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Replacing Nano with iPod for Best Sound

Despite the sleek, sexy design, I have decided I don't like my iPod Nano. It sounds terrible, has a wimpy amplifier, runs out of power quickly and clips offensively as the battery declines.

Perhaps I am out of date or a little old fashioned, but on reflection, I don't care if my iPod is smaller than a wristwatch, how it interfaces with tube amps and electrostatics, or whether or not I can store 50 million songs, TV shows or phone numbers.

I am not interested in sending it off to be modified for hundreds of dollars or connecting it to geeky, tweaky AC powered components on my desktop.

I don't want to "dock" it anywhere, use it in my car, take it to friends parties or fit it into the sleekest, slimmest of shirt pockets.

No, I simply want to use my iPod as a reasonably portable device - in particular when commuting and working out in the gym - while sounding as good as possible, and I dont mind if the device or my headphones are a bit clunky.

Therefore, could someone therefore please update me on the best iPod for portable use only:

* Generation V and VI or the newer "Classic" iPod?
* Which iPods can handle uncompressed or lossless best?
* Which lossless format is best for sound and battery life?
* What headphones can be driven directly and sound best?
* While remaining portable, has anyone experimented with a battery powered external amp and/or line out cable?

Thanks for ideas. I look forward to enjoying music again on an iPod.

Regards,
cwlondon
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
I have trouble telling the difference between good mp3s and other sources on any of my systems, at least for the pop/rock types of tunes I occasionally buy in mp3. These are typically not audiophile level recordings however.

Never compared on earbuds but I am doubtful I would hear any difference that mattered at least with this kind of music.

I suspect Ipod digital out as a source to another device to make the sound could work pretty well, but then we are moving away from using the ipod for what is is designed for, ie producing portable music itself and towards making it just a source device for system that is better suited to make music more like what we are used to hearing on our good systems.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
When my ipod nano died, went through the wash actually so I should say drowned, I got an ipod touch. I absolutely love this thing. It sounds great with music stored via AIFF. The best earbuds I have used with it are Sony; not expensive and the most comfortable for my ears. I have a pair of Shure (fairly expensive) but nowhere near as comfy.
Another great thing about the touch is that I can listen to Pandora with it. It sounds great through a pair of Quad 11L active monitors.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Why not try Sansa Clip. For about $50 you can get 40gb. Its electronics are far superior to any 'i' and battery life can run 15 hours. Since the Clip does not do video, it can last longer.
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
Buconero,

Of course as an audiophile, I would get more pleasure from spending $800 on the HiFiMan than $50 on a Sansa Clip.

Then again, audiophiles also love it when lesser known devices outperform the leading brand, so thanks for the suggestion.

Why do you say that the electronics are "far superior" to the iPod?

Do you have one? Is it able to drive full size headphones?

Thank you,
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Here's your hifiman on ebay. Only $419.
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