[Marbles]

I hadn't listened to my main system for 2 channel in about a year, just HT, because I moved some things around including my computer to another room. I used my computer as a transport.

Last night I plugged my Ipad2 into the system using a cheap "mini to stereo" Radio Shack cable.

It sounded damn good.

Has anybody else tried using an Ipad2 as a front end?  What did you think?

Maybe it was because I hadn't heard the system in a while that I thought it sounded good.

Thanks for any feedback on the ipad as a front end.

[saisunil]

If you are happy - stay with it ...
Obvious next steps would be:
- Use lossless instead of MP3 (you may already be doing that)
- Get a Lineout Cable for ipad (this will bypass the internal headphone amp

Enjoy!

[srb]

You can usually get even better sound by using a line out connection via a Line Out Dock cable (Dock connector to stereo RCA plugs) instead of using the headphone jack and internal amplifier.  Line Out Docking to RCA Cable
 
You may also be able to use an external USB DAC with the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit.  iPad Camera Connection Kit
 
Although the iPad is natively limited to 16/44.1 or 16/48 playback, if you connect the USB Camera Connection USB adapter to an external high-resolution USB Class 2 DAC you can also play high resolution FLAC files with the FLAC Player app.
 
iPad: the new 24/192 transport? for FLAC?
 
FLAC Player app
 
 
Steve

[Crimson]

You may also be able to use an external USB DAC with the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit.

Not may, can.

[PSB Guy]

The HRT iStreamer would be another solution:

http://www.highresolutiontechnologies.com/istreamer/

You'll be surprised how much better it can sound by bypassing the internal DAC. I use one of these with a 6th generation iPod Classic, and with high quality files (uncompressed AIFF) it gives any CD player a run for the money, and you can't beat the convenience.

Cornelis

[ted_b]

Not may or can....did!  As per my thread the iPad, using the $10 FLAC player app, can serve up to 24/192 FLAC files via USB.

[srb]

Not may, can.

Recent iOS updates allow the iPod/iPhone/iPad to work with most USB DACs, however those that can only be powered via the USB connection, depending on their power consumption, may or may not work properly.
 
Steve

[Marbles]

Thanks guys, I just ordered the line out cable.

I do run lossless (no compression).

[jparkhur]

?  Isn't lossless compressed?  I thought AIFF was uncompressed from disc to iTunes.  Someone maybe able to clarify. I know most recording artist are recording in 24bit, but must compress to 16 for a cd, but???

JP
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=190950

[jparkhur]

Also, can you get a ipad connetor out to usb and use a usb dac????   similar to the connector to RCA that srb showed.??

[srb]

?  Isn't lossless compressed?  I thought AIFF was uncompressed from disc to iTunes.  Someone maybe able to clarify. I know most recording artist are recording in 24bit, but must compress to 16 for a cd, but???

There is Lossless Compressed (FLAC and ALAC) and Lossy Compressed (MP3, M4A, M4P, etc.).
 
FLAC and ALAC are compressed, but no bits are lost and is bit perfect when uncompressed for playback, much like a zipfile.
 

Also, can you get a ipad connetor out to usb and use a usb dac????   similar to the connector to RCA that srb showed.??

The Apple Camera Connection Kit that I referenced has the USB connector that you need.   iPad Camera Connection Kit
 
Steve

[jparkhur]

Steve,   so you can NOT use the white power cord that comes with it??   

[srb]

Steve,   so you can NOT use the white power cord that comes with it??

Not to connect it to a USB DAC, only to charge and synchronize the iPad.
 
Steve

[niaszaider]

airplay with atv2 --> dac-->receiver

[jrebman]

Another vote for the iStreamer.  Just had mine cryoed and doing a few other small tweaks, so we'll see how far this can go .  BTW, it takes a good while to break-in fully.

I also now have an iPad2 and the camera kit, so will try my HRT MS II+ as well (also just cryoed.)

-- Jim