Apple TV vs Wadia 170i?

Roccoriley, that's not correct. The AppleTV does not use an iPod at all. It takes the file directly off of the hard drive of the computer holding the iTunes account. So it absolutely can be processed then by an external DAC, or use the internal DAC of the AppleTV. Most AppleTV users, such as myself take the base digital music files and have them processed by an external DAC.

Audiofun - I just ordered a glass TosLink! thanks for the heads-up!

Even this is quite an old thread, the same question does pop up every now and then, so I would like to put in my $0.02 here:

The Apple TV apparently streams music from the computer using WiFi (Wireless N). Doesn't that mean you need to have your computer on all the time?

Secondly, Apple TV only supports Toslink Optical (not AT&T Glass) which tends to be inferior to digital coax, isn't it?

Other than price point and flexibility, I don't see Apple TV beats out Wadia 170 on paper. 170i's clock issue and cheap RCA outs do concern me somewhat.

I love my 160 gb Apple TV! Hooked up through a V-dac. It has my full CD collection and vacation pictures on it. Having a great time shuffling tunes and watching slideshows. Sounds great too.

I am using a 2nd gen Apple TV outputting via toslink to a Hegel HD 10 DAC. Sounds great! And the convenience of using iPhone or iPad to control is awesome. Highly recommend such a setup.