Wadia 170iTransport

iPod® dock with digital output

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Silver (iPod classic not included)

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Item# 727170I

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Wadia 170iTransport
$199.99

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Our take on the Wadia 170iTransport

by Ralph Graves

Turn your iPod into a high-end component

The Wadia 170iTransport helps you get the best possible sound and picture from your iPod. Wadia has been creating high-performance digital audio products for years, and they've outfitted this dock with the connections you need for high-quality audio and video playback on your home system.

The 170iTransport is the first dock that lets you bypass the iPod's built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC). That means you can get richer, more detailed sound by passing music signals digitally to your audio/video receiver or other high-performance components with built-in DACs, such as Wadia's perfectly matched 151 PowerDAC mini.

The 170iTransport also features one component video output and one S-video output to ensure the highest picture quality. And Wadia encases this extraordinary dock in a cast aluminum chassis, with a handsome powder-coated finish.

Read our blog post Better home audio, Tip #11: Bypass your iPod's DAC.

Highlights:

compatible with all docking iPods, including the 120GB iPod classic, curved screen iPod nano, and second generation iPod touch
bypasses iPod's built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) — use your receiver's built-in DAC or an outboard DAC for better sound
coaxial digital output (cable included)
analog stereo RCA output
S-video and component video output
powder-coated cast aluminum chassis
remote control
AC power
8"W x 2-3/4"H x 9-11/16"D
warranty: 1 year
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

Digital iPod integration device (silver)
AC power adapter with attached 5' DC cord
4' AC power cord
41" Digital coaxial cable with a single RCA connector on each end
IR wireless remote control with installed CR2025 3V lithium battery
5 iPod adapter inserts (one installed)
Dock connector cap
Owner's Manual
On-line Product Registration Card

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: The Wadia 170iTransport is specifically designed to transform your iPod/iPhone into a high-resolution audio/video media server. The iTransport combines the convenience of personal audio with the performance and connectivity of your home audio/video system, delivering bit-perfect digital audio signal via S/PDIF coaxial (RCA) output, DVD quality video via component outputs, and built on a sleek aluminum chassis. The iTransport allows you to experience true audiophile sound quality and superior video performance by integrating your iPod into your home Audio and Video system.

Aluminum Chassis: The Wadia 170iTransport is built on a precision-engineered aluminum chassis for exceptional performance and durability. The unit is also supported by four vibration absorbing isolation cones.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility: The Wadia 170iTransport is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible. The 170iTransport features a top-mount iPod/iPhone dock connector which allows you to connect your compatible iPod/iPhone. The unit allows audio/video playback, control, and charging of select iPods. The Wadia 170iTransport is "Made for iPod/iPhone" certified and compatible with the following iPod/iPhones (as of Sept. 2010):

iPod/iPhone Model	Generation	Media Type		Control Type		Display Type		Charge
iPod/iPhone Model	Generation	Audio	Video Out	Remote	iPod/iPhone	Song/Artist Text	Track Info	Charge
dock-connector	3rd	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
clickwheel color	4th	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
mini	1st	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
mini	2nd	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
video	5th	Y	S-Video	Y	N*	iPod	iPod	Y
classic	80GB	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	120GB	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	160GB	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
nano	1st	Y	N	Y	N*	iPod	iPod	Y
	2nd	Y	N	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	3rd	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	4th	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	5th	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	6th	Y	N	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
touch	1st	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	2nd	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	3rd	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
	4th	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPod	iPod	Y
iPhone	2G	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPhone	iPhone	Y
	3G	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPhone	iPhone	Y
	3GS	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPhone	iPhone	Y
	4	Y	S-Video Component	Y	Y	iPhone	iPhone	Y

Note: The 170iTransport does not display iPod/iPhone text information. You will still need to view song, artist, and track information from your docked iPod/iPhone's screen. Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the device and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or wait until an newer software update is available.

iPod/iPhone Specifics: Each model of iPod/iPhone has its own characteristics which affect the functionality of the 170iTransport.

