[mk0v1]

Are the $50-200 DVD/CD players from Bestbuy better than an iPod for a source? I will be using a G-Lite/Go-Vibe V6 + Sennheiser HD 650 on it. Thanks!

 

[Redo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mk0v1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are the $50-200 DVD/CD players from Bestbuy better than an iPod for a source? I will be using a G-Lite/Go-Vibe V6 + Sennheiser HD 650 on it. Thanks!

Depends, some are OK, some are terrible. Something like the SCD-CD595 will blow both options out of the water.

 

[James63]

Yes and no. I if you are only using it for a headphone amp IMO the ipod will do just fine compared to a cheap CD player. Use lossless and enjoy the 10000 sound you can play with ease.

Where CD players really differ is the DAC (digital anolog converter). The only real difference between a $200 and a $2000 CD player is the internal DAC.

The DAC is the most important part of our source and can/will make a HUGE difference! The ipod has a good DAC for a portable player (or even a cheap CD player) but it can not compete with a good CD player or a computer conected to a good external DAC.

 

[mk0v1]

Cool, thanks.

 

[Zanth]

There are a few reviews though that would state the iPod competes well in the $1000 range of CD players. Do a search at Stereophile and UHFmag.com In fact the guys at UHF have done extensive comparisons with the iPod and various midrange cd players and the iPod is rarely skunked.

If the iPod had a digital output it would be an incredible unit for anyone, including audiophiles but at the moment, save for a single audiophile-approved company, getting a digital signal from an iPod isn't easy...and so one is dependent on the line out of the dock, which is where it compares favourably to a $1000ish CD player. If it had a digital out, then sending it to a highend dac would save it from being a bottle neck.

 

[bigshot]

The quality of the line out of the iPod depends a lot more on the quality of the digitial file being played than it does the hardware (which is excellent).

See ya
Steve