Got an iPod 80GB for father's Day, which I planned to load up with lossless files and use around the house when I didn't have time for loading up real CDs or records. The long-term plan was to get one of those Wadia docks and a good DAC but after some careful comparisons I think I'll be holding off for a bit.
Bottom line is that the iPod sounds a lot better that it really has any right too when compared to the Apollo at three times the price. I can't find any info as to what D/A chip the iPod uses, but it's pretty damned good sounding! I'm assuming having it battery powered lends some benefits too.
No- it's not better; not even as good. But it IS good enough that after a few minutes you start to forget it's the iPod and not the CD player. Bass definition is good, mids are clear, soundstage is excellent. Highs? Not so much- a definite roll-off occurs when you get up there, and things like brushes on cymbals can really get pushed back in the mix. It also ends up affecting overall impact since you lose some transient attack. But still...
I have about 180 lossless albums in the thing (with room for about 30 more), I can listen to it on any system in the house, it's sounds more than acceptable, and it's really fun! I wasn't expecting so much really, so it's been a more than pleasant surprise. 
It's also MANY times better than my laptop's sound output, which my previous music server.
I added the basic $35 a meter Audioquest mini to RCA cables and it was well worth the investment. If I got the much better cables maybe it'd get the sound closer to my Apollo given that it has better interconnects...
Got an iPod 80GB for father's Day, which I planned to load up with lossless files and use around the house when I didn't have time for loading up real CDs or records. The long-term plan was to get one of those Wadia docks and a good DAC but after some careful comparisons I think I'll be holding off for a bit.
Bottom line is that the iPod sounds a lot better that it really has any right too when compared to the Apollo at three times the price. I can't find any info as to what D/A chip the iPod uses, but it's pretty damned good sounding! I'm assuming having it battery powered lends some benefits too.
No- it's not better; not even as good. But it IS good enough that after a few minutes you start to forget it's the iPod and not the CD player. Bass definition is good, mids are clear, soundstage is excellent. Highs? Not so much- a definite roll-off occurs when you get up there, and things like brushes on cymbals can really get pushed back in the mix. It also ends up affecting overall impact since you lose some transient attack. But still...
I have about 180 lossless albums in the thing (with room for about 30 more), I can listen to it on any system in the house, it's sounds more than acceptable, and it's really fun! I wasn't expecting so much really, so it's been a more than pleasant surprise.
It's also MANY times better than my laptop's sound output, which my previous music server.
I added the basic $35 a meter Audioquest mini to RCA cables and it was well worth the investment. If I got the much better cables maybe it'd get the sound closer to my Apollo given that it has better interconnects...