Will this work with an iPod classic? I'm guessing that It would use the USB input...but just want to make sure. I have my music on three classics and many amps have phased out their inputs. Thanks.
bradk777I don't think this will work, the iPod Classic doesn't have an OTG (On The Go) USB or S/PDIF interface, so it wouldn't be able to drive the Grace. You'd need a computer between them to transfer the sound files.
bradk777I'd recommend just moving your music collection to an Android-based device. That way you'll have compatibility with virtually all DAC/Amps with USB input. It's not worth restricting your choices of headphone amp just so you can use an iPod classic.
bradk777To the best of my knowledge you can't output digital information out of an iPod Classic, only audio signal.
When you use the iPod Classic you have two ways to get the audio signal out:
1. via the headphone jack, which outputs an amplified signal
2. via the 30 pin connector using a line out cable which sends out an unamplified line out signal
if you use option 1 connected to another amp, then you will be double amping which is not optimal. Preferably you want a headphone amp that accepts a line in as input, many do (the Grace m9XX doesn't).
I do this: iPod Classic -> 30 pin lineout cable (FiiO L9 L-Shaped Line Out Dock Cable) -> FiiO E12 Mont Blanc portable amp. I have no problems with this, and it drives my AKG K7XX and HE 400i decently (though not as nicely as the Grace does being driven by either my Mac (USB) or CD player (TOSLINK)) . Periodically Massdrop has headphone amps that take line in as input.
Hope this helps...