Is anyone using the optical out on their Iriver H1xx?

[wolfen68]

Was it worth the upgrade from the lineout? Bangraman seemed to think the optical feature was a little "soft".

I've always considered getting a DAC...but was worried that if my H140 broke, I wouldn't be able to find a replacement source to use with it. I'm now considering getting a spare 120 or 140. Having the spare would provide some usage security if one DAP failed. I would use it to feed an SR71 and Grado 225's.

Any impressions appreciated.

 

[ntsour]

I am in the same situation as you are.

The other day I asked by PM another member (Graz) who had experience with the optical out+MicroDAC and he told me there was a significant improvement but he didn't give me the impression of a night and day kind of improvement if that is what you are expecting. He spoke of a 10%-15% improvement if this gives you an idea.

 

[slwiser]

I use it all the time..See my sig below...Great sound from my perspective.

 

[nikongod]

there are other mp3 players with optical outputs.

and the demand is always high enough for good gear that you should not have too much trouble offloading the microdac if you decide to jump on the "i-jumped-on-the-bandwagon" bandwagon....

 

[wolfen68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slwiser I use it all the time..See my sig below...Great sound from my perspective.

How much greater than analog line-out?

Thx.

 

[Riordan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikongod there are other mp3 players with optical outputs.

there are? please don't get me wrong, but at the time i last looked for a player there was none. could you name them?

 

[nikongod]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riordan there are? please don't get me wrong, but at the time i last looked for a player there was none. could you name them?

edited: i thought the chreative nomad jukebox had optical out, it may not.

 

[elrod-tom]

I had an iHP-140 (sold it...wasn't using it enough), and found the optical out to be an enourmous improvement when fed to the Micro (Oveture) DAC. It makes sense if you think about it...the digital and analog out stage of a DAP (which must share time with the transport section) can't compete with a dedicated DAC. IMHO it's not even close.

As for other players, other than PCDP's, I'm not aware of any. I have some hope for some kind of USB out somewhere down the line, but that's just speculation on my part. Good luck...

 

[Riordan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikongod edited: i thought the chreative nomad jukebox had optical out, it may not.

yes, based on information from creative's website the jukebox 3 has an optical in, but no optical out. i had hoped that you knew of some new player.

by the way, i rarely use the optical line-out, but should i have to stay away from home for a few weeks or months i would: iriver hd 140 + external dac1 = the mobile audiophile solution

 

[brianknewbie]

I specifically sold my iPod photo 60gb and bought the older, discontinued non-color Iriver ihp-140 for the optical out....