Personally highly recommend an ssd for the ipod classic 7th gen. 

The iPad Mini does not seem like a viable source of portable music because it is simply a larger iPod touch with an iPad interface. It is difficult to do any music-related activity and the music playback quality is no better than the iPod touch's. Just my 2 cents.

If you have the money and the patience, I would recommend buying a used iPod classic either 6th, 6.5, or 7th generation and replacing the hard drive with an ssd. So much better.