The iPod and the Audiophile

Using my iPod 5G with 256 AAC VBR (converted from lossless ripped via EAC), my Etymotic ER4Ps (with custom molded inserts) and my Headphile modified HF-1s sound amazing. It is not as good as through my more expensive headphone amp setup, but I would DEFINITELY call it audiophile quality.

I have also heard that a Red Wine modified iPod proves an excellent source for 2 channel systems.

I have an iRiver and have found that i cannot really stand to seriously listen to music and so it gets used mostly for podcasts. I do find it convenient to listen to newly acquired music passively during workouts for familiarity. I guess I've got to think about better headphones like Matt8268 suggests - I did buy some better Sennheiser PXC-150 headphones, but there is likely a lot better to get.

if you hookup ipod to stereo, is volume adjusted on ipod, or on the stereo or both, like on a computer and computer speakers?

Samuellaudio,

If you have a dock and use the line out, volume is adjusted only on the stereo. If you use the headphone jack, volume is adjusted on both.

I think the reason why Apple doesn't have digital outs is not what has mentioned above but has something to do with Digital Copy Rights, iTunes downloads and the IPod itself.