[lampee]

Hi Everybody!
 
There is a strange concept in my mind since weeks now, and now I think I would like to share it with you. Everybody in this forum knows something about the iPod video and the other ipods, which are moddable for the diyMod. I modded my ipod too, but its sound quality isn't as superior as my Gamma2 DAC and probably will not be that great ever, but I think my concept worth a try.
First thing is to get the I2S data feed out of the iPod somehow, and I think this is easily manageable. If I am not mistaken, the diyaudio.com's forum members wrote something about it, but nobody posted any outcomes.
Second is to build an ipod sized DAC module, which fits into an empty ipod case or...
design something which fits into the old 80GB case, which is thicker then the 30gb one, but this last one is a really long shot so just ignore this if it is completely unmanageable.
The second ipod case would contain another battery. Some li-ion, or li-polimer, with the appropriate charging circuit or the best soution would be to connect two of the ipod batteries, so it could give enough craft for the DAC.
The DAC module would contain the following:
- WM8741 DAC alone or with upsamping (but the last one would be power consuming IMHO)
- integrated battery charging module for the li-ion or li-pol battery
- integrated cmoy headphone amp
 
I think that's all. If I could make this with some of your help, I think it would result in a really great SQ portable music player and there would be happiness!
 
If this idea is completely stupid, please forgive me posting it, and I would make it anyway!

 

[mrarroyo]

You may wish to  visit ALO Audio, they are about to release a dac/amp as you describe. This unit will be able to take the 0 and 1 out of the iPod.

 

[lampee]

I heard something like that, but ALO audio was only the distributor and the product is listed on this site: http://www.cypherlabs.com/Products.php. This this is kinda what I'm looking for, but it adds another box into the equation, and another 500$ so the portability is again questionable. I only want to add another box, like in the size of the mini^3, but according to the diyaudio.com forums, it is not likely possible, because the ipod don't use the i2s standard, but something unusual stuff, so I won't experience with it. The only solution is to wait I think.

 

[mrarroyo]

I am hoping (believe) the Solo has a built in amp as well as a DAC.

 

[DanBa]

Two DAC/amp combo compliant iPod / iPhone from Fostex will be available.
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/486155/fostex-to-release-revolutionary-dac-amp-combo
 
Like the Naim DAC, the Fostex DAC/amp or the Cypher Labs DAC should have an Apple authentication chip which enables the DAC to access digital data from iPod or iPhone.
http://www.naimaudio.com/userfiles/modules/attachment/dac_brochure_4355-5_english.pdf
 
Some production-ready platforms from NEC or from Frontier Silicon usually for car audio systems include the Apple authentication chip.
 
http://www.frontier-silicon.com/products/platforms/index.htm

 
 
I am wondering if the iPod / iPhone can output raw digital audio to an external DAC/amp via the Apple Camera Connector for iPod, which should include the Apple authentication chip.
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/494521/ipod-iphone-output-digital-audio-via-apple-camera-connector-for-ipod