iPod earbuds and cases
Posted by: Peter Stockwell on 02 January 2006
Any experience over here of alternate earbuds to the Apple offering. I've used my 5G iPod with Sennheiser HD495's so far and I'm very impressed, but they're not the solution for travelling on trains, for example.
I'm also looking for a case that's smart and effective.
I've ran the iPod through the main system, using 160Kbit compressed M4A (AAC codec) files and I'm really impressed. It works well and I haven't tried line level yet!
Ripping CDs is slow on my PC (500MHz, 320M Ram, Windows XP), it takes about 40% of real time to do a CD.
I'm also looking for a case that's smart and effective.
I've ran the iPod through the main system, using 160Kbit compressed M4A (AAC codec) files and I'm really impressed. It works well and I haven't tried line level yet!
Ripping CDs is slow on my PC (500MHz, 320M Ram, Windows XP), it takes about 40% of real time to do a CD.
Posted on: 02 January 2006 by Sloop John B
Sennheiser px 100.
good sound and fold up neatly into a glassses case size enclosure
good synopisis here
good sound and fold up neatly into a glassses case size enclosure
good synopisis here
Posted on: 02 January 2006 by Phil Cork
I have a pair of PX 100's, nice headphones. Not earbuds, but reassonably small.
Larger still, I was using Bose Tri-port which sound excellent, but they're pretty bulky and mine have broken (in the same place on both sides) whilst travelling.
A Bose rep at a show said it was a known issue and they'd replace them.
Phil
Larger still, I was using Bose Tri-port which sound excellent, but they're pretty bulky and mine have broken (in the same place on both sides) whilst travelling.
A Bose rep at a show said it was a known issue and they'd replace them.
Phil
Posted on: 02 January 2006 by Cosmoliu
Check out the Etymotic ER-6 in-ear cans. I have used the ER-4S cans for about three years now with a portable amp, most recently Jan Meier's excellent Porta Corda. The ER-6 is much less expensive, ca. $100 and can be driven by the small op amp in the iPod. Also possible to drive directly off the iPod is the ER-4P. The ER-6 is said to provide 80% of the sound quality of the ER-4* at a fraction of the price. The Shure series of in ear devices also is well regarded. You can find a good summary of the category at headphone.com
The line out is really a worthwhile upgrade in sound. An excellent portable alternative to Apple's $40 dock is the Sendstation systems PocketDock Line Out. I found the best price at amazon.com
Norman
The line out is really a worthwhile upgrade in sound. An excellent portable alternative to Apple's $40 dock is the Sendstation systems PocketDock Line Out. I found the best price at amazon.com
Norman
Posted on: 02 January 2006 by videocrew
i'm a big fan of the Shure E2c. As is Mr. Linkwitz if I remember the article he wrote on headphones correctly. 100 dollars in the US, cheaper on the net of course
Posted on: 03 January 2006 by Peter Stockwell
Thanks for all your comments.
I have my eyes, ears ?, on the Etymotic and Shure ranges. The start up costs of the iPod are more than I expected so I'm waiting. The Sennheiser option, isn't, because I expect too much sound leakage, or am I wrong ? I regularly use earplugs on public transport because I can't stand the sound, leakage from the earbuds, of those disgusting portable audio devices all around me.
I have my eyes, ears ?, on the Etymotic and Shure ranges. The start up costs of the iPod are more than I expected so I'm waiting. The Sennheiser option, isn't, because I expect too much sound leakage, or am I wrong ? I regularly use earplugs on public transport because I can't stand the sound, leakage from the earbuds, of those disgusting portable audio devices all around me.
Posted on: 03 January 2006 by Tony Lockhart
Maybe use Sennheiser MX500s until you've decided which way to go. At £15 from Argos they're a steal.
Tony
Tony
Posted on: 03 January 2006 by Diode100
For cases try:-
http://www.ilounge.com
They have reviews of all iPod accessories available. I've just ordered by Paypal, direct from the states, a Core aluminium case for a Nano, couldn't be simpler.
http://www.ilounge.com
They have reviews of all iPod accessories available. I've just ordered by Paypal, direct from the states, a Core aluminium case for a Nano, couldn't be simpler.
Posted on: 03 January 2006 by Peter Stockwell
I've ordered an EVO3 from iSkins, direct from Canada. I was thinking of a leather case, but with a little push from my Wife I seetled on a blue EVO3.
iskins evo3
They have an offer including, very pretty, earbuds at an extra $15.
The only downside is the $15 shipping to France!
iskins evo3
They have an offer including, very pretty, earbuds at an extra $15.
The only downside is the $15 shipping to France!
Posted on: 03 January 2006 by Cosmoliu
quote:Originally posted by Peter Stockwell:
I regularly use earplugs on public transport because I can't stand the sound, leakage from the earbuds, of those disgusting portable audio devices all around me.
Hi Peter,
I can vouch for Etymotic's published 20+ dB isolation figure as they definitely put me in my own world at the gym, where the piped in sound doesn't even come close to being described as music. Also, the isolation on an airplane with a good book decreases travel time by at least half. I happen to prefer the foam plug earpiece attachments to the cone shaped silicone plugs as they form a better seal, hence delivering better bass extension.
Norman
Posted on: 03 January 2006 by hungryhalibut
quote:The Sennheiser option, isn't, because I expect too much sound leakage, or am I wrong ?
I've got some PX200s, which are very nice. They are the closed back version - so you don't hear others, nor do they hear you. I got them through an Amazon Marketplace seller for under £30. They are sold on the alleged virtue of more bass than the PX100s, but I find the sound balance is fine.
Nigel
Posted on: 04 January 2006 by sonofcolin
Another vote for ER6 with foam buds. Also a good reminder that you really should clean your ears more often!
Posted on: 05 January 2006 by Peter Stockwell
quote:Originally posted by sonofcolin:
Also a good reminder that you really should clean your ears more often!
Yeah, I hear that! When I stared using my custom earplugs on public transport, I was quite surprised at what came out with them to start with!
Upgraded headphones are on hold for a bit. I can get custom fitting on any earphone from the local audologist, I just don't know at what point 90€ for the service becomes reasonable.
I'm also mulling the advantages of an i-Supply, if any, although I can certainly use one as a power supply for my Stageline which is running off the pre-amp at present.