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Perhaps I am out of date or a little old fashioned, but on reflection, I don't care if my iPod is smaller than a wristwatch, how it interfaces with tube amps and electrostatics, or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

Showing 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,830 posts
 
I doubt you'll hear any difference using loss less on any ipod.

There is a reason why these devices are built around .mp3 and compressed formats. ITs because there is no advantage in storing and manipulating huge data files with these devices, even if you have very good ears.

I suspect teh best thing to do to get best sound out af any ipod is to use better sounding buds or move up to larger headphones.

Some ipods may have better amplification capabilites than others, don't know, but I suspect amplification quality will be limited on any highly portable device. Maybe some buds are more efficient than others? That might help.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,830 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.
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