Compare audio quality via headphone jack versus dock

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Level 2

245 points

Compare audio quality via headphone jack versus dock

I have a 2nd gen nano and want to connect it to a stereo via RCA cables. Apparently this is possible via either the headphone jack or dock connector. How much difference is there in the audio quality? This is an example cable using the dock:
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimited-iPod-Connector-Cable/dp/B000CBFVXS/ref=sr15?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1241663314&sr=1-5
A disadvantage is that this device does not allow simultaneous charging. Is there a dock connector with RCA outputs plus charging? Thanks.
Owen

1.83GHz Intel mini, PB G3 Series (wallstreet, OS 9.2), Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on May 6, 2009 7:53 PM

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Answer 1

Owen Farmer Author

Level 2

245 points

May 7, 2009 8:29 PM in response to Owen Farmer

I have pretty much answered my own question with a little research. In addition to the Apple Universal Dock, two others are (available on Amazon):

Pocketdock- http://www.sendstation.com/us/products/pocketdock/lineout-usb.html

Keyspan AV Dock- http://www.amazon.com/KeySpan-Dock-iPod-Remote-White/dp/B000F1TFE6/ref=sr12?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1241752247&sr=8-2#moreAboutThisProduct

Here are some references, discussing pros and cons of Line Out versus Headphone jacks.
http://www.beavishifi.com/articles/headphonejack/
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=638449
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=591594
Opinions on whether Line Out gives better sound quality are all over the lot from no difference to much better. Everyone seems to agree that the output level from either is low and requires the the receiver volume be cranked up.

If I buy one of the above it would probably be the Keyspan (about $25) but I am not convinced that I will hear the difference from using the headphone jack.

Owen

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