I won't be able to help on the Dongle side much further as I'm bottlenecked by not being able to find my 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack. I'm not sure if the Dongle can pick up or sense a 3.5mm input because it is on USB. Hopefully someone with a Apple USB-C and a 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack can confirm one day.
No worries on Lubuntu, but as an alternative it does work on Microsoft Windows as per ASR. I noticed you have a account over there, so Amir did some measurements on the Apple Dongle back in 2018. Maybe someone there can test a 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack for you over there? Sample size should be much higher for the dongle use case.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...gle-usb-c-headphone-adapters.5541/post-123415
Spotify Connect is also possible on Raspberry Pi, but it takes some work. You will also need a Spotify Premium Account. I cannot confirm if the Apple USB-C dongle works with the Raspberry Pi yet to get output.
But it looks like you will need a Spotify Premium Account on any device ("Requires Spotify Premium" on top center-right):
So that is all I can comment on as a Baseline Backup Plan regarding the dongle. Again, I haven't thought about Traditional Audio since the 20th Century. I only use 'Made in the UK' 'FPGA' DACs like the example above regarding a Spotify Premium Account so anything Traditional is long gone from memory. So since I only use FPGA DACs, my knowlege is very narrow (horse blinders) not broad as it would be for traditional gear.
As for the Present plan to stick with Wolfson, I would recommend browsing through Supported Spotify Connect devices then try to find one that resembles the Wolfson sound.
https://connect.spotify.com/start#devices
Maybe look into used backup iPods? There's lightning to 30-pin accessories so that could be a backup plan, but again no Wolfson but you can still use your Onyko.
Hopefully, you can find a Supported Spotify Connect device with Wolfson or something close to cloning the Wolfson sound as possible.
If something pops up I'll post, but I haven't thought about this stuff for such a long time.
As for reviving the iPod mini, please don't count on that possibility because of Covid health issues I can only allocate energy for certain projects at certain times of the year so I doubt I will ever get around to replacing the screen.
It's like a Apple IIe. Although I can restore one, what are the chances I would consistently use to justify the project:
So I recommend:
No worries on Lubuntu, but as an alternative it does work on Microsoft Windows as per ASR. I noticed you have a account over there, so Amir did some measurements on the Apple Dongle back in 2018. Maybe someone there can test a 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack for you over there? Sample size should be much higher for the dongle use case.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...gle-usb-c-headphone-adapters.5541/post-123415
Spotify Connect is also possible on Raspberry Pi, but it takes some work. You will also need a Spotify Premium Account. I cannot confirm if the Apple USB-C dongle works with the Raspberry Pi yet to get output.
But it looks like you will need a Spotify Premium Account on any device ("Requires Spotify Premium" on top center-right):
So that is all I can comment on as a Baseline Backup Plan regarding the dongle. Again, I haven't thought about Traditional Audio since the 20th Century. I only use 'Made in the UK' 'FPGA' DACs like the example above regarding a Spotify Premium Account so anything Traditional is long gone from memory. So since I only use FPGA DACs, my knowlege is very narrow (horse blinders) not broad as it would be for traditional gear.
As for the Present plan to stick with Wolfson, I would recommend browsing through Supported Spotify Connect devices then try to find one that resembles the Wolfson sound.
https://connect.spotify.com/start#devices
Maybe look into used backup iPods? There's lightning to 30-pin accessories so that could be a backup plan, but again no Wolfson but you can still use your Onyko.
Hopefully, you can find a Supported Spotify Connect device with Wolfson or something close to cloning the Wolfson sound as possible.
If something pops up I'll post, but I haven't thought about this stuff for such a long time.
As for reviving the iPod mini, please don't count on that possibility because of Covid health issues I can only allocate energy for certain projects at certain times of the year so I doubt I will ever get around to replacing the screen.
