Thanks for input. I think if I go went with the 305, I wouldnt have worry about going without CD because I could still plug in my changer.

 

One other thing...is the USB input on the new 117 any different from that on the 305...Denonite, you made it sound like this was a brand new thing with the 117...or maybe you were just referring to CD head unit and not a media type head unit.

 

Same as the x305, and any other Ipod specific usb input for that matter. I think what's new is the bypassing of the ipod's DAC and analog circuitry. From what I can decipher, as this stuff is rarely very clear, is that the new cda-105 and 117 are like the x305 in that they use their built in DAC to process the ipod's digital bitstream. In the previous Alpine models (cd receivers like the 9886 and 9887) it appears the ipod input was through the kca-422i cable which is a high speed Ipod connection, but still analog. It seems fairly recently that Apple is allowing the rights to use their digital output by aftermarket companies. In home audio, the only outfit they have granted rights to is Wadia audio...so far. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Wolfson DAC in the Ipod is more than good enough to do the job, but apparently the analog circuitry from the DAC to the dock connector and headphone output are the problem areas (strictly from a high fidelity /Audiophile level). FOr me, I've noticed a difference in output level (not SQ) between my ipod with wav/lossless files and the same tracks directly from the cd, so I'd like to just get the raw digital stream into my deck's Dac, and that way I have the cleanest signal possible.