iPod video

Moderators: Jay2k1, DavidM, The_One

User avatar
Messy
Posts: 6334
Joined: 01-10-2003 14:37

Post by Messy »

rofl speedy.

Shev: that's what I'm saying ;p
Some people will want audio quality over anything else (price, looks, sometimes even comfort ;p) - they're called audiophiles - some simply won't care about that as much.

..duh :D
Weisso
Senior Member
Posts: 125
Joined: 30-07-2003 19:55

Post by Weisso »

Messy wrote:
I'm interested to know why you thought so? :o


Listening to it, the bass seemed to come through a lot more pure then the iPods in rock music, which is the majority of what I listen to. The iPods were more of the kick bass good for rap, but didn't really sound as good to me for listening to an actual tuned bass guitar.

-Weiss
User avatar
Messy
Posts: 6334
Joined: 01-10-2003 14:37

Post by Messy »

Hmm, well..though I'm not sure what I missed (shit, back when I checked there was only one Zen :(), but when I listened to a buddy's Zen I just compared some jazz music. Same tracks, same headphones..and the base didn't sound very crisp on the Zen.

Bass will always be the problem with portable audio I guess..high and mid range sounded good on both, though I remember thinking high end sounded better on the Zen.

Anyway, whenever my iPod breaks (which, according to some, must happen pretty fast..because it sure as hell still looks fine now!), I'll definitely reconsider :)
I'm happy with it's quality atm though <3 you can't deny it's pretty damn good for a portable player :D I just wish I could get a small amp :(
User avatar
The_One
Senior Member
Posts: 1962
Joined: 09-03-2003 00:38
Location: UK

Post by The_One »

Portable amps don't have to cost much if that's what's stopping you. Even a little CMoy would make a positive difference to the sound.
Weisso
Senior Member
Posts: 125
Joined: 30-07-2003 19:55

Post by Weisso »

Messy wrote: Hmm, well..though I'm not sure what I missed (shit, back when I checked there was only one Zen :(), but when I listened to a buddy's Zen I just compared some jazz music. Same tracks, same headphones..and the base didn't sound very crisp on the Zen.


just something I forgot to mention before, but something that helps this in particular as well is the creative EAX equalization that's on the player. it's the same EAX tech they use for equalization on their sound cards, so it's got some of the best settings that i've seen for mp3 players.

-Weiss
User avatar
Messy
Posts: 6334
Joined: 01-10-2003 14:37

Post by Messy »

The_One wrote: Even a little CMoy would make a positive difference to the sound.


:o! Tell me more \o.

(There's a lot of problems besides the money though, one thing is stuffing your pockets full of audio-equipment ;))
User avatar
`Ghost`
Posts: 1215
Joined: 07-11-2004 16:57

Post by `Ghost` »

are those giant ear-muff like headphones still uncool ?
User avatar
The_One
Senior Member
Posts: 1962
Joined: 09-03-2003 00:38
Location: UK

Post by The_One »

Messy wrote: :o! Tell me more \o.
CMoy based amps are basically very small portable amps (around the size of a credit card but thicker) run off a 9v battery. They can be found on eBay for little money. See one as your first entry into portable amplifiers.

It depends on your headphones how much difference an amp will make. I'm not aware of how hard the px-100s are to drive. Should you wish to upgrade to some Etymotic or Shure earphones, an amp would be a necessity for decent sound.
User avatar
fro
Posts: 954
Joined: 09-03-2003 00:24
Contact:

Post by fro »

Messy wrote: :o! Tell me more \o.

(There's a lot of problems besides the money though, one thing is stuffing your pockets full of audio-equipment ;))


baggier pants
User avatar
The_One
Senior Member
Posts: 1962
Joined: 09-03-2003 00:38
Location: UK

Post by The_One »

Maybe MC Hammer was a portable audiophile.
User avatar
Messy
Posts: 6334
Joined: 01-10-2003 14:37

Post by Messy »

The_One wrote: It depends on your headphones how much difference an amp will make. I'm not aware of how hard the px-100s are to drive. Should you wish to upgrade to some Etymotic or Shure earphones, an amp would be a necessity for decent sound.


I know my HD 555 sound way better amplified. :)
I've been looking into getting an amp for some time, but so far I don't think it's worth carrying that around too ;)

I look weird enough with those big headphones on :rolleyes: (yeah, speedy ;p fortunately people like me for who I am and what I say too, and not only for the way I dress ;p)
User avatar
The_One
Senior Member
Posts: 1962
Joined: 09-03-2003 00:38
Location: UK

Post by The_One »

iPods are so big that a little amp won't make much difference. :D Just attach it to the back.

Are you saying you use your HD 555s for portable audio as well? Of course an amp would make a big difference to them, they're rated at 120 ohm. Hardly comparable to the px100s. Both being open, outside noise would hide many of an amps benefits (volume not withstanding).
User avatar
Messy
Posts: 6334
Joined: 01-10-2003 14:37

Post by Messy »

They're actually easily driven by the iPod, which surprised me (I didn't initially intend to use them for portable listening too).

Also, I still don't understand why people quote such a high impedance for the HD 555 whilst the sennheiser site has always rated them at a 50 ohm nominal impedance.

As for outside noise, it's not that bad, really :) I definitely notice a difference on a 'regular' not-so-special amp at home, even when there's [some] noise going on (obviously you won't be able to listen to open cans very well in the first place when there's a whole lot going on, but you *do* notice a difference amplified :))

Volume is, surprisedly enough, very acceptable still..I keep them at anywhere between half-volume and about 90-95% preferably.
That's pretty good considering most people use to the ipod's standard shitty earphones on full volume ;p (hi2u tinnitus)

ps: The Headroom Airhead is 2.875" (7.3 cm) wide, 1" (2.5 cm) high, and 4.125" (10.5 cm) long, and weighs 'just under' a pound with batteries.
(With the deluxe version the 'Total Airhead' measuring about the same but built for an even better performance)

Still.. it may be an awesome feat to put so much into such a small amp: that's still a bit big for me! 10,5x7,3x2,5 while my ipod mini is already at 9,2x5,1x1,3.
Sure, I'm used to carrying big packages in my trousers (LOLOL), but it's still a lot to add to it all.

As I said though, it's a dillemma :( and it might be worth it, haven't made up my mind :) the money is definitely a factor keeping me from deciding anything in the first place, though.
Last edited by Messy on 24-10-2005 15:28, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
`Ghost`
Posts: 1215
Joined: 07-11-2004 16:57

Post by `Ghost` »

User avatar
The_One
Senior Member
Posts: 1962
Joined: 09-03-2003 00:38
Location: UK

Post by The_One »

The money is why I suggested a CMoy. They can be had for less than £40. WRT the nominal impedance, maybe they released a newer version with a lower rating. I believe they did that with the 590s (or 595s. not quite sure).
Last edited by The_One on 24-10-2005 16:24, edited 1 time in total.
Locked