It's like a Apple IIe. Although I can restore one, what are the chances I would consistently use to justify the project:
So I recommend:
- Look into used iPods (susceptible to Onyko lasting forever)
- Look into supported Spotify Connect devices and cross fingers you can find one resembling the Wolfson Sound Signature
- Experiment with the Apple USB-C dongle to compare versus Wolfson.
- If dongle okay, then 3.5mm to RCA output or 3.5mm to 30-pin for Onkyo [But this is a big 'If' as 3.5mm input to a dongle hasn't been confirmed working]
- Raspberry Pi + dongle is always a good backup as it's low profile like the Onkyo and a standalone device you can still control with Android Spotify. It most likely resembles your current setup if you can find a Wolfson Raspberry Pi Accessory. For the dongle, it's just that 3.5mm input that is a road block. Raspberry Pi has HAT accessories you can attach to the Raspberry Pi, but I never looked into specifically Wolfson DAC Raspberry HATs or if that is even a thing. I know there are plenty of Raspberry Pi HAT DACs.
- Look into Spotify Connect DACs over at ASR to get an idea what others are doing with Spotify Connect
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I did a quick search out of curiosity, but don't get your hopes up as it's out of stock (not guaranteed esp. Covid Supply Chains):
https://www.seeedstudio.com/Wolfson-Audio-Card-p-1785.html
Don't worry how to power a Raspberry Pi for Audio for now. It should work with Spotify Connect that you can control via your Android smartphone. It seems genuine Wolfson, but Wolfson WM5102?
Nevermind, lots of Wolfson HATs discountinued a long time ago. I'll explore again later this week on Raspberry Pi + Wolfson HAT possibilities.
https://www.seeedstudio.com/Wolfson-Audio-Card-p-1785.html
Don't worry how to power a Raspberry Pi for Audio for now. It should work with Spotify Connect that you can control via your Android smartphone. It seems genuine Wolfson, but Wolfson WM5102?
Nevermind, lots of Wolfson HATs discountinued a long time ago. I'll explore again later this week on Raspberry Pi + Wolfson HAT possibilities.
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I won't be able to check this site for a few days, but this mixes things up:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166268870038?hash=item26b6659d96:g:e1gAAOSwc4tkhfFa&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAAwJS6V9oZimy4/5w0AnI95lBqJqXaUOYu4fcdrL9tAMpX3gebH310pvVX8zLuuTk7rlTD7RUqq9x92oYEyK3R+sKi5mW2xIgw+I1BEc4xwURCvmd1S7KojE5+Ew4E4rVMpk2IRZLOjR2wDPWtMTU4IKW1mD/xv4HaHBf+jH+V5K06GwVIpEgunfD1QpPHjjqEAQkXMqmHkKfzupfTmZ93OYuszNsqSt4NWWdtCZxBGg7+OzpXryLMFvMN7EVKh+FzDw==|tkp:Bk9SR4ibooLWYg
User Guide
https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1805130.pdf
But nothing will likely meet your expectations unless it's WM8975:
I just checked my Nano via eBay and it's WM8975 too, so a used iPod with WM8975 is likely your best course if you can install Spotify Connect. Anything else is an opportunity cost.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166268870038?hash=item26b6659d96:g:e1gAAOSwc4tkhfFa&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAAwJS6V9oZimy4/5w0AnI95lBqJqXaUOYu4fcdrL9tAMpX3gebH310pvVX8zLuuTk7rlTD7RUqq9x92oYEyK3R+sKi5mW2xIgw+I1BEc4xwURCvmd1S7KojE5+Ew4E4rVMpk2IRZLOjR2wDPWtMTU4IKW1mD/xv4HaHBf+jH+V5K06GwVIpEgunfD1QpPHjjqEAQkXMqmHkKfzupfTmZ93OYuszNsqSt4NWWdtCZxBGg7+OzpXryLMFvMN7EVKh+FzDw==|tkp:Bk9SR4ibooLWYg
User Guide
https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1805130.pdf
But nothing will likely meet your expectations unless it's WM8975:
I just checked my Nano via eBay and it's WM8975 too, so a used iPod with WM8975 is likely your best course if you can install Spotify Connect. Anything else is an opportunity cost.
