In my exploration with the world of audiophile digital source, I have currently created 2 digital sources, mainly, from the Ipod/Ipad/Iphone and the desktop/laptop computers (Mac or WIndows). Both have different digital signal chains as follows:
for the Ipod/Ipad/Iphone:
Ipod/Ipad/Iphone ---> Onkyo ND-S1 Ipod dock -----> coax cable -----> dac -----> preamp/amp
for the desktop/laptop computer:
desktop/laptop computer -----> USB cable -----> Onkyo ND-S1 Ipod dock -----> coax cable -----> dac -----> preamp/amp
OR
desktop/laptop computer -----> USB/SPDIF converter -----> coax cable -----> dac -----> preamp/amp
Now, with the above I would like to retain both sources (Ipod/Ipad/Iphone & desktop/laptop computer) but would like to reduce a component in the digital chain. The Ipod dock and the USB/SPDIF converter are 2 separate gadgets which handles the digital signal and outputs it into the coaxial cable going to the dac.
I am happy with output from the USB/SPIF converter than the Onkyo Ipod dock. Now, the questions are:
1. To get rid on the Onkyo Ipod Dock, and just connect the Ipod/Ipad/Iphone via a LOD cable into the computer's USB port and play via Itunes, will the sound quality be the same as compared to the Ipod/Ipad/Iphone connected to the Onkyo Ipod dock? That means I will play songs in the Ipod/Ipad/Iphone by using Itunes and the computer.
2. In the following digital connection chain,
Ipod/Ipad/Iphone -----> LOD cable to USB -----> desktop/laptop computer -----> USB/SPDIF converter -----> coax cable -----> dac -----> preamp/amp
Am I extracting pure digital information from the Ipod/Ipad/Iphone which is being fed into the computer?