Quote:
Originally Posted by uraflit /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I know if I have a DAC, I go: Line-Out > DAC > Amp > Headphone
But, if I only have an amp, do I plug it:
a) Line-Out > Amp > Headphone
or
b) Line-In > Amp > Headphone
?
Also, people use docks for their iPods to use their portable amps, why? Is it not possible for one to plug the amp into the headphone jack, then connect the headphone to the amp? Or does an amp absolutely require a line-out? (But I also hear that the iAudio X5's headphone jack is even better than its line-out...?) Now you see why I asked the first question?
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1st Question:
It's USB/Optical/Firewire/Other Digital > DAC > Amp > Headphone
There is no need for a DAC if you use a Line-Out. By convention, Line-Out is the analog audio signal; it only needs amplification.
2nd Question:
It's Line-Out > Amp > Headphone. Line-In won't do anything unless you have a music source on the other end instead of your headphone. Then you have to have the amp in the other direction and a pair of headphones or speakers,
after the Line-Out. Anyway, I think you get the picture - Line-In makes no sense.
Other questions:
The dock is there to use the Line-Out feature from the iPod, but strictly speaking, the dock is not required - only a bottom connection, which can simply be a cable.
Yes, you can use headphone out. The trouble is that means you're going through the onboard amp. Depending on the quality of your player, that can mean it ruins any advantage of using a separate amp or it can have little or no
audible difference. Many times, the headphone out can work very well with a separate amp. The iPod may be one of those cases, since the iPod generally has very good quality amplification, even if not very powerful. Purists will always use the line out to ensure a pure signal.
No, an amp does not strictly require a Line-Out (see the above). However, it's not necessarily straightforward in operation. You need to find the ideal combination between volume settings if you use the player's headphone out, instead. Typically, this may be anywhere from 1/2 to 3/4 of the volume control. Too low, and it will introduce a lot of noise into the separate amp. Too high, and the player's own internal amp may start clipping on some peaks.
Yep - it's entirely possible that some players' headphone out is better quality than its Line-Out. This is because extra circuitry is at a premium from both cost and space in many portable music players. Often, a Line-Out is actually simulated with a coupling capacitor - not a true Line-Out in its strictest sense. Depending on the quality of this coupling capacitor, the headphone out may actually sound better. Most of the time in this case, if not all the time, the headphone out
is better quality. You will have to experiment, or research reports from other owners as to which player uses which. Of course, this is not a consideration with quality full-size hi-fi components - Line-Out is Line-Out.
Hopefully, that clears up your confusion.
