georgelai57
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2012
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Quite interesting all this.
It looks like to summarize - there is no way whatsoever to pull an analog line out from the iPhone 5. The dock plug is fully digital, and using an adapter with it just seems to give access to the USB control, which supplies audio digital data and power, or sync data if you plug it into a computer. So it works with stuff like the CLAS that does full non analog control via USB, or cars that use legit USB DAC access to the iPhone (not Hyundai that has USB control plus a LOD style analog plugin). Now, we may see (from the best-financed companies, since this won't be trivial) a little clip on for the bottom of the iPhone5 that has a DAC inside and converts the digital data from Lightning to analog mini out. The simple fact is that ALO is going to sell a lot of CLAS to iPhone5 owners because the iPhone5 is basically a paperweight for audio systems without those. There's not going to be a cheapo line out solution for a while, unless someone can make that aformentioned clip on for cheap. Honestly I bet a small one could be developed that has a mini USB port and an audio port on it...no different from a Sendstation dock...except with some electronics inside and likely a $100-200 price tag. But if you can afford an iPhone5 already, then who cares?
A good summary but I think the "innovative" China companies like Fiio will be able to go below USD100. Witness their products like e11 etc. The CLAS and HP-P1 will be in a different Class if you'll pardon the pun but the Fiios and their ilk will give them a run for the money. At least I for one hope so.