iPod nano (1 gen)*: Will only output digital audio while in the "extended interface" mode. This means that the iPod click wheel interface is not available while attached to the 170iTransport and listening to digital audio out.
iPod nano (2 gen.): Will allow digital audio out while still allowing the iPod click-wheel interface to function normally.
iPod nano (3/4/5 gen): Supports component video out and digital audio out while still allowing the iPod click wheel interface to function normally.
iPod nano (6 gen): Will allow digital audio out while still allowing the iPod touchscreen interface to function normally.
iPod video (5 gen)*: Supports S-Video out (not component video). The iPod video can only output digital audio while in the "extended interface" mode. This means that the iPod click wheel interface is not available while attached to the 170iTransport and listening to digital audio out.
iPod classic (80/120/160GB): Supports component video out and digital audio out while still allowing the iPod click wheel interface to function normally.
iPod touch (1/2/3/4 gen): Supports component video out and digital audio out while still allowing the iPod touch screen interface to function normally.
iPhone (2G/3G/3GS/4): Your iPhone will need be placed in Airplane mode.

Note: The Wadia 170iTransport comes supplied with 5 iPod adapter inserts (video 30GB, video 60GB, nano 1st gen., nano 2nd gen., and nano 3rd gen.). The iPod classic (80/120/160GB), touch (1st/2nd/3rd gen.), and iPod nano (4th/5th gen.) come with their own adapter insert.

True-Bit Digital Audio: The 170iTransport bypasses the digital-to-analog conversion and analog output stage from your iPod when connected via digital coax. By providing a pure digital audio output from your iPod/iPhone, the 170iTransport enables performance that is only limited by the resolution of your audio files stored on the iPod/iPhone, and the overall quality of your audio system. In other words, the 170iTransport makes it possible to achieve true audiophile performance from your iPod/iPhone.

Note: Wadia recommends storing music on your iPod/iPhone in the highest bit rate for optimum sonic performance. Storing music files at higher bit rates will require substantially more storage space on your computer and iPod/iPhone, however, the sonic improvement is self-evident. The highest available quality is achieved by importing music into iTunes as WAV files. Another good option for storing music in iTunes is Apple Lossless.

Audio/Video Connections: The 170iTransport offers a native digital audio output (coaxial), high-resolution component and S-Video output, and analog audio outputs for your connected iPod/iPhone.

Digital Out: This is a digital coax audio output that is compatible with the S/PDIF standard. It is intended to connected to a coax digital input on a compatible device. The unit comes with a 41" coaxial digital cable.
- Note: Currently iPod does not have the processing power to display Cover Flow properly over a digital audio connection and allow access to the digital information.
Analog Audio: Left and right analog outputs to connect to a compatible analog device. The analog audio outputs are not active simultaneously with the digital audio output.
S-Video/Composite Video: For the older generation of video capable iPods (such as the iPod video), this connection will supply the video output from your docked iPod video (5th gen.). The iPod must not be in the "extended interface" mode.
Component Video: This is the high resolution video output available from the newer generation iPod/iPhones such as the iPhone (3G/3GS/4), iPod touch (1st/2nd/3rd/4th gen.), iPod classic (80/120/160GB) and iPod nano (3rd/4th/5th gen.).
- Note: The Wadia 170iTransport only acts as a high-performance pass-thru for video signals. Picture performance is limited to the quality of the material stored on your iPod/iPhone.

Wireless Remote Control: The 170iTransport comes supplied with an IR infrared remote control to allow basic operation of your iPod/iPhone such as Play/Pause, Next Track, and Previous Track. You can also continue to control your iPod/iPhone from its click-wheel or touch-screen.

Note: Some iPods (iPod nano 1st gen. and iPod video) will only operate in "Extended Interface" mode during digital audio playback or video playback; this means the iPod's click-wheel will be locked and you will need to operate the iPod from the supplied remote control.

Power Supply With Charging Capability: The Wadia iTransport operates on standard household AC current using the supplied detachable AC power adapter and power cord. The 170iTransport will charge your compatible iPod/iPhone while docked.

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Video: Wadia 170iTransport iPod® Dock

Dave Bar, Ralph Graves

2/17/2009

based on 1 rating

Learn about the coolest features of Wadia's 170iTransport iPod dock, including its ability to bypass an iPod's digital-to-analog converter, or "DAC."

