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What is the MSB iLink?
The iLink is actually an iPod base station which holds and charges the iPod.
The base station has three digital outputs, (toslink optical, coaxial and balanced
AES/EBU) allowing you to hook up your iPod to any DAC or audio processor.
The base station also comes with a small RF transmitter that plugs into the base
of the iPod allowing it to play remotely.
Will the iLink work on any iPod?
No. The iPod does not make digital audio available on the interface connector.
MSB does an upgrade to the iPod itself, making the digital audio accessible on
the interface connector. Currently we offer the upgrade on the 30GB and 80GB units.
How is the iLink different from other base stations?
No matter what claims are made concerning audio quality, if the base station
does not include an iPod upgrade it does NOT access the digital content and
does NOT offer a digital audio output. All base stations are limited by the
DACs internal to the iPod and will all sound about the same.
Why use the iPod?
We have started with the world’s single most successful product, because if
gives you a very convenient way to organize and play your music. Fortunately
the iPod designers had the foresight to accommodate loss-less storage of CD
music so with the MSB upgrade, CDs can be stored and played back, bit perfect.
MSB has designed an upgrade for the iPod that allows the stored digital audio
to be output to your system.
Why has there been no audiophile iPod until now?
Because the iPod only offers an analog audio output and the quality is limited.
It does not matter what you hook it up to, it still sounds just like the analog
outputs ... up until now.
So how does it sound?
Compare to your best CD transport. Really. We are not kidding, after all, we
make one of the finest DACs in the world. We would not kid about sound quality.
Does it come with a remote?
We have done better than that. The iLink comes with a small RF transmitter
which plugs into the iPod interface. Take the iPod to your sweet spot and play
away. The base station is your receiver and you can play remotely with absolutely
no change in quality because it is a digital interface.
How do I get my CDs onto an iPod?
CDs are transferred to the iPod using iTunes, a free download and are stored in
the Apple loss-less format, a bit perfect copy.
How many songs will an iPod hold in this loss-less format?
The 30 GB iPod will hold about 90 hours of audio (about 1300 songs or 75 CDs) and the 80 GB
model holds 240 hours (about 3600 songs or 200 CDs). That's a lot of CDs -
a stack over 6 1/2 feet tall!
What does the iLink cost?
The iLink Digital Interface sells for $1995 including the RF remote feature and
the iPod upgrade. When you purchase the iLink you receive a coupon and return
shipper for getting your iPod upgraded.
Can MSB supply a new iPod already upgraded?
We can sell you an iPod already upgraded with your iLink.
We include the 30GB model in the iLink for $2249 and the 80GB model for $2349.
You may select black or white. (We charge the same price as Apple for the iPod)
Can I use more than one iPod in the system?
Yes, you may use as many as you want. Additional upgrades are only $99.
What is the warranty?
MSB offers a one year warranty on the iLink and a 6 month warranty on new iPods.
When you send us your iPod for upgrade, you void your Apple warranty. MSB
offers a replacement warranty and extended warranties on the iLink and iPod.
How long will my iPod last?
Battery life and drive life depend on use. In our high-end application using
loss-less storage, the drive will run longer and more often then playing MP3’s
so service life will be shorter, however more time spent in the listening room
and less in your pocket should extend life. As Apple says: “years”.
Can I play MP3’s using the iLink?
Yes, the iLink outputs in digital form any source stored and played on the iPod.
An MP3 is a highly compressed file and will never sound better than a CD, but
with a digital output and a nice DAC, an MP3 will sound as good as possible.
Does my iPod still work with other accessories?
Yes, the functions of the iPod are unchanged. It can be used with headphones
or other attachments. It is just as sturdy and portable as without the upgrade.
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