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Help required - iPod Classic LOD+Amp vs portable DAC+amp

post #1 of 4
1/14/12 at 1:41pm
Thread Starter 

Hi all,

 

I've just bought an iPod Classic 160Gb having tried an X7 only to discover the complete lack of playlist compatibility and then having it brick (in <2 days). The sound from the Classic HPO is not great, but I don't know it the issue is it's internal amp or it's DAC so my question is this. Of these 2 options, which would you recommend?

 

Option 1: Simple LOD and external amplifier combo (I'm thinking the amp will be either a Fiio E11 or Ray Samuels Tomahawk - thoughts?)

 

Option 2: A portable DAC+amp combo for the iPod (e.g. NuForce iDo)

 

I think I'd prefer just the LOD option, but am interested to know if you believe I'll see significant benefits from bypassing the iPod DAC.

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post #2 of 4
1/14/12 at 3:27pm

The NuForce iDo requires a DC power supply, so I'm not sure it fits with what you want.  If you're looking to bypass the DAC and have it be portable you're looking at the HP-P1 (DAC/AMP) and CLAS (DAC). 

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post #3 of 4
1/14/12 at 4:14pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks KraftD1, I didn't realise that about the iDo. Thanks for mentioning the HP-P1.

 

Do you know if there's much benefit to be had bypassing the iPod DAC?

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post #4 of 4
1/14/12 at 4:59pm

I haven't ever had the chance to compare vs. using the DAC/AMP of my iphone4 out of the headphone jack.  For mobile use I find the HPO acceptable, and my IEMs are pretty sensitive, so no need for an amp for extra power either.

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