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I might have to dig into this. I have one of those Apple DACs i thot was just an adaptor cable, a beaten up iPhone SE (my iPhone 6 went to a friend in the UK), a new small classD amp is arriving, i can finally put all the bits together for my breifcase system.
I also have an iPod 160 but need a new battery in it.
dave
I also have an iPod 160 but need a new battery in it.
dave
@Drive Shaft - you seem so passionate, thank you for all the useful advice and time that you invest to help others. Haha, the pic of the Apple IIe made me smile, I used to love using Apple DOS and the BASIC programming language. It was so much fun. Oh! - I remember the feel and sound of those keys on the keyboard, so soothing 😊.
I think the best thing to do, as you've suggested, is to find an outboard DAC that has the same or similar sound signature of the Wolfson DACs that were used in the iPods. I'm sure someone out there has been successful with that mission and can share their experience and advice. Amir's review of the miniDSP Flex was interesting and that is something that I would consider in the future provided the sound signature comes close to the Wolfson DACs, the benefit being a nice bonus in terms of a PEQ and REW compatibility.
I think the best thing to do, as you've suggested, is to find an outboard DAC that has the same or similar sound signature of the Wolfson DACs that were used in the iPods. I'm sure someone out there has been successful with that mission and can share their experience and advice. Amir's review of the miniDSP Flex was interesting and that is something that I would consider in the future provided the sound signature comes close to the Wolfson DACs, the benefit being a nice bonus in terms of a PEQ and REW compatibility.
Notice arrived that i will see the amp.
As well i have monoBlok ACA mini to play with (thanx Nelson).
dave
As well i have monoBlok ACA mini to play with (thanx Nelson).
dave
That comes across as a serious piece of kit but I am sure it costs a lot. I'm more inclined toward realising a cost effective solution that does an exceptional job at a very reasonable price. I'm happy with my iPod for now but miss the streaming functionality.
No worries, I love plugging in the Apple Dongle into my old PCs to give them new life. The low noise floor is welcomed compared to standard OEM DACs which sounds harsh. On my main Gaming PC, it's FPGA DACs only but since they are expensive it's not wise to move the DAC around to older PCs for longevity so the Apple Dongle plays it's role well.
I really don't know what I'm doing because I have no clue on Traditional OEM DACs. I actually assumed you had Spotify Connect running on your iPod and I'm guessing now that it's just a nice to have if you can find a similar sound signature.
I recommend getting acquainted with Raspberry Pi. Many Audiophiles that thought they could never setup a Raspberry Pi have done so painlessly. The first step is quite straightforward. Under Windows or Mac, you can create a Raspberry Pi USB stick with ease by clicking a few buttons on the Installation Software. You then insert the USB stick into the Raspberry Pi and then follow a few instructions and viola you have a Raspberry Pi Audio System. So there are many that assumed the learning curve would be steep, but Raspberry Pi is pretty straightforward and well documented so you should have no issues finding help online.
The reason I recommend Raspberry Pi is because it's good value and offers flexibility. It's also homegrown in the UK so it should be easy to procure one and accessories.
I found a possibly nice solution out of Germany, but it's not well-supported and outdated by now. But you never know if another Wolfson HAT will be produced and well-supported going forward. It's called the TauDAC. I don't recommend it at all because it needs a proprietary driver which stopped development years ago. I'm just using it as an example of what's possible. It's also not a good value.
http://taudac.com/
So Raspberry Pi, Spotify Connect and RCA OUT.
A cheaper solution, but one I'm skeptical about is from Waveshare:
https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/WM8960_Audio_HAT
Here are a few UK sites where they sell:
https://thepihut.com/products/wm8960-stereo-codec-audio-module-play-record
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waveshare-Raspberry-Encoding-Recording-Interface/dp/B07KN8424G
Again, not recommending either Raspberry Pi HAT without further investigation but just showing you what is possible.
