[TaZ82]

Hi there, I have a ipod classic 80G and I am in the market for a pair of IEMs and amplifer.

My question now is whether I need an amplifier with an inbuilt dac or not. By using a lineout dock, I will only be bypassing the ipod's amplifier but not the dac? Will the amp's dac "override" the ipod's?

I hope my question makes some sense.

 

[tk3]

You don't need an external DAC, the iPod already has a DAC.
People usually use those DACs to process the digital output from a transport (PC soundcard or USB, CDP, etc).

 

[TaZ82]

Oh that means I will only need an amp to go with my ipod. That's good news as I can save some money as I can order the Pico that's just the amp.

Just checking to see if my setup is correct.

Portable rig: Ipod classic 80G -> Pico (Amp Only) -> UE TF10 Pro
Computer rig: Asus M51sn -> Keces 151 -> Pico -> DT880

Any comments will be appreciated

 

[killkli]

Yes, it correct setting.
But I wonder how much pico can drive DT880

I believe it would do very well but you might consider some tube things in the future for the baby?

 

[TaZ82]

Yeah I will probably upgrade the amp for my DT880's later on. Just burnt a large crispy hole in my wallet by buying the TF10Pro's and Pico.

What amps pair well with the DT880? I was thinking along the lines of a Meier Opera. Any suggestions?

 

[tk3]

If I were you I'd get the Pico with DAC anyway, since it's "only" 200 extra, and it's reputedly very good.

 

[TaZ82]

Mmmm but would I need it? If I can justify the need for another dac then I wouldn't mind spending an extra $200.

What's your take on it? As I see it, only an amp is needed for my ipod and my computer rig already has a dac.

Cheers

 

[n3rdling]

I don't remember where I read it because I've been doing a ton of research the last couple months and read through a thousand threads by now, but I remember somebody posting that the pico dac sounds better than the keces' (although I don't recall if they were talking 131 or 151). If that's true, it'd make sense to sell the keces and get the pico with dac right?

 

[TaZ82]

That makes sense but I am also using the Keces with my Audioengine A5.

Anyway I can change my order to include the dac as Justin hasn't updated the list yet.

I am tossing between the Predator, Pico and iqube but I will be taking a leap of faith. Get the Pico and see how it goes from there.

 

[krmathis]

You don't need an external amplifier with a built in DAC.
Because the iPod don't have a way to bypass its build in DAC, so you won't be able to use the external DAC anyway.

 

[TaZ82]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif You don't need an external amplifier with a built in DAC. Because the iPod don't have a way to bypass its build in DAC, so you won't be able to use the external DAC anyway.

I am now thinking how often will I be lugging around my laptop to use the Pico's built in dac...
In my opinion the dac is good to have but not a must have. Let me go flip a coin :x

 

[tfarney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaZ82 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Mmmm but would I need it? If I can justify the need for another dac then I wouldn't mind spending an extra $200. What's your take on it? As I see it, only an amp is needed for my ipod and my computer rig already has a dac. Cheers

You don't need it. Put the extra $200 away and start watching for a good deal on a good used home amp. That will have a much bigger impact than using the dac in a Pico at home instead of your Keces.

Tim

 

[TaZ82]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfarney /img/forum/go_quote.gif You don't need it. Put the extra $200 away and start watching for a good deal on a good used home amp. That will have a much bigger impact than using the dac in a Pico at home instead of your Keces. Tim

Ok. So you're saying I should just get the Pico without the dac and save the $200 for a better amp to pair with my Keces?

Thanks for the input