Ipod Dock with direct out?????

I like the idea of digital out very much, but I don't like my iPod reduced to a Shuffle.

Neither would I and I am glad it is not.

I don't know if you are talking about an external screen, but I can navigate my iPod while docked on the iTransport just as I can undocked. To say it clearer, so far I can navigate and view everything on the iPod's screen absolutely the same, whether docked or undocked.

If I misinterpreted your comments, I apologize.

No, I understand Brian. The difference in my case is that I sit 12-ish feet from my equipment and I don't have a reasonable way to bring the iTransport closer to my listening position. I'm certain I can use my iPod when it is docked, but as an earlier post mentioned, somewhat like how I would use a turntable.

On the other hand, there is a very reasonable argument that it is stupid to fire up a plasma display and generate all that heat and noise just to pick songs.

Maybe I just need to make better playlists. I use my iPod in my car, and I have the old Alpine interface that is not the greatest for finding a specific track. So I've had to rely on good playlists to avoid bouncing on the next track button. I suppose using this iTransport would be pretty much the same: pick a playlist, go sit over there, hit the next track button when the mood hits me.

But on the other hand, I choose music from the PCs in my house using my Xbox 360 and I wish I could have that interface to tinker around in my collection when that mood hits me.

Hi Sleeve,

I follow you better now. The one thing I miss, slightly, is viewing how much time is left on a track, which I now must go up to the iPod to read. As for which track is next etc., I could never do that with a CD player anyway, I'd have to look at the CD jacket.

The stock Onkyo ND S1 has superior sound to the Wadia iDock and can be had at half the price on ebay from Japan with a universal power supply that works perfect in the USA. Or you can do as I did and purchase a laboratory grade Lambda regulated linear power supply which yields better sound yet. Also, I had Steve Sank of Talking Dog Transducer Company in Tucson (30 years experience) upgrade my Onkyo ND S1 for even better sound.