So:
Raspberry Pis were out of stock almost all of COVID. So stocks are finally being replenished after 2+ years. This site has the current Raspberry Pi availability. Just look for UK.
https://rpilocator.com/
I really don't know what I'm doing because I have no clue on Traditional OEM DACs. I actually assumed you had Spotify Connect running on your iPod and I'm guessing now that it's just a nice to have if you can find a similar sound signature.
I recommend getting acquainted with Raspberry Pi. Many Audiophiles that thought they could never setup a Raspberry Pi have done so painlessly. The first step is quite straightforward. Under Windows or Mac, you can create a Raspberry Pi USB stick with ease by clicking a few buttons on the Installation Software. You then insert the USB stick into the Raspberry Pi and then follow a few instructions and viola you have a Raspberry Pi Audio System. So there are many that assumed the learning curve would be steep, but Raspberry Pi is pretty straightforward and well documented so you should have no issues finding help online.
The reason I recommend Raspberry Pi is because it's good value and offers flexibility. It's also homegrown in the UK so it should be easy to procure one and accessories.
I found a possibly nice solution out of Germany, but it's not well-supported and outdated by now. But you never know if another Wolfson HAT will be produced and well-supported going forward. It's called the TauDAC. I don't recommend it at all because it needs a proprietary driver which stopped development years ago. I'm just using it as an example of what's possible. It's also not a good value.
http://taudac.com/
So Raspberry Pi, Spotify Connect and RCA OUT.
A cheaper solution, but one I'm skeptical about is from Waveshare:
https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/WM8960_Audio_HAT
Here are a few UK sites where they sell:
https://thepihut.com/products/wm8960-stereo-codec-audio-module-play-record
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waveshare-Raspberry-Encoding-Recording-Interface/dp/B07KN8424G
Again, not recommending either Raspberry Pi HAT without further investigation but just showing you what is possible.
So:
- Backup iPod (No Spotify Connect)
- Raspberry Pi with DAC HAT (Spotify Connect)
- Apple Dongle if 3.5mm to RCA OUT ever confirmed working (Spotify Connect)
Raspberry Pis were out of stock almost all of COVID. So stocks are finally being replenished after 2+ years. This site has the current Raspberry Pi availability. Just look for UK.
https://rpilocator.com/
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@Drive Shaft - Thank you very much indeed for the time you've spent preparing such detailed and useful information. That makes a lot of sense and building solutions using Raspberry Pi seems very interesting. The TauDAC comes across as a serious piece of kit and has the right DACS, I tried writing to them via their website but the contact form does not work. Not sure if they are still operational. Would be great to build a streaming player that incorporates a WM8975 DAC HAT.
No worries. Yes the TauDAC indeed seems tempting, but I have an unpopular opinion on my next post.
I believe this is TauDAC's e-mail:
sergej@taudac.com
https://patchwork.kernel.org/projec...484-17449-1-git-send-email-sergej@taudac.com/
Here's some general info of software sites trying to support the TauDAC:
https://community.roonlabs.com/t/asking-for-harry-to-add-support-for-taudac/112913/19
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/34778-dsdi2s-dac-hats-for-raspberry-pi/
https://community.volumio.com/t/preparing-taudac-dm101-for-soundcheck/7240
One hitch though is because it is a propreitary driver, it's going to get complicated when trying to install Spotify Connect.
I believe this is TauDAC's e-mail:
sergej@taudac.com
https://patchwork.kernel.org/projec...484-17449-1-git-send-email-sergej@taudac.com/
Here's some general info of software sites trying to support the TauDAC:
https://community.roonlabs.com/t/asking-for-harry-to-add-support-for-taudac/112913/19
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/34778-dsdi2s-dac-hats-for-raspberry-pi/
https://community.volumio.com/t/preparing-taudac-dm101-for-soundcheck/7240
One hitch though is because it is a propreitary driver, it's going to get complicated when trying to install Spotify Connect.
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Okay, here goes my unpopular opinion...
