Wadia 170iTransport - To mod, or not to mod?

Here's a different opinion I received from Empirical Audio;

The problem with modding the iTransport is that is uses the PCM270X chip from TI. This chip, even with the best clock on the planet is very jittery. I should know, I had products based on it years ago. The AirPort Express uses it also.

The best mod for an iTransport is no mod at all. Add an external reclocker like the Pace-Car 2. This will outperfrom by a long shot any mod that you care to do to it. Also, once you put money into mods, the mods become worthless. You never get your money out of them. The Pace-Car on the other hand has a great resale and lasts maybe a day on Audiogon.

"No mod, is good mod".

Why not replace that 'jittery' TI chip [PCM270X] then, or is that what the ASI mod does? Why did Wadia use this chip (savings) if it's known to be 'jittery'?

After some reading I don't think I'm going to mod my iTransport, at least not yet. Wadia will probably have a new one soon anyhow. You know how it is with computer products; "obsolete before it's released".

I didn't know that the iPod Touch had a SSD. That would be better, but the limited capacity keeps me away. My whole CD library is on my 160 GB Classic iPod in Apple Lossless (over 500 CD's and still some room to spare). Buying multiple iPod Touch's is cost prohibitive so you don't have to dock it for other music.

And as far as an outboard clock, $1250 for the Pace-Car 2 is too much. When mods start to cost 4x as much as the product they are modding then you need a better product first.

I'm still curious if any one has tried the CIAudio VDC 9.0 power supply and what they thought. Would it even matter since mine is plugged into a Walker VelocitorS?

With regards to USB DAC's; I auditioned a number of them in my system ($100 to $3500), including the 'Brick' and 'Cosecant v2'. I have the iTransport, which tells you what I thought. I also tried the SB3 before that and preferred it to the USB DAC's but it had constant drop-out issues. That Weiss Minerva FW DAC looks cool. But then I already have a superb DAC.

Thanks, Bombaywalla

I agree, most iPod users would not see the iTransport as favorable a mate if priced like the Pace Car 2. But to me the iTransport was meant for Audiophiles, not MP3 listeners. Wadia should [have] offer a 'cost no object' version.

The GW Labs DSP is more affordable. But the problem I have with adding an outboard re-clocker is the need for another digital cable to match the one I have, as well as another power cord, and raising the cost. I also want to keep my system simple. That's one aspect of the 'computer audio' DIY I've never liked - all those extra parts, and wires, and connectors, and plugs, and cords,... aaaaggh! Doesn't work with my OCD perfectionism. ;-) Not the kind of high-end audio I want.

The Minerva is intriguing (I could use my iMac via Fire Wire), but I think my Reimyo DAP-777 is still a strong contender. I also realized from my music server trials that it takes a special set up (DAC) to match what I had with my previous CDP. The USB DAC's I auditioned just weren't delivering the sound I was accustom to. Fortunately the Reimyo DAP and iTransport did just that, and more.

I admit though, the rest of my system does make up for what the iTransport/iPod lacks so there's room for improvement at the source. It's that kind of situation where you'd have to hear it to know it. But I knew from the USB DAC's I auditioned that I'd have to find a superb DAC if I wanted to hear what I was used to hearing before. It's not as simple as getting a music server as many seem to think/imply. You can't match what you had unless it's the same DAC, or better; i.e, buying the Olive music server would not be as good unless it was running through my DAC, or it's internal DAC was comparable to what I had.

Cheers