Ipad to replace cd player?

The iPad isn't really that bad is it? I use Discovery Essence interconnect and a cheap Hosa RCA to 3.5mm stereo adapter to connect my preamp to my iPad. I play Pandora or whatever off of the iPad, and I think it sounds pretty good for what it is. I enjoy it more for what it can do than for it's sound quality. If it makes the wife and kids happy then that alone should be worth it's weight in gold! LOL. I use a Wadia 170i connected to my DAC with TARA Labs RSC Air 1 Digital coax for iPod usage, and that is when the sound quality gets much better. Good luck!

I use a 120gb iPod Classic plugged into my Wadia 170 iTransport that is connected to my SMcAudio Revision A modified McCormack DAC-1 with a TARA Labs RSC Air 1 - 75ohm digital coax cable. I am pleased with the sonics to say the least. Sound is very good IMHO and it's easy to navigate thru my iTunes music library with the iPod. I use an Oppo 970HD plugged into the DAC-1 with Analysis Plus Toslink for playing CDs, which is also pretty good sound on the cheap. You can view the rest of my system here on Audiogon. Only I recently sold my McCormack RLD-1 SS preamp and bought a VTL TL-2.5 to put in it's place.

To sum up, the Wadia iTransport mated with a nice DAC that does a good job with jitter reduction is a great way to go IMO. Most iPod and iPhone will plug right in. Often visitors are allowed to plug in their favorite song, and are then suprised when they hear how good it sounds! Best of luck...