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1-10 of 21 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness

5 out of 5

Awesome Device

Written By Chris, Florida on Sunday, January 01, 2012

Increases dynamic range of my i-tunes and Mp3 downloads. Reveals some of higher highs and lower lows that I could not hear before. Now if i-tunes would start offering some higher quality downloads I could stop buying CD's all together. WAV conversion audio files were very close to CD quality sound. I used the Digital cable that came in the box with my Denon receiver. I was blown away with the difference in sound quality. I threw out my other i-pod dock.

Pros:

Price. Quality. Produces great sound. Great customer service from the Hogan team.

Cons:

Needs LED light to indicate power is on. Device will not work with older 1st generation classic i-pods.

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

5 out of 5

All about Sound...

Written By David, Illinois on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

This dock is worth every penny if you have decent (not even high end) gear, and Mp3's at a higher than average quality. For years, I've had to constantly fiddle with ipod and receiver settings as it seemed my music from my ipod was constantly "missing" something from track to track.

Within the first 5 tracks across various artists and recordings I wanted to kick my own butt for not getting this earlier. Bass is much tighter, the highs snap, sound is fuller, and the volume level is significantly more consistent across songs.

The listed price is pretty costly but if you can get it on sale it's a slam dunk. For somebody who consistently listens to their ipod on a dedicated stereo system, I have found this product to improve sound on a level I did not expect out of a dock.

Pros:

Sound Quality Improvement - worth every penny. Long power cord. Made me forget about buying a new receiver -No joke.

Cons:

Remote Controller - Where is menu button? Remote Controller - Navigation is non-existent. Included Digital Cable is extremely short. Made me realize how crappy the normal output on a Ipod is... What garbage have I been listening to previously?

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5 out of 5

Best investment for stero listening

Written By Mitchell, Coral Springs Fl on Friday, November 11, 2011

It's an giant upgrade to my sound . I love my music and the wadia dock has improved my sound ten fold ,worth every penny ,it's the best investment to the many hours of listening I made I have high end speakers but the wadia improved the sound to a mind bending other world . Have had it for a month and l love it

Pros:

It makes my iPod sing The sound improvement is incredible. My system sounds 100 times better I love my music and this has been the best sound investment I could have made

Cons:

Nothing

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4 out of 5

Wadia 170iTransport

Written By GeneB, San Ramon, CA on Sunday, July 17, 2011

I like the product when I can get it to sync up with (Wadia calls it a "handshake") with my receiver when the ipod is docked in the unit. The instructions say it should only take about 10 seconds for the unit to recognize the ipod but it can take much longer and you often have to take the ipod off the unit several times and reattach before it recognizes and starts playing music through the receiver. I had to return the 1st unit as the remote control unit would never control the main unit. The replacement unit still has the problems of initially recognizing the ipod when docked but at least the remote control unit works. One other complaint is that the Wadia unit's menu doesn't show up on the ipod's screen (even though its supposed to).

I called Crutchfield as soon as I had problems with the 1st unit and they weren't able to troubleshoot it via phone but the sales person was very friendly and tried his best. He didn't treat me like an idiot and promptly put in an order for a new unit and it arrived very quickly and e-mailed me a return shipping label to send back the original unit. No complaints about Crutchfield at all as they were very service oriented. I would definitely buy from Crutchfield again even though this product has some glitches in it's design. Once it's sync'd up to the receiver, the unit produces really high quality sound from the ipod to my receiver. It is great being able to pump tunes from my ipod to my outdoor speakers when having parties.

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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3 out of 5

Wadia 170iTransport

Written By , Bluffton,SC on Saturday, June 18, 2011

This product doesn`t have a power on and off switch. The sound is very good. It makes my Ipod more useful to be able to hear the music through my home audio system. But it needs a power switch.

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Wadia 170i Transport

Written By Dennis, Middletown, DE on Saturday, March 19, 2011

Great addition to my system. I've been waiting for a product that would allow me to
incorporate my IPod into my audio system without too much of a sacrifice in sound
quality and the Wadia has accomplished just that. Using the DAC of my
preamp/processor will now allow me to put away my CD collection. Well worth the
money!

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Great Addition to my Audio System

Written By Gerald, Erie, PA on Thursday, January 27, 2011

I purchased this back in September 2009.

This is a great item. Absolutely convenient with top notch sound.

