The Latest in Digital Out for Mobile Devices?

Swampwalker,

I have just noticed those players in an audio catalogue I received in the mail and they do look very "audiophile" indeed for portable players. Thank you.

Part of my curiosity arises from my interest in helping friends and relatives who (unlike me) use Apple iPhones and iPads.

So wondering what is the latest news on streaming digital data from Apple devices?

Looking at the Wadia site for an update to the old dock that I found, it looks like they might not be making Apple docks any more?

Eastein, we are getting warmer?!

However, your suggestion seems to work only with

1) iPad and iPad mini? and
2) Powered DAC or powered USB hub?

In any case, it seems this would work with say, an iPad mini into a USB ready DAC such as a Benchmark?

Then, we would only be missing the best protocol for iTunes music files - Apple lossless?

Again, I am actually not an Apple person, but trying to figure this out as I evangelize to friends and relatives so thanks to everyone for ideas.

Great- would you also know the best / most "audiophile" set up or protocol in iTunes that would work with this set up?

Is it possible to rip CDs so we could at least be assured of redbook quality? Or would you recommend Apple "lossless" or comparable?

Just doing my bit to try and covert even one or two Apple loyalist friends and relatives into audiophiles....

Sorry for so many follow on questions, but Googling around it seems this type of set up has not worked for some users and/or some DACs.

This one?

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPad-Camera-Connection-MC531ZM/dp/B003K1EYM6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418267496&sr=8-1&keywords=apple+camera+connection

Or this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-Camera-Adapter-MD821ZM/dp/B009WHV3XA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418267496&sr=8-2&keywords=apple+camera+connection

Thanks Eastein.

OK, so now I have the "Lightning to USB Camera Adapter"because I would like to first try using my own Antelope Zodiac DAC (powered, with USB input) and a new iPad Mini.

Again, I am not an Apple person, so not so familiar with their OS but use the iPad mini mainly to read websites around the house.

But now see that iTunes does not fully install on an iPad?

Rather, you have to use the red icon or music "app"?

Does this limit playback to whatever you might have in an Apple account cloud?

I was hoping to rip WAV files from CDs if possible....

Re Tidalhifi, that looks interesting. A nice simple and clear demonstration of the lossed data!

Eureka!

With the Antelope Zodiac, this was more or less "plug and play".

Now using only "cloud" music from my iTunes account which I assume is < redbook, but delighted to at least get started.

Amazing that that all the Apple guys and the geeks at BestBuy looked at me like I had 17 heads and swore this would never work.

Thank you again.