There can be some nostalgia at play here. I too wish to replicate the sound of an iPod in a small form factor, but it might be a good thing to keep in mind of the "Modern" Apple Cirrus DAC upgrades. That's why I was hoping you try the Apple Dongle before proceeding.
https://www.tindie.com/products/soguklehim/wolfson-micro-wm8740-24-bit-192khz-dac/
I had the 1G iPod too.
So if:
But I read with these WM DACS, implementation is crucial. So no one out there will ever be able to implement WM DACS like Apple did. Even if you scored a WM DAC rig, the implementation can be off enough it won't replicate near the Apple Sound Signature. The TauDAC should be pretty nice though because it has clocks/oscillators which iPods never had, but the TauDAC is a tough sell.
So what I'm suggesting you go to your local Apple Store with your headphones and try out some of the newer products. The opportunity cost of throwing a few hundred here and there for a WM DAC rig maybe better invested in a new Apple product.
For example, the M2 Apple products are highly praised for their audio. Apple engineers don't skimp. So Apple Mac Mini has a 3.5mm headphone out to attach a 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack.
If you are worried about Mains power, you can do an iPad -> Dock -> Dongle rig or Macbook M2 -> Headphone OUT rig.
Why I'm suggesting this is:
So it may be good to keep an open mind, visit your local Apple Store and try out the new Apple products before considering anything else out there.
You can read some comments about Apple headphone out here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...7463&iId=f5609a16-0150-4571-a846-ce287006dd47
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...948d&iId=052bd791-63c1-4e8d-9a81-3077e77585c2
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...9d5b&iId=ade6c55d-5ae1-433f-b40b-8c12a0573b56
Rarely would anyone recommend an external DAC with their Apple product because the built-in DAC is already so good.
There's this too, but seems a little complicated:
https://www.tindie.com/products/kevpatt/creltek-i2s-stereo-dac/
There can be some nostalgia at play here. I too wish to replicate the sound of an iPod in a small form factor, but it might be a good thing to keep in mind of the "Modern" Apple Cirrus DAC upgrades. That's why I was hoping you try the Apple Dongle before proceeding.
https://www.tindie.com/products/soguklehim/wolfson-micro-wm8740-24-bit-192khz-dac/
I had the 1G iPod too.
So if:
- 1G iPod -> WM8740
- 4G iPod -> WM8975
But I read with these WM DACS, implementation is crucial. So no one out there will ever be able to implement WM DACS like Apple did. Even if you scored a WM DAC rig, the implementation can be off enough it won't replicate near the Apple Sound Signature. The TauDAC should be pretty nice though because it has clocks/oscillators which iPods never had, but the TauDAC is a tough sell.
So what I'm suggesting you go to your local Apple Store with your headphones and try out some of the newer products. The opportunity cost of throwing a few hundred here and there for a WM DAC rig maybe better invested in a new Apple product.
For example, the M2 Apple products are highly praised for their audio. Apple engineers don't skimp. So Apple Mac Mini has a 3.5mm headphone out to attach a 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack.
If you are worried about Mains power, you can do an iPad -> Dock -> Dongle rig or Macbook M2 -> Headphone OUT rig.
Why I'm suggesting this is:
- 1G iPod -> WM8740
- 4G iPod -> WM8975
- Cirrus DAC upgrade with Dongle
- Cirrus DAC upgrade with M2
So it may be good to keep an open mind, visit your local Apple Store and try out the new Apple products before considering anything else out there.
You can read some comments about Apple headphone out here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...7463&iId=f5609a16-0150-4571-a846-ce287006dd47
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...948d&iId=052bd791-63c1-4e8d-9a81-3077e77585c2
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...9d5b&iId=ade6c55d-5ae1-433f-b40b-8c12a0573b56
Rarely would anyone recommend an external DAC with their Apple product because the built-in DAC is already so good.
There's this too, but seems a little complicated:
https://www.tindie.com/products/kevpatt/creltek-i2s-stereo-dac/
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The TauDAC looks the part but I'd rather stay away from the complexities and challenges involved.
