Best value DAC/Amp for an iPod?

[Rupert]

I want to start using my old 5.5th-Gen iPod Video at work, because it looks as if listening to music from the hard drive is not going to be possible anymore. My plan is to get a FiiO Line-Out Dock Cable (L1 or L3, not sure which is better yet) to connect the iPod to the headphone amp part of whatever device I buy.  However, if the device can get the straight digital signal* out of the iPod, that wins first prize. 

It would be nice, but not essential, for the device to have USB-in so I can also use it as a DAC/amp when I plug it into a computer.

It would also be nice, but not essential, for the DAC to handle 24-bit audio rather than just 16-bit.

So, bearing in mind all the above, what is the best value headphone DAC/amp for an old iPod Video? (Note the best value vs "best" ... my budget is limited.)

* PS - I know the Nuforce Icon iDo can get straight digital out of an iDevice, but it only appears to be compatible with the latest iPod Touches, iPhones and iPads ...)

[chipwelder]

What headphones are you using? there are some that sounds really good, that don't need another headphone amp... also gen 5.5 ipods have decent dac, and as such you can just go straight from headphone out or line out... no need for separate dac... if you want separate dac, there is meridian and Nuforce and one other dock??? that will get the digital signal from ipod, not many others licensed for that...

[Rupert]

Audio-Technica ATH-M50

[chipwelder]

Mmmm... Closed headphones... Well my experience with closed hp's, would be that a good hp amp, gets the music out of your head, and into a semblance of a soundstage... But I wouldn't know about those AT's... My Shures look very similar, though
With Ludo's headphone amp, it is really better than an ipod or a audiointerface... I actually think you'd be better off just getting lossless music onto the ipod and then possibly try out a good amp, don't bother with the DAC. I don't think any of these small portable jobbies will sound much better than a decent off-board audio-interface... which I have... I don't know this, so really it would be worthwhile to try them out... but before you buy only... as they all use the same things to make noise with... well it could be better, i guess... but that is just my take on it. Lossless on the ipod will make the biggest difference and then a really good hp amp will make more of a diffs.

[Rupert]

I also have Sennheiser 555s, but I can't use them at work because they're too noisy. I also prefer their wider soundstage, but I listen to them at home only.

Anyway, I just wanted the versatility of having a DAC as well.  You're spot-on, I think, about a good headphone amp by itself being a worthwhile option.  I see someone today is advertising a Trends Audio PA-10 Valve Preamp for R1850 on Gumtree - but it looks like it only has RCA in ... don't see how that could work with an iPod, even though the Trends ppl seem to suggest that it can.

[chipwelder]

You get line out docks with rca's or stereo 3.5mm jacks...

[Rupert]

oh ... in that case, do you think this Trends is a good option?

[chipwelder]

Haven't heard it at all, so would hate to lie to you... Headphones can be quite picky, I really think you should try before you buy...

[Rupert]

Still interested in seeing if anyone has recommendations ... are there any worthwhile headphone amps for an old iPod Video that cost less than, say, R1000?

[alternativeroute]

I am also curious as see whoever it is is is bringing a whole range of Trends stuff in: http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.za/c-PostersOtherAds-W0QQUserIdZ34786903

[Rupert]

Yes, I hope they keep it up!

[chipwelder]

Can't build for that price...

[dkronie]

Hi Rupert

If you interested I have a Apple IPOD line out dock LOD to 3.5mm mini jack aux forsale - R100 , will take some pics this weekend but similar to the below link

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-IPOD-line-out-dock-LOD-3-5mm-mini-jack-aux-/220812211821?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item33696ef66d

[Rupert]

Thanks, haven't seen that one before. It looks great. Will probably order it if the FiiO L3 I ordered a few days ago doesn't pan out.

[kamikazi]

Just watch out with the Trends pre-amp. Read that they can get seriously hot so they probably need good ventilation! Those prices are very good though..

With a Ipod lineout dock you should be fine with just adding a headamp. We did some testing here at work with a Apple Ipod Classic + line-out dock connected to a JDS Labs cMoy headamp and the results were really great on a Audio-Technica ATH-M50. It tightens up the sound quite considerably and adds nice separation and depth to the music.