best way to go w/ ipod

rcrook317
rcrook317 Posts: 280
edited January 2010 in Electronics
i mostly listen to ipod thru my hk avr w/ the "bridge" dock,about 50/50 lossless and reg mp3s.
I know mp3s are on the bottom rung of sq,so ive been looking around @ how to improve this.Ive been looking @ dacs ,any suggestions on one that would be compatible w/ the ipod,also ive seen alot of "tube preamps" that are supposed to upgrade the sound,but i dont believe half of these reviews im reading....any suggestions?
fronts=rti12s(cherry)
center=csi3(cherry)
sub=psw125(cherry)
emotiva xpa-2
harmon kardon 354
sony cdp
ipod 8gb
audioquest diamondback 1m
"Maesto" straightwire cables
pangea ac-9
playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
Kenwood Phono
bren1 Clamp
Herbies Slipmat

"It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
Post edited by rcrook317 on
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    A bus, a train, a taxi, an airplane, a limousine.:D
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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited January 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    A bus, a train, a taxi, an airplane, a limousine.:D

    2 funny,knew id catch hell!
    listen im no audiophile purist so just curious if theres anything out there to improve sq
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    rcrook317 wrote: »
    2 funny,knew id catch hell!
    listen im no audiophile purist so just curious if theres anything out there to improve sq

    Just bustin' them for you. I'm sure you'll get lots of responses because there are quite a few audiophiles here who swear by lossless formats on ipods.

    Unfortunately, I've never even touched an Ipod so I can't help you here.
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  • louhamilton
    louhamilton Posts: 209
    edited January 2010
    The problem is you can put a dress on a piece of crap, but it's still crap.

    Depending on what sampling rate the mp3 is depends on how it sounds. The main issues with mp3's, IMO, is the lack of dynamic range. I have A/B'd quite a few various genre's. Some are more telling than others. Honestly, I feel heavy metal and some rock shows the least difference when comparing MP3's and lossless or the original CD.

    Vocals, particularly women's vocals, show the most degradation in dynamic range. Also, some Jazz and Classical, especially on the high end.

    If you are not an audiophile, then a 320bps mp3 may be all the high quality you need. This will save you on hard drive space on both your computer and iPod.

    BTW, I use ALAC (Apple Lossless) and will never turn back. Then again, I feel I have a fairly telling setup.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited January 2010
    If you want audiophile quality from an iPod you need to store music as lossless, or use Apple Lossless compression. Then you need to extract the digital data from the iPod, and send it to a decent external DAC. There is only one way to get digital data off the iPod, and that is with the Wadia iTransport dock. If you use the iPod DAC you are just wasting your time and money.

    I have the iPod 120GB Classic, and, using Apple lossless, I have 2,159 classical songs, and there is still 54.8 GB of free space on the drive. Being classical, many of these 'songs' are in the 10-30 minute range. My Wadia is connected to a Bryston BDA-1 DAC to complete the system.

    Without a doubt, this has been the best musical purchase I have ever made.

    Go to stereophile and the absolute sound web-sites, and read their review of the iPod/Wadia combination. You will be glad you did.

    http://www.avguide.com/theabsolutesound/the-absolute-sound-january-09
    http://www.stereophile.com/
    http://www.wadia.com/
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited January 2010
    I used the same Wadia/Bryston combination and while I ditched the Byston, it was very nice for awhile. I think the Wadia dock is awesome.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I used the same Wadia/Bryston combination and while I ditched the Byston, it was very nice for awhile. I think the Wadia dock is awesome.

    Mark is that a tubed dock? I heard an ipod on a tubed dock at Quest for Sound and I have to admit it sounded really good.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,916
    edited January 2010
    rcrook317 wrote: »
    i mostly listen to ipod thru my hk avr w/ the "bridge" dock,about 50/50 lossless and reg mp3s.
    I know mp3s are on the bottom rung of sq,so ive been looking around @ how to improve this.Ive been looking @ dacs ,any suggestions on one that would be compatible w/ the ipod,also ive seen alot of "tube preamps" that are supposed to upgrade the sound,but i dont believe half of these reviews im reading....any suggestions?

    Friends don't let friends use IPoD... just put the device down and I will be there to run over it with my car:p
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited January 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Mark is that a tubed dock? I heard an ipod on a tubed dock at Quest for Sound and I have to admit it sounded really good.

    Nope all SS. I haven't tried a tubed dock and probably won't. The Music Hall DAC was nice and tubed but it would depend on where it's going for me. If it was in my 2CH rig I could care less about tubes until the pre-amp....the HT, which is where everything is now could use a little warmth so tubed DAC would make sense.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • louhamilton
    louhamilton Posts: 209
    edited January 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Mark is that a tubed dock? I heard an ipod on a tubed dock at Quest for Sound and I have to admit it sounded really good.

