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So, I'm thinking of buying a new iPod touch to use with Spotify. I also want to use it playing through my hifi, have a Cambridge Audio Amp & pair of Mourdant Short speakers.
I know I can just plug the iPod into the hifi using the ipod headphone jack (to the mp3 input at the back of the amp). However, is there a better way of doing it to get the best sound quality?
I did a quick Google and came across all sorts of expensive boxes (DAC's?) And expensive looking cables....left very confused!
So any STW audiophiles able to share any light on the best bang for buck way to connect?!
The 6th Gen Touch has got a Lightning connector, you can get Lightning to 3.5mm leads, which enables direct input from the pod to the amp, and if there's a USB input, the same lead allows Lightning to USB as well.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lightning-3-5mm-Audio-Cable-Fone-Stuff/dp/B01MFDW4LW
There's a certain amount of DAC goes on via the chip in the Lightning connector, but, TBH, most won't notice much, if any difference. If you rip everything to 320Kb variable bitrate, its indistinguishable from a CD, to all intents and purposes.
Here's a straight Lightning to 3.5mm, without USB, as well:
https://www.headsetbuddy.com/lightning-to-3-5mm-male-car-headphone-aux-adapter-cable-for-apple-iphone/
bit more flexibility for the audio with
https://www.google.com/chromecast/audio/ - think it will be supported on the apple version of spotify - I can send audio from any spotify on the same network to it (using the video version) no need to plug the ipod in to the hifi and you can control from where ever you are
Great thanks for the pointers. Particularly keen on the Google Chromecast idea. Either that or one of the Apple Lightning dock thingies to sit the iPod on.
I use an Apple Airport Express connected into my amp. I connect my iPhone & iPad to the AE with wifi. The AE is the strongest wifi signal in the house too so helps extend my range.
Why are you getting an iPod touch for this? Have you considered a Gramofon https://gramofon.com/ and using your existing phone as a 'remote control' for Spotify?
Chromecast Audio is great and it's the Chromecast that plays the stream, not the iDevice. You can group multiple Chromecasts for multi room too. Uses 3.5mm to RCA and others but you will need to buy anything beyond the 3.5 to 3.5 cable. Note that the app needs to support Chromecast, not the device so Spotify and BBC Radio Player are fine, but check for others. I expect there will be a compatible internet radio player.
IMHO - use a basic decent cable first, eg:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/BlueRigger-3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-meters/dp/B00GG5CF74
then if you're bothered about improving the sound, then try a more expensive solution. The BlueRigger cables have always been decent enough for me, and very very cheap.
I use a Chromecast Audio for this too.
Issue with the gramfono is I need something to use offline too with Spotify premium. My phone is gash but can't justify dropping £500 on an iPhone!
Issue with the gramfono is I need something to use offline too with Spotify premium. My phone is gash but can't justify dropping £500 on an iPhone!
in which case it's probably still the best way to get the music from the portable to your hifi
just use chromecast audio or an echo dot to achieve the same thing. the advantage of a dot is you can ask it do put the tunes on with your voice
Ah, just had a proper read up on the Gramfono. Looks ideal, hadn't realised it connects to Spotify directly. Could be just the ticket.