Check out stores from Best Buy to Bed, Bath & Beyond and you'll see that iPod docking stations are as ubiquitous as the iPod itself, but ultimately their audio quality is limited by both the resolution of our audio files and the inherent compromise of the analog stereo outputs common to most of these devices. While addressing the former is up to us, Wadia has taken a giant leap for audiophile-kind by creating a beautifully designed dock with digital audio output. A digital output is key for audiophiles as it allows us to use our fancy high-end audio gear to convert the digital files to analog - a sometimes tricky process that is difficult to do well with inexpensive portable electronics.
From its digital output, the 170iTransport (or 170i for short) connects to a home A/V rig where the pure digital audio signal is processed by the D-to-A converter in our receiver, preamp/processor or outboard DAC and ultimately passed to our speakers. For high quality output of the video portion of the content, a component video jack is also included. Not all iPods are supported however, only the iPod nano, the iPod with Video and subsequent models (including the iPod Touch), as older units were not able to pass a digital signal over the 30-pin connector.
The 170i has been on the market for about six months, but was shown here at CES in basic black for the first time. Either the black version or the original white is available for $379.99.
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