Thanks for the replies...
I converted all MP3s to WAVs a while ago - I did notice a slight improvement in quality, but even coming thru the BOSE, they just don't sound clear and sharp - rather muddy actually... so is this due to using the 1/8" headphone jack out of the iPOD?
I know nothing about audio interfaces, other than everyone saying they radically improve the quality.. but they are strictly a USB connection (laptop), right? So I couldn't use one with a tablet?

And from what I'm reading above, the quality of the playback device WILL make a difference in the quality of the sound of the WAV files... so a $300 laptop would give me a 'better' sounding WAV file than a $99 tablet?

Appreciate all your input...