Thought I'd bring your post to this thread instead of the Denon since it really doesn't have much to do with the Denon's (unless we're talking about DAC/Amp headphone synergy).
Yep, it seem anything with iAP support seems to be pricey - Go-DAP, HP-P1, or CLAS - thx to Apple. USB DACs on the other hand are much cheaper. Nothing much can be done about that unless someone manages to convince Apple to support USB DACs on their iDevices.
Within the iAP supported DAC/Amps though, the Go-DAP 4.0/X is probably the cheapest starting from the base model. By the time you upgrade the OpAmps, etc. then it's slightly cheaper than the HP-P1. The CLAS on the other hand needs a budget for an external amp still so ends up being the most expensive option (but it's a good DAC and combined with the Rx Mk3 Amp makes a really good sounding package).
There are ways to get some USB DACs working with iPad/iPhone. With the iPad, some DACs need to find ways to fit in under the 20mW limitation set by iOS 4.2. Alternatively is to carry around a power pack for a USB hub (i.e. powered USB hub). That gets bulky - not to mention a workaround and who knows what Apple will do next to kill this option. Similarly, for the iPhone, you'd have to jailbreak the iPhone to use the CCK (designed for the iPad), to use a USB DAC. Although from a geek techout perspective these options are cool, they're subject to change whenever Apple finds ways to close this loophole.
That's why the Go-DAP X has so far been the only DAC/Amp that officially supports both USB and iAP in a single package - for ~$420 (based on today's exchange rates), that's not too bad considering the other alternatives, HP-P1 or CLAS are more expensive and are limited to the iDevices only.
| Go-DAP X | Go-DAP 4.0/VAmp | HP-P1 | CLAS | USB DAC/Amp |
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Official iPad Support | Yes | No but works via cable | Yes | Yes | No but luck of draw if it works with CCK |
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Official iPhone Support | Yes | Yes iPhone 4/4S only | Yes | Yes | No but may work with Jailbreak, Cydia CameraConnector with CCK |
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Official iPod Classic Support | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
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Official PC Support | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
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Additional costs | | | | External Amp Required | |
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Comments |
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- OpAmp Upgradeable
- Most integrated package
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- Can be used DAC-Only with external Amp
| | |
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Product Cost | ~$420 | ~$382.50 | ~$637 | $579 | From ~$70 |
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Portable DAC/Amp Comparison (SQ not factored in)
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