2. best-of
  3. 1283269731

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Perhaps I am out of date or a little old fashioned, but on reflection, I don't care if my iPod is smaller than a wristwatch, how it interfaces with tube amps and electrostatics, or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

Showing 1 response by ballan

ballan
184 posts
 
The iPod can sound wonderful "if" you are using uncompressed (AIFF) or lossless (Apple Lossless) files, and use the digital output, which requires a product like the Wadia dock or Naim DAC. There are other products that allow this as well.

Make sure "SOUND CHECK" and "EQ" are turned off. These destroy the sound quality of an iPod.

If you need to use the analog output, get a dock connector that allows a true "line level" output. DO NOT use the headphone jack unless you are using headphones. As for headphones, I like the Etymotic HF2 headset or HF5 headphones. The HF2 just adds a mic and control for the iPhone/iPod Touch. A nice headphone amp will improve the quality if you want to dig deeper.

Tomorrow (September 1, 2010) Apple will introduce new iPods, so I recommend waiting to see what happens. My guess is that the "click wheel" will be going away. ;)
More to discover