The Apple diyMod: My Take on the Famous iMod [56k killer] Featuring 3G, 4G, 5G and nano 1G!

[joneeboi]

Cap rolling is where you try different caps in the position. The term derives from vacuum tube-operated equipment where you roll the tube around in an effort to remove it from its socket without damaging the pins too much and replace it with another tube. It carries over for opamp rolling, amp rolling, so on and so forth. Good luck with the dock.

[wgr73]

Glad to see the progress on the DiyMOD!! I've had a lot of people ask me to sell mine! NO WAY! Hey Jon, your really making this easy for the new ones. The first post is Very nice now! Way to go! Just thought I'd drop back by to say whats up! I haven't been into audio much lately...I flipped my 4Runner a few months back and now I've been into modding my truck. I love music, I gotta get back into to it!

[joneeboi]

Thanks for the holler, wgr73. I remember you telling me about that car flip; there was rain and dirt and speeding and other things going on. How's that coming along? I think we're all still patiently waiting for you to share your work on the Zune and nano 2G. No rush, of course. While you're at it, throw in a dock position for the diyMod (with selectable caps, obviously ) and you're golden. Good to see you back.

PS. That diyMod 5.5G 80GB looks mighty tempting. Care to part with it?

[wgr73]

Originally Posted by joneeboi

Thanks for the holler, wgr73. I remember you telling me about that car flip; there was rain and dirt and speeding and other things going on. How's that coming along?

Yeah it was dirt. I got a new truck so thats all better now...just been into doing diesel mods to it! Its fun! I also have a rockin' sound system (one of the first things done to the truck of course!). Im lovin it!

Originally Posted by joneeboi

I think we're all still patiently waiting for you to share your work on the Zune and nano 2G. No rush, of course. While you're at it, throw in a dock position for the diyMod (with selectable caps, obviously ) and you're golden. Good to see you back.

Ahhhh, I know. I just graduated this summer too so working full time is killing my modding plans. When I get time I'll try to post back the work (I haven't even attempted)!

Originally Posted by joneeboi

PS. That diyMod 5.5G 80GB looks mighty tempting. Care to part with it?

NO!! I love it!!!

[Lil' Knight]

After fixed the bug of my diyMOD Video 5.0, I used it for a while but now the flaw is still there.
I wonder if anyone can help me give it a check? I'll pay all the cost for you.

[joneeboi]

YGPM.

[blippster]

Hey joneeboi,

Don't mean to hassle you, but any progress on the mod for the iTouch?

[mbarry]

Electrolyctic Caps are the best for the DiyMod correct?

[joneeboi]

blippster:

I'm actually not allowed to talk about development of new mods, but if anything, just check the justlistenaudio.com website as I will be posting updates there as they come, few and far between as they are.

mbarry:

That depends on what kind of sound you like. I just use the BGs because that's what RWA used and they fit quite nicely in my 4G.

[elliot42]

I have some general purpose Nichicon caps (VX series, or maybe VK; they're at home and I can't remember), will these be an improvement over the stock SMD components? Or should I not bother with them and get some caps designed for audio (BGs, Nichicon FG/KZ)?

And is this the correct configuration for the caps (+ve side of the cap connected to iPod):

     R )-----+|(-----(
iPod G )-------------( Line Out
     L )-----+|(-----(

[joneeboi]

Only trial and error can really tell. Experiment and see what you like. I can only guess the audio capacitors will sound better to you, but only you can be the judge of that. Also, the code you've got is correct.

[elliot42]

Thanks, I think I'll be getting some better caps then to try. I'll still put these general purpose ones in and see what they're like, and if I can tell a difference.

[joneeboi]

That's good. And while we're still on the topic, I can't believe I haven't shoved this thread down your throats yet:

Boutique Capacitors - Where to buy?

A long time ago, I compiled a sizable list of vendors that carry boutique capacitors. I haven't updated it for ages, but you've probably seen it in my signature anyway. I just thought I'd point it out to everyone. If enough people view it, maybe I'll update it.

[Moontan13]

I'm going to play the heretic for a minute here:

Is the DIY mod appreciably better than simply using a LOD into a good amp/phones combo?

The reason I have to ask: I've been using the headphone output on my iPod 5.5 to feed the line input on my Milwaukee worksite boombox. Then I began using a LOD instead, and the sound quality took a giant leap. I got the same result when using a LOD to my home stereo. I can't wait to get an amp for this thing.

Will the DIY mod have a similar dramatic result?

[joneeboi]

As far as bang-for-buck sound difference goes, I didn't think capacitor swaps made that much difference until I heard the difference between 22uF and 47uF BG caps in my 4G. Then again, I was listening in the dark and quiet of my room late before going to bed, so it was a bit more noticeable for me than it may be for you. Nevertheless, I've said it before and I'll keep repeating it until kingdom come: sound is very personal and only you can be the judge. I heard a big difference; I don't know if you will. Take into account the numerous iMod rave reviews and compare them with those given here. Then there are the scores of threads on capacitor swaps (within arm's reach are the Millett MAX and Alien DAC threads).

IOW, I don't know, just listen and find out for yourself.