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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
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Well, for what it is worth, I would suggest upgrading opertation systems to 2000 or XP from ME even if you do not keep the iPod. You can purchase an XP uprade package for $99.00. You will be surprised how much better your machine will run. Also, make sure you are using USB 2.0.

Chris
gunbei OP
2,327 posts
 
Wow, this thread has progressed very nicely over the weekend!

I've been doing a lot of listening with the supplied Apple Earplugs and find them to be OK for now. So I'll be waiting a bit before considering the Shures again. Does that admission demote me to the "tin ear" ranks of Audiogon? Heheh.

I borrowed a pair of Sennheisers from Viggen this weekend. The iPod definitely needs a headphone amp to power those big guys. Maybe that's why the Grado SR60s didn't sound so good either.

Chris and Kirk,
I'm gonna go order the AU24 adapter now!

Marakanetz,
I ordered the Dension iceLink 1.1 which hardwires into the cable that feeds the trunk mounted CD disc changer of my Beemer. Hopefully, I'll be controlling my iPod rather than the disc changer via my car radio once I do the install. Maybe this weekend!

Those of you using your iPods with Windows machines, are you doing so with a Windows version of iTunes? How does that work? Forgive my ignorance, I'm a one of them Mac artist dudes, heheh.

This weekend my iPod took a rest, and I was downloading Tivo content onto my computer and making DVDs of my favorite programs.

I've been enjoying my iPod all day at work today. It sounds better. Maybe it's because I'm figuring out how to get those earplugs to seat well in my two wax museums.
treyhoss
287 posts
 
Looks like this software will do the trick (from what I gather). It will make Windows Me and Windows 98 compatible with the iPod. Here's the link for those in the same boat as myself.
http://www.mediafour.com/products/xplay/

Once I get this puppy running I will definately tune back in here to follow-up on the headphone discussion as well as the best way to interface this thing with my main audio rig. It will be nice to pull out all of the CD's I own that have only those 1 or 2 songs I like, download them on this iPod and then go cash in the CD's at the local used CD shop. A little extra cash to buy some of the upcoming SACD's I'm waiting for:-) - Tony
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