Do I need a DAC for iPod?

You can simply run the ipod's headphone out into one of the Caspian's line inputs. The cable like this from Belkin is all you need. If you want the best sound however you'll need to dig a little deeper and go the dac route.

I just started downloading a bunch of cds to an ipod classic using WVAC & error correction import settings in itunes - classic connected to a Wadia 171 idoc and then digital cable out of the Wadia to my DAC

By using a ipod docking cable to RCA connectors, such as found at ramelectronics.net will work nicely. Has the supposed audio benefit over the headphone output.

Better IMO is using the ipod/ipad bluetooth output to the Xantech BT6 bluetooth receiver device. Others like the Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth Audio Devices work on the same line. The cool thing about them is you can control the ipod sitting in your easy chair wirelessly sending signal to device connected via rca or mini plug to your stereo. Down side it does not charge your ipod at the same time. Some wired docks will as your ipod sits in the cradle.

Costs range from about $25.00 for a good cable to well under $120.00 for the these simple but nice sounding bluetooth receivers. Of course better sound may be had as you move up the chain with dedicated DAC's. Audio Advisor.com has some interesting alternatives. Let your ears be the best judge.

good pt facten. if you want the best sound quality you must go into settings on itunes and set it up right. i use aiff and error correction on and my ipod is a great source. jeff, maybe go to computer audiophile for some articles on this for more information.

If you want to use BOTH the iPad and the iPod to stream music, then I would suggest an Apple Airport Express.

You can connect the airport express directly to your amp line ins using supplied cable.

The sound will not be that great since the DAC used in the Airport Express is medicore at best, but it will work great.

Further down the road you can invest into some high quality DAC and utilise Airport Express TosLink digital out instead of the analog outs. You need a DAC with a with high jitter rejection though (to supress jitter present on Airport Express TosLink digital out), so you need something of current vintage (certainly no legacy dacs) - Arcam rDAC, Musical Fidelity V-DACmk2 / M1 DAC etc.

You can also get one of the iPod docks available (Wadia i171 springs to mind) but then you will not have the wireless capability. Sound wise the dock will be slightly better though.