@Drive Shaft - Those are some very good suggestions. I'll try and get to listen to some of the Apple products you've highlighted to see how close they come to the WM8975 sound. I suppose I could take my iPod G4 with me for a comparison and listen to tracks I know well. Although, I must admit, the real difference is much more pronounced when I listen to music via my processor using DPLIIx, it is definitely my preference.
I think you are right in your analysis, I think Apple did more than just incorporate the Wolfson DACs. There may be other types of filters being applied to the sound either before or after the DAC kicks in.
I know this may sound a bit absurd but are there techies out there that have managed to convert such iPods (W8975) into standalone DACs such that all of Apple's secret sauce is retained? This could then be used with a streaming player such as the Wiim. I know this is easier said than done but I thought I'd ask.
I think you are right in your analysis, I think Apple did more than just incorporate the Wolfson DACs. There may be other types of filters being applied to the sound either before or after the DAC kicks in.
I know this may sound a bit absurd but are there techies out there that have managed to convert such iPods (W8975) into standalone DACs such that all of Apple's secret sauce is retained? This could then be used with a streaming player such as the Wiim. I know this is easier said than done but I thought I'd ask.
A possibility is you can pretend interest in the TauDAC and ask Sergey why he went with WM8741.
You can ask if he ever had an iPod? If so, how it compares with the TauDAC.
If he ever tried implementing WM8975. If Sergey did ever have a iPod, he could be a goldmine of information.
It's possible since he seems passionate about implementing Wolfson DACs.
If Apple works out, next is testing a 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack or maybe look for electrical outlets at the Apple Store so you can bring in your dock/processor if things get serious. I'm pretty sure Spotify Connect should not be an issue, but have not confirmed. I've seen photos of Macbook Spotify Software connecting to Spotify Connect, but never did actual confirmation.
I doubt you will ever find anyone besides an Apple Engineer implementing WM8975 properly. But Sergey and WM8741 can be the closest lead if he was an iPod user. Even iMods, which were popular Audiophile mods back in the day, the DAC was never touched. Only upgraded capacitors and paths shorten so they were iPod experts but they didn't dare touch the actual DAC.
I just remembered I had this exact same 30-pin cable and possibly AMP too (very likely) on this sample iMod.
https://web.archive.org/web/20051103053437/http://www.redwineaudio.com/iMod.html
But it's a battle between Nostalgia and Pragmatism.
You can ask if he ever had an iPod? If so, how it compares with the TauDAC.
If he ever tried implementing WM8975. If Sergey did ever have a iPod, he could be a goldmine of information.
It's possible since he seems passionate about implementing Wolfson DACs.
If Apple works out, next is testing a 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack or maybe look for electrical outlets at the Apple Store so you can bring in your dock/processor if things get serious. I'm pretty sure Spotify Connect should not be an issue, but have not confirmed. I've seen photos of Macbook Spotify Software connecting to Spotify Connect, but never did actual confirmation.
I doubt you will ever find anyone besides an Apple Engineer implementing WM8975 properly. But Sergey and WM8741 can be the closest lead if he was an iPod user. Even iMods, which were popular Audiophile mods back in the day, the DAC was never touched. Only upgraded capacitors and paths shorten so they were iPod experts but they didn't dare touch the actual DAC.
I just remembered I had this exact same 30-pin cable and possibly AMP too (very likely) on this sample iMod.
https://web.archive.org/web/20051103053437/http://www.redwineaudio.com/iMod.html
But it's a battle between Nostalgia and Pragmatism.
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Some interesting links:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/dac-for-mac-mini-m1.373408/post-6983219
^^ This just confirms Apple DACs are evolving, not stagnant. The sample size is there of DAC improvements in the modern M2 (M1+, 2021+).
Just more of a reason to give new Apple products a shot.
