have an iPod and the Z5500 speakers. How can I connect the iPod to the Z5500 via the optical or coax connection using a cheap solution?

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post #2 of 11
1/26/11 at 10:09am
Thread Starter 

Anyone?

It's not specific for the Z5500. Just how can I connect an iPod to an optical or coax? What kind of dac/something else or cables do I need?

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post #3 of 11
1/26/11 at 11:56am

The Pure i20 is defiantly the cheapest solution. It's seems to be looking like a good product so far and it's only $99 strait from their site. I want one myself. ksc75smile.gif

 

http://www.pure.com/products/product.asp?Product=VL-61429&Category=

 

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/529956/pure-i-20-ipod-iphone-dock-as-a-dac/45#post_7221873

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post #4 of 11
1/26/11 at 12:28pm
Thread Starter 

Thx! I'll definately take a look at that. Seems like a nice piece of equipment.

But is it only possible to convert to digital via the iPod dock output? Isn't it possible via a normal 3,5mm jack? I ask this because I'm not planning on buying another iPod when this one dies on me, it's my third one in 4 years. So I would like a DAC/converter that is capable to work with other DAPs to be future proof.

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post #5 of 11
1/28/11 at 2:18am
Thread Starter 

So it's not possible to transition a 3,5mm line out to a digital signal that isn't to expensive?

Sorry I keep bumping this up but I really need a clear answer on this and I don't have any hi-fi stores in a 100km radius from where I live..

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post #6 of 11
1/28/11 at 2:56am
I only understand Optical, so I'll comment on that.

Out of headphone port: 100% impossible. This port outputs an analogue signal, whereas you're trying to get a digital signal out of the iPod.

Out of Line-Out Dock (aka bottom of the iPod): possible but only with specially-licensed equipment. Apple only allows a few companies to draw a digital signal from this port; unless otherwise mentioned, any device that connects here is drawing an analogue, line level signal. This bypasses the iPod's amp.

Are you aware that an optical signal can only be transmitted by an optical cable?
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post #7 of 11
1/28/11 at 3:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric_C View Post

I only understand Optical, so I'll comment on that.
Out of headphone port: 100% impossible. This port outputs an analogue signal, whereas you're trying to get a digital signal out of the iPod.
 ...
 Are you aware that an optical signal can only be transmitted by an optical cable?


He's probably more familiar with laptops, like some Macs - don't they send the optical signal out through the headphone 3.5mm jack?

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post #8 of 11
1/28/11 at 3:19am

ProtegeManiac: Oh that's true, I'd overlooked that. Such ports are exceptions rather than the norm, however; and in the case of iPods, the headphone port is strictly analogue.

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post #9 of 11
2/7/11 at 4:27am
Thread Starter 

I understand and know all the things that were said above.

I need something that converts the analog signal from a DAP to a digital/optical signal so I can connect it true this device to my Z5500 using a COAX/optical cable.

So, again :)

What could I use for this that isn't to expensive?

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post #10 of 11
2/7/11 at 6:29am

Oh, you're thinking of using an Analog to Digital Converter. Look up pro-audio PC interface devices, like EMU, M-Audio, etc. Some have analog inputs and can output in digital.

 

BUT, you can skip paying north of $200 on those and just get the cheapest digital dock available: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/av-accessories/pure-digital-i-20-921473/review

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post #11 of 11
2/9/11 at 7:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by melie View Post

I understand and know all the things that were said above.

I need something that converts the analog signal from a DAP to a digital/optical signal so I can connect it true this device to my Z5500 using a COAX/optical cable.

So, again :)

What could I use for this that isn't to expensive?


And you know that you will not get the great sound quality going from analog to digital as you would using the i:20?

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