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iPod: Questions and Options

Well, with rumors floating around of a new 60GB iPod due in a couple months, I pulled the trigger this week on a current 4th generation 40GB click wheel model. I'm really enjoying the ease of use and simple yet elegant [as always] Apple industrial design.

I also ordered a Dension ice>Link v1.1 car interface for my '99 BMW M3 which sould be arriving soon.

http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=375&Itemid=79

I have a few questions however for those iPod users with more experience.

1. Which earphones/headphones are you enjoying with the iPod?
I was using a pair of Grado SR60s at work with my Sony Discman and iTunes on my G4 Mac, but they sound dull and closed in with the iPod. I feel more satisfied with the cheap little earbuds that come with the iPod. The Grados seem to tame the digital nasties from my Discman and do well with my iTunes, but they may be too dull for the iPod. Any suggestions? Etymotics or Shure earphones? What about headphones?

2. What does the "Sound Check" function on the iPod and in iTunes do?
It's "off" on my iPod, but I have it "on" with iTunes when importing songs.

3. Which compression scheme do you like?
The first group of songs I imported into iTunes I did with the AAC Encoder set to 320kbps. The last batch I imported using the Apple Lossless Encoder. I've yet to compare the same songs side by side, but I was wondering what people thought.

4. Using it as a digital source in a 2-channel system
I bought a Monster earphone-to-stereo RCA jack so I can play it through my 2 channel system at home. What settings do you people use when playing it this way? EQ "off"? What about the iPod volume? Should I keep it at one setting and adjust the master volume through my preamp? Again, what about "Sound Check? Any other cable options other than the Monster?

Thanks for any suggestions!
gunbei
audiofankj
373 posts
 
Apple Lossless & Grado SR325 (not noise cancelling) I use my iPod mainly while on the road with work, listening in a hotel at night. I tried the Shure e3c's and could not fathom how people could get used to the "plugged ear" sound you have when the rubber isolates the outside world. The noise cancellation is great! However, I could not stand hearing myself everytime I swallowed, would walk, etc. I found it more distracting than to have some background noise. However, in situations like an airplane and such, a noise cancelling headphone/earphone is a better call.

Congratulations!
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
I never thought when I purchased my iPod (4th Gen 40G) that I would become such an "Addict". Anyway, I use all Audience Au24 in my system and love the results. Well, in search of a high quality connection for my iPod Dock and Apple Airport Express, I contacted Audience. They custom made me a connector out of their Conductor line cable. It was SO much better than the Monster Cable I was using as it was about all I could find.

Anyway, I would HIGHLY suggest giving Audience a call and checking out the cable. Also, check out the Airport Express as you can stream music wirelessly from iTunes!

Truly Cool Stuff!

Chris
gunbei OP
2,327 posts
 
Thanks for the great responses and education! I'm having fun!
gunbei OP
2,327 posts
 
Kirk,
You bring up an interesting point about the "plugged ear" phenomena. I read a review about the Shure E3c that came out negative because of that very aspect. While the Apple supplied earphones don't sound fantastic, at least I don't hear my heart beating with whatever song I'm listening to. I was hoping the Shures would make getting a separate pair of headphones unnecessary, but maybe not.

Chris,
Yes! I do remember you mentioning that Audience made you a custom connector in a previous thread. I'll send them an e-mail to see if they're open to doing another cable.

Thanks again!
Dean
didactically
142 posts
 
Though mid-fi at best (in .wav format) I use reference earphones (Shure E2 $100: tested and reviewed at http://www.linkwitzlab.com with my 40g. and am alble to lisetn for long periods without fatigue.

BTW I also use the phones to listen to source material then compare with what I hear in the room from my main system. It can be disappointing, but like Dr Phil says, 'you cannot change what you do not acknowledge'.

Anyway, I organized favorite tracks from my collection into compilations: classical, rock, and jazz. It is especially enjoyable to hear a continous run of favorites. And justifies reducing the quanity by saving them in .wav format.

The trick is having enough storage to save the various tracks onto the harddrive in .wav format to organize them to download to the iPod.

I find MP3 to be very low-fi, which is no surprise since the degree of conpression is substantial. You just cannot take that much out of the music and get away with it.
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