I noticed there are iPod projects that can stream Spotify, but the guts (DAC) is ripped out and only the shell is used. They use a low profile Raspberry Pi for the internals. So it's just an iPod casing w/ Raspberry Pi internals. So I think this one was last hope, if there was a way to Stream Spotify while using your Infrastucture, that would be optimal.
https://hackaday.com/2021/01/27/raspberry-pi-zero-powers-spotify-streaming-ipod/
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/dac-for-mac-mini-m1.373408/post-6983219
^^ This just confirms Apple DACs are evolving, not stagnant. The sample size is there of DAC improvements in the modern M2 (M1+, 2021+).
Just more of a reason to give new Apple products a shot.
I noticed there are iPod projects that can stream Spotify, but the guts (DAC) is ripped out and only the shell is used. They use a low profile Raspberry Pi for the internals. So it's just an iPod casing w/ Raspberry Pi internals. So I think this one was last hope, if there was a way to Stream Spotify while using your Infrastucture, that would be optimal.
https://hackaday.com/2021/01/27/raspberry-pi-zero-powers-spotify-streaming-ipod/
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I really enjoyed reading through those references and I agree, things have definitely moved forward in terms of advancements in DAC design and performance. The new Apple gear may very well be just as good or very close. However, if I could just find a way to steam to my iPod, I'd be very happy person. If not, I intend to continue using the iPod for now as I'm able to control it from an iPhone 6 using a remote control app.
The Hackaday site is very interesting, I have written to them to put me in touch with Tom Nardi as he may be able to come up with a solution for me, you never know. I have yet to hear back from Sergey of TauDAC but I think I'll give him time to respond.
The Hackaday site is very interesting, I have written to them to put me in touch with Tom Nardi as he may be able to come up with a solution for me, you never know. I have yet to hear back from Sergey of TauDAC but I think I'll give him time to respond.
What would be useful is if anyone owned the same iPod Touch G4 as me and has already invested time in locating a DAC that provides similar, same or better end-results than the Wolfson WM8975 DAC + Apple's secret audio sauce. I know Sergey of TauDAC could probably have answered that but he has not responded to my email. I have not heard back from Tom Nardi either. Meanwhile, I continue to use and enjoy my iPod.
I'm not commenting. It's just an FYI. Please ignore as it may not meet your current expectations.
You inspired me to try to get the Apple Dongle working with a Raspberry Pi.
I'm currently enjoying my Apple Dongle with my High Performance low latency realtime kernel Audiophile OS Raspberry Pi 4. So I can confirm the dongle works with the Raspberry Pi. I allocate 3 out of 4 CPU cores just for dedicated Audio and the whole OS loads in RAM. All Music Playback in RAM and I only play the Best Masterings when testing. It's enjoyable, I just want off Mains because I'm allegeric to Mains Power. It affects my fatigue and how long I can listen to Music.
With the release of the new Raspberry Pi 5, it opens doors for PCI-E cards. So I hope to test Raspberry Pi 5 with a low latency realtime kernel with the Apple Dongle during the holidays with a PCI-E USB-C OUT. PCI-E has a direct connection with the CPU so it avoids all the noise in a computer whether PC or Raspberry Pi.
The Raspberry Pi 5 was just realeased last week, so pre-orders available to consumers this year. Next year, the Supply Chain will likely dry up since Commerical entities will buy them all up. So Raspberry Pi 5 likely won't be available for consumers until 2025-2026. There are two options, $60 (4GB) and $80 (8GB). But I never tested Spotify Connect or confirmed 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack to work.
I enjoy it more than an iPod, but that was decades ago. I hope to battery power to simulate a iPod next year for portable use.
Note it has USB-C PWR OUT if needed to the USB-C PWR IN of a Raspberry Pi. In this photo I'm powering a USB optical cable. I have since upgraded the power supply, but this handles up to 100A so it should do well with a Raspberry Pi 5. Should be fun.
Anyways, if there was a despearate need, it's a cheap backup solution if I can ever confirm the 3.5mm to RCA OUT to work:
Minimal to get started:
You inspired me to try to get the Apple Dongle working with a Raspberry Pi.
