^ I'm streaming Tidal HiFi (lossless CD quality - FLAC-based 16-Bit/44.1 kHz) via line out dock to my portable headphone amp and cans, in this case the DECWARE Zen Head, Grado GS1000e
I've been using the iPad 2 as a source for years and it still rocks! The price is way down for a new iPad 2 however, the refurbished market price is the way to go for value ratio. I feel the iPad 2 offers a value ratio that other popular USB dac's and players don't offer. The iPad 2 tablet as a source is less hassle for starters, my USB dac could use a jitter reduction device like the Schiit - Wyrd or iFi Audio - iUSB3.0, this is a major hassle and cost. Unless your PC is fanless, streaming music via USB dac or sound-card means added ambient noise in your listening environment. If your using open backed headphones like I am, the ambient noise levels ideally should be silent. I can take my iPad into a quiet room, close the door and get lost in music. You can't get mobile music on the go with rack converters and PC anchored sources. I'm not going to spend more than 100 bucks on some portable player that lacks WiFi access to music streaming services when tablets are offering more value for less money. I've seen USB dacs wired up to tablets and phones and it looks like **** but I understand the reasoning for doing it. I'm not a fan of the proprietary Apple lightning connection on the newer tablets. My 30 pin squeeze lock to mini jack LOD from ALO audio is superior in every way for my purpose. I'm sticking with with the old tried and true iPad 2 for function, value, and reliability.
The iPad2 – Cirrus logic CS42L63 measurements according to Ken Rockwell http://kenrockwell.com/apple/ipad-2-audio.htm
