Wadia introduced their iTransport/Dock at the 2008 CES a couple years back and, it's no understatement to say,
changed everything.
Ever since that time, the company has been introducing improvements and companion products, and this year's CES is no exception. The 171iTransport (shown at top in this photo) continues the tradition, adding iPhone/Touch compatibility, power supply indicator and button remote for navigation through playlists and albums. They've dropped the S-Video output, with component and composite video instead. SPDIF and Toslink connectors are ready to connect to your DAC of choice. Delivery should be in the next couple months at around $579 or less the company said.
There was also a mysterious looking "pad" resting surface on top, which the company indicated is their way of anticipating Apple's possible tablet launch later this month. Wadia assures me they know nothing we don't know about this however. Still, it demonstrates some forward thinking.
Below the 171iTransport is the 151PowerDAC mini which has popped up at a few previous shows and houses a DAC, digital preamp and 25 Watt/channel into 8 ohms power amp. Priced around $1,200 the 151 sounded amazingly robust for its small size.