I have a great CD player which has practically been rendered obsolete by this item.

I am waiting for the new upgraded 171 so that I can purchase it for a second
system.

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5 out of 5

WADIA 170 Transport

Written By Jose, Mayaguez, PR on Sunday, September 05, 2010

About a year ago I began the task of copying my discoteque of over 1,200 cd's into iTunes in a new laptop bought specially for that. The first few copies did not satisfy due to the lack of definition when played back thru my audiophile system consisting of a 5350SE integrated and Thiel 2.3 speakers. Comparison of Ipod playback and CD playback of the same music made it obvious that a recopying at a higher bit rate was necessary. Come Apple Lossless. A big change occurred. The first CD copied were redone in lossless mode. The music played thru the system directly thru the Apple Ipod dock was an improvement but not quite the ideal to my hearing sophistication.

Luckily I had an old but powerful for its heydays tubed dac which had served me well in the 90's. I ordered the WADIA 170 Transport from Crutchfield, received it promptly (as is usual from them), connected it with the supplied coaxial cable to the dac and VOILA! Sweet, awsome, detailed, powerful music came out of my Thiels. Piano and violins, bass, guitar, deep notes as well as sharp highs......... and my opera CD's....voices naturally detailed and the power of orchestral Richard Wagner, Boito, and Verdi impressive as in a concert hall. I predict that my CDs will remain put on their shelves for some time since the Ipod (Classic 160Gig) is now my primary source.

6 out of 6 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Wadia 170iTransport

Written By Jeffrey Z, Armed Forces APO on Sunday, August 22, 2010

The sound is what matters and getting that sound out of the iPod and into a high performance DAC is what really matters when you consider purchasing this dock. That's what makes this Wadia worth every single penny paid. If you want bells and whistles then this isn't your type of product. It's is absolutely following the Apple intended minimalist approach in keeping a great functioning product simple and easy to use. Don't let it fool you, if you play WAVE and LOSSLESS files from your iPod and outboard DAC you'll get one of the best audiophile music servers on the market. It's an awesome addition to my audio kingdom.

2 out of 2 people found this helpful

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3 out of 5

Some great & some improvements needed

Written By , Austin, TX on Saturday, March 27, 2010

I have mixed feelings about this product... So I give it a 3 star rating overall. But, I really
have to rate each aspect of this product for anyone to really appreciate this review.
Sound quality: Awesome when running to a good external DAC via the digital coax - 5
star. Yes, I would buy it on Sound quality alone because I have a class A system.
Product build: 2 stars - made in CHINA and the connectors in the back reflect this. Not a
typical build for Wadia - usually they are always 1st class...
Features: 2 stars - What features? this thing lacks even a power LED to tell you it's on!
The Remote is almost useless because you can't even go to the menus - you have to go
over to the iPOD/itouch and do that manually. The only thing you can do is fast forward or
back, play & pause. The variety of the connections on the back is good & what you would
expect. I would suggest that they add a small LED panel to at least tell you it's on and
what MODE it is in.

6 out of 7 people found this helpful

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1-10 of 21 items >>

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Visit our Learning Center to learn more about iPod Docks

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Wadia 170iTransport, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/ISEO-rccbcspd/p_727170I/Wadia-170iTransport-Silver.html ).

Crutchfield - North America's electronics authority since 1974

Wadia 170iTransport

iPod® dock with digital output

Item# 727170I offer details

Review Sumary

Our take on the Wadia 170iTransport

Turn your iPod into a high-end component

Highlights:

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Product Research

Our Product Research Team

Features

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs

Video: Wadia 170iTransport iPod® Dock

Product Reviews

Awesome Device

All about Sound...

Best investment for stero listening

Wadia 170iTransport

Wadia 170iTransport

Wadia 170i Transport

Great Addition to my Audio System

WADIA 170 Transport

Wadia 170iTransport

Some great & some improvements needed

Learn more about iPod Docks

Learn more about iPod Docks

How to Choose an iPod® Dock for Your A/V System

Accessorize Your iPod®

A Beginner's Guide to the iPod®

iPod® Generations Chart

Getting the Best Sound Out of Your Portable Music Player in the Car

Accessories

Accessories we recommend

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