port output vs. headphone jack output
Does anyone know if there is a sound quality difference between connecting the ipod to portable speakers via the headphone jack vs. having the ipod in the ipod port and connecting through the port's line out jack?
I'm trying to decide if I need to buy a port if I buy the JBL On Tour portable speaker system.
Or, the other option seems to be the On Stage by JBL which has an ipod port built-in. Is the sound transfer better if its directly through a port in this way rather than connecting through a line in?
Thanks!
HM
# 2 Re: port output vs. headphone jack output
The line out signal on the dock connector is much better for using with speakers that have their own amp (usually they have their own volume controls). If you use the headphone jack with them, you're basically amplifying the signal twice, which can seriously distort your audio on certain songs.
If you don't want to spend the money on an Apple Dock to get a 3.5mm line out jack, you can get a PocketDock Line Out which will give you that wonderful line out jack to use with the JBL On Tour (or any other speaker system).
If you want to spend the extra money, get the On Stage. I haven't used it, but the iPod dock connector not only gets that crisper line out signal, but it also charges your iPod, eliminating the need to use the Apple AC adapter (I have this arrangement with my Altec Lansing inMotions).
