[bassboysam]

Is there any benefit to a DAC if your source does not have a digital output. For example I understand that an iPod has a built in DAC, so what does having another external DAC do if the signal has already been converted to analog before it get to the DAC?

 

[pyramid6]

Same thing better headphones or better speakers do, make the music sound better. My understanding is that with few exceptions you can't bypass the DAC out of an iPod.

 

[sinner6]

Correct, you only need to convert from Digital to Analog once. If your player does not support digital out, no need for a DAC, you are stuck with what you have. This is why players with a digital out are sought after, because you can hook them to a higher quality DAC than the one built in. Perhaps more importantly, this also let's you bypass the sources (typically inferior) internal amp.

 

[rosgr63]

There are two iPod transports that I know off, the Wadia and Onkyo which tap on the digital signal bypassing the iPod's DAC and amp.
The Onkyo outputs a digital signal in RCA or Optical and you'll need an external DAC to convert it.

You should post your questions about DACs in the source forum

 

[bassboysam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosgr63 /img/forum/go_quote.gif You should post your questions about DACs in the source forum

Thanks, my bad I just saw a lot of other DAC related questions in this forum.

 

[rosgr63]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassboysam /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks, my bad I just saw a lot of other DAC related questions in this forum.

No problem at all.
In the source forum you'll get more answers for DAC's, Transports etc.
Good luck.