iPod Arcam Solo irDock - superior DAC to Ipod Classic?

[GilesM]

Having some time over the break, I found that the DAC in the ipod classic/ipod dock sounds pretty poor, does anyone know if the above mentioned Arcam dock is any better?

I did a comparison between the sound produced by attaching my iPod Classic to an Apple dock and then to my Hi-FI.

I also have Apple TV attached via an optical cable to another hi-fi.

When I compare the Apple TV sound to an original CD Disk the sound is almost indistinguishable (the files are Apple lossless format).

When I do the same comparison of the iPod/Dock sound against the CD instead of being almost the same as on the Apple TV there is a huge difference.

So, I concluded that since the Apple TV is not using the inbuilt DAC and the ipod/dock is that this must be the difference.

Does anyone have experience of this Arcam dock or should I go for a dock that provides a digital signal and pass it through another DAC to the Amp (like the Onkyo NS D1)?

 

[cjmillsnun]

Arcam equipment is normally very good.

I use an Arcam Dac connected to my Rega Planet CD Player

 

[GilesM]

So, I took the plunge and placed an order for the Arcam IR Dock.
I really hope this is worthwhile, I guess the only way to know is to try it and see.

 

[mhdena]

I have 2 160gb atv's connected to 2 Marantz receivers (8500 & 8000) and enjoy my itunes in lossless quite a bit as well as the internet radio.

I also have 2 120gb classic ipods, 1 for the car, 1 for portable use.

Why not get another atv? then you will have identical functionality on both systems

 

[GilesM]

Well, the reason for not buying another Apple TV is that I do not want to have a display screen in the music room, Apple TV really needs a display.
So, I will try the combination of Arcam IR Dock and my 120GB Ipod classic.
I hope this is worthwhile, I will feedback with results.

 

[mhdena]

That's a reason to get a iphone or a touch (I don't have either yet), so they can be used as a remote for the atv and from what I've heard the playlist, artist, album, and song info shows there.

I imagine the tablet will do this too.

 

[GilesM]

Well, I can see how that would be nice, but to buy an Apple TV plus a Touch is too expensive a solution (though very tempting).
I was not aware of the option to use a Touch to control the Apple TV.
I will see how I go with my ipod using the Arcam dock first, hopefully this will solve the problem.

EDIT

Having used the Arcam dock for 1 day, I have to say, it is very good.
Audio quality is great, better than the Apple Dock.
Remote functionality exceeds the Apple remote by far, and the video out function works nicely.
Build quality is very good indeed, very nice quality.

Expensive, but worthwhile, if you can spare the funds...