I'm currently enjoying my Apple Dongle with my High Performance low latency realtime kernel Audiophile OS Raspberry Pi 4. So I can confirm the dongle works with the Raspberry Pi. I allocate 3 out of 4 CPU cores just for dedicated Audio and the whole OS loads in RAM. All Music Playback in RAM and I only play the Best Masterings when testing. It's enjoyable, I just want off Mains because I'm allegeric to Mains Power. It affects my fatigue and how long I can listen to Music.
With the release of the new Raspberry Pi 5, it opens doors for PCI-E cards. So I hope to test Raspberry Pi 5 with a low latency realtime kernel with the Apple Dongle during the holidays with a PCI-E USB-C OUT. PCI-E has a direct connection with the CPU so it avoids all the noise in a computer whether PC or Raspberry Pi.
The Raspberry Pi 5 was just realeased last week, so pre-orders available to consumers this year. Next year, the Supply Chain will likely dry up since Commerical entities will buy them all up. So Raspberry Pi 5 likely won't be available for consumers until 2025-2026. There are two options, $60 (4GB) and $80 (8GB). But I never tested Spotify Connect or confirmed 3.5mm to RCA OUT jack to work.
I enjoy it more than an iPod, but that was decades ago. I hope to battery power to simulate a iPod next year for portable use.
- I want to get off Mains for a listen, so I plan to use Super Capacitors which completely isolates from Mains, during the holidays. I just need to create my own USB-C cable. I have all the tools already minus the cable. I don't use cables with traditonal wiring, so I have to make my own.
- I want to test the PCI-E for a clean USB-C OUT. I never use Motherboard USB-C OUT for production.
- I want to make it portable, so hoping to replicate an iPod in a few years by making a Battery version of this one day. I have all the tools already.
Note it has USB-C PWR OUT if needed to the USB-C PWR IN of a Raspberry Pi. In this photo I'm powering a USB optical cable. I have since upgraded the power supply, but this handles up to 100A so it should do well with a Raspberry Pi 5. Should be fun.
Anyways, if there was a despearate need, it's a cheap backup solution if I can ever confirm the 3.5mm to RCA OUT to work:
Minimal to get started:
- Raspberry Pi 5 8GB $80
- Raspberry Pi 5 Power supply $12
- Apple Dongle $9
- Spotify Connect
- Raspberry Pi 5 8GB $80
- Raspberry Pi 5 Power supply $12
- Raspberry Pi PCI-E HAT est. $30
- PCI-E USB ASM3142 chipset $60
- Apple Dongle $9
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That is very interesting @Drive Shaft, what was the outcome of your trial?
Today, I listened to some music tracks via my iPod. I continue to control it via my iPhone 6 and an app called Tango which I quite like but the developers decided to cease the project which is sad. However, I continue to use it and love the simple and elegant UI and excellent UX.
I have come to love and appreciate the sound of my iPod Touch G4, it is so soothing and emotional. I was invited by someone to listen to a very high-end stereo setup. I must admit it sounded fantastic. After that experience, I've come to realise and really appreciate how good the iPod sounds via its DAC in conjunction with additional filters that Apple may have applied. All this has contributed to me being even more critical with my listening now, my iPod as a source enable me to kick back, relax and really enjoy the music.
Today, I listened to some music tracks via my iPod. I continue to control it via my iPhone 6 and an app called Tango which I quite like but the developers decided to cease the project which is sad. However, I continue to use it and love the simple and elegant UI and excellent UX.
I have come to love and appreciate the sound of my iPod Touch G4, it is so soothing and emotional. I was invited by someone to listen to a very high-end stereo setup. I must admit it sounded fantastic. After that experience, I've come to realise and really appreciate how good the iPod sounds via its DAC in conjunction with additional filters that Apple may have applied. All this has contributed to me being even more critical with my listening now, my iPod as a source enable me to kick back, relax and really enjoy the music.