Does it get any better than the Ipod Classic DAC?

[Chandlerfan69]

I recently found my old ipod classic 7th gen and have been having a lot of fun upgrading it with micro sd storage and installing the rockbox firmware.

I have a pair of AKG K702 headphones that it can’t quite drive, so I thought to try figuring out a way to hook my Qudelix 5k up to the ipod. This led me to seeing that the ipod was only compatible with a limited few external dac options. Oh well! I’ll just buy a headphone amp and connect it through the 30 pin analog line out… or is there a better way? I can’t help thinking, how far can I take this old Ipod fidelity wise?

A quick search led me to a few transport options such as the Onkyo ND-S1, effectively allowing me to bypass the ipods internal dac and utilize whatever the latest and greatest is…but is it actually going to give me any audible benefits? The highest quality files I could run would be 16 bit/44.1kHz anyway. Did dacs already reach complete transparency in this 20 year old ipod?

TLDR: Would a modern dac/amp combo, hooked up to an ipod docked in something like the ND-S1 offer any objective audible benefits over an amp hooked up to the ipods line out through its 30 pin connector?

Thanks!

 

[Chrispy]

I wouldn't worry about the transparency of the dac in the ipod....just the general problems with ipods.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Welcome to ASR,

No, enjoy modifying and using your iPod.

 

[Somafunk]

The best sounding iPod is the Gen 5 model, a good condition one is quite sought after as it’s popular with modding for larger battery/ssd hd etc