2. digital
  3. 1097867558

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

Showing 4 responses by didactically

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.
didactically
142 posts
 
Do you mean Shure E2? THe model tested and reviewed at http://www.linkwitzlab.com /Reference Earphones link

...anyway, twist the foam between your fingers to minimize its size and install in ear, hopefully before it returns to normal. Once in your ear, it will expand and there should be no problem.

I found that imediately following placement that pulling down of the earlobe helps when setting them in place, then they expand and do not move.

They are definately worth the trouble. And the price...unbelieveable.
didactically
142 posts
 
Why not use it as a walkman in the car too. Then if you get out of the car you can continure listening.
didactically
142 posts
 
Isn't ME concurrent with 2000? If you are fearful of proceeding, though I would, contact iPod Support first. I belive at worst they will offer an earlier version of software to download. They are very nice people.
More to discover