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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
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.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Dean,

John McDonald the CEO responded to me personally and offered to make it. I just e-mailed the main alias off their web page. I forgot to mention, I actually listen to my iPod 3 ways. I have Sennheiser HD600's which the iPod will actually power (not great but good) and I also have a Tivoli Model 2 Radio at work which has an Aux input. It sounds pretty damn good. I also have my iPod dock hooked up to my Cary Sli-80 on my two channel system.

I am actually streaming tunes now in my listening room as I am going to see Social Distortion on Monday Night! It is so easy to just skim through their catalog with the Airport and iTunes!

Good Listening to you!

Chris
audiofankj
373 posts
 
Dean,

I just spoke with John McDonald the President of Audience yesterday inquiring about the iPod to RCA connector cable. It is now up on their website and goes for about $100 retail.

As for the Shure E3c's - I did use mine mostly with the rubber plugs - in which may have hightened the sense of "plugged ear effect"... I was not able to get the foam to give me a decent fit and to keep from moving. However, most that use the E3c's with much enjoyment use the foam. I would assume the foam, being permeable, may not create that "suction" in the ear canal to the extreme that I expereinced with the rubber plugs that allow you hear yourself swallow. That was unfortunate, they were decent sounding, and I would much rather travel with something the size of a couple of golf balls & also cancels noise. If you have an Apple Store nearby they have a return policy (not sure, but think it is 30 days) thus if you don't care for them you may return them. A few online Shure dealers didn't accept returns on earphones.

As for the Grado's, I went to a local store to audition the SR60 and SR125. The SR125 was noticably better. So, perhaps I would try the SR225, they are just hanging there... heh - they sounded quite a bit better than the 125s. There sitting in front of me was a demo pair of SR325's beconing me to compare what the aluminum air chamber sounds like. *chuckles* All said and done, I am now listening through the SR325's. They are *very* good sounding headphones. Please note they are not noise cancelling headphones, if that is a concern.

Good luck!
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