    You mean like the Manley Stingray iTube Integrated amp?

    091231-itube-opener.jpg

    This would probably be on my short list if I had a dedicated 2-channel setup.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited January 2010
    I don't plan on ever owning something from that company....well, anything current I guess.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,616
    edited January 2010
    Maybe there is a road from Ipod to High end after all.:(

    Speaking about the Manley Amp above.
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
    --Mark Twain.

    “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    I heard the Manely Stingray (not the one with the dock) at Ted's Polkfest and it is a beautiful sounding piece of gear. It was powering a pair of upgraded 1Cs.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I don't plan on ever owning something from that company....well, anything current I guess.

    What's going on with the new Manleys?
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited January 2010
    tony millard wrote: »
    Maybe there is a road from Ipod to High end after all.:(

    Speaking about the Manley Amp above.


    There is a road, and it isn't the amp, since it uses the iPod internal DAC. The road is via the Wadia iTransport and external DAC. Another route will be via the Bel Canto iPod dock once it is released. Of course, there very well could be other manufacturers working on iPod docks that retrieve the digital output.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited January 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    What's going on with the new Manleys?

    I just don't prefer them. Too many other options.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited January 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I heard the Manely Stingray (not the one with the dock) at Ted's Polkfest and it is a beautiful sounding piece of gear. It was powering a pair of upgraded 1Cs.

    I'm pretty sure he upgraded.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,072
    edited January 2010
    What I do with an Ipod is tape a scotch brite pad on one side and use it as an I-toilet brush. Usually only works once though.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited January 2010
    louhamilton wrote: »
    You mean like the Manley Stingray iTube Integrated amp?

    091231-itube-opener.jpg

    This would probably be on my short list if I had a dedicated 2-channel setup.

    What's 'wrong' with this picture...guess?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I'm pretty sure he upgraded.

    That was a secondary system and yeah he did upgrade big time. As far as I know he has neither the Manley nor the 1Cs any longer.:eek:
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    cnh wrote: »
    What's 'wrong' with this picture...guess?

    cnh

    No cables.
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  • kp1706
    kp1706 Posts: 37
    edited January 2010
    Am I the only one bothered by the Wadia Transport not having a video output so you can see what is on the playlists from a different view then the tiny Ipod screen?
    KP

    Receiver: HK 354
    Amp: Adcom GFA 555
    Front: Polk Monitor 70
    Center: CS2
    Sub: PSW 125
    Surrounds: Old Yammi's
    CDP/DVDP: Sony DVP-NC600
    Blue Ray: Samsung BD-D5700
    TV: Sony 50" SXRD
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited January 2010
    I replaced my grandkids I-pod with some vintage Fisher Price and he is much happier now.

    RT1
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited January 2010
    kp1706 wrote: »
    Am I the only one bothered by the Wadia Transport not having a video output so you can see what is on the playlists from a different view then the tiny Ipod screen?

    Doesn't bother me. Either way, I would still have to get up and walk over to it to see the screen irrespective of whether it is on the iPod or Wadia. Of course, it would add to the overall Wadia cost. What would be nice is a remote with an iPod size screen that could display the information. And be relatively inexpensive.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited January 2010
    What is an I-pod?
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
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    VTL 2.5
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    B&W 801's
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  • louhamilton
    louhamilton Posts: 209
    edited January 2010
    vc69 wrote: »
    What is an I-pod?

    Isn't that what the rooms are called in the Japanese Capsule Hotels? :D
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,616
    edited January 2010
    What's wrong with the picture?

    Right channel maxed out and left one not?:confused:
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
    --Mark Twain.

    “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited January 2010
    tonyb wrote: »
    What I do with an Ipod is tape a scotch brite pad on one side and use it as an I-toilet brush. Usually only works once though.
    Well that's kinda dumb doncha think? Wouldn't it just be easier to buy a toilet bowl brush.
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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited January 2010
    yeah,yeah,yeah...........i knew it was coming.........anyways for those who chose to not be a smart *ss,thanks for the suggestions,bout to google the wadia now!
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited January 2010
    rcrook317 wrote: »
    yeah,yeah,yeah...........i knew it was coming.........anyways for those who chose to not be a smart *ss,thanks for the suggestions,bout to google the wadia now!


    Yea, don't pay any attention to the fools of CP. They need something to ****/whine/moan about, and run up their post count. ;)
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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