The OP is presumably accurate in saying he doesn't like his rig. I haven't heard it. But I love mine. He hasn't heard that. All the rest is just words.

Nick, you didn't address a single thing I said to you, or the stuff I said to the gentleman right after you (which is now relevant to the demeanor you've just taken - after having embraced declaring things good or bad, you are now embracing subjectivity)

OK, I will, but I have to work now. It's 11.30 am here.

Hey, I'm not going to lie that his rig sounded pretty decent. There was a ton of excitement getting it, I know. I also believe I can understand why he is frustrated. That is bound to happen when you hit the top of what was your goal and remain unsatisfied after knowing it still does not compare after so much planning, time, and most of all money. After going through the same thing, I now agree that it was fairly laughable.

Keep it portable and keep it sane. You should not really need an amp if this rig is truly portable today; with the quality of the headphone out from the most modern players, it does not seem sensible to spend hundreds of dollars on an amp and interconnects.

You really can't brag but so much about the sound quality of a large portable rig with its price tag because of how it is easy to obtain better when given the same resources. $2500 is broken down so much easier with just a simple source (6th gen iPod or an iRiver H series) and a good IEM. If you hate IEMs, get a small pair of headphones that fit the application (open and closed) with a good ratio of sensitivity and impedance (so that they do not really require an amp). I think that I can assume now that reasonable rig is pretty much always under $1000 if you do not have a home system to enjoy. That $1500 can build you something truly worth showing off, you really can do that with a home rig.

Any portable rig is worthy of being happy for the user that enjoys it. Though, it is very different how this forum has created a sense of an audiophile community when so much of it is focused on something more of an expensive toy then an audio gadget truly dedicated to sound quality and worthy of that price tag.

Luminette just listed his iMod / Cables / VCap dock on the FS.

NickH, the source + cables + dock went for just shy of $1200. Add on to that the Edition 9 (at 1500 euros retail or $1800 USD), the APS v.3 recable (at about $300) and the RSA SR-71 ($400) and you have a rig with a retail price of $3700.

I know Jackson didn't pay that much, since he buys smart and he buys used, but that should put a swift end to this "you just didn't spend enough" argument. One of you show me your $3700 portable rig before you assert that his doesn't measure up.

So having established that a dollar doesn't actually make a pleasing sound, we can again debate this on musical merits.

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And I'm really sure nobody really listens to what he does not believe in (like "cable is snake-oil" or "cable is magic" thingy)

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Having read all of the comments I have to agree with this.

He'll be back. It will draw him back. He will try to leave only to look, to peak, to sneak a listen. . . he'll be back. . . . you'll see. . . . he'll be back. . . .

One life..gotta figure on what to spend.

since i am bored of all consumer stuff... hifi stuff is the only thing left.

and better to have a portable amp than not have it.. ipods headphone out doesnt work anymore for me.

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[size=xx-small]Contrast that statement with this one:[/size] Quote:




There's only one piece of gear on that list that I could not walk into a store and buy this afternoon, if I'm reading it right. Not to be a snob, but if you like your rig you're not yet bored of consumer stuff.

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I'm quite sure he won't.

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That's ok, someone will. lol

Am I the 'He who won't be back?' I'd love to be back but I've been working like a dog today and now it's 20 after midnight and time to sleep. Maybe catch you all tomorrow. I'm enjoying this thread - it really makes you think.

There could be valid reasons for the difference in sound being more than mental, but physical.

Myself included.

My ear canals are more curved than most of the population which according to a few ENH docs I have spoken to could be one of the reasons why we hear differently. Canal length, depth, curvature, and even properties of the middle ear effect things.

For the money, go with a Home Rig if you have no need of a portable one. Money is going to get you more there.
Portable audio makes sense for some because of the more mobile lives that we live nowadays. You just need to ask yourself what is going to give you more pleasure run the long run.
Portable audio, even the high end of portable, is just not going to beat a high end home system or likely even get close. A home amp is going to have a lot more current to work with and be able to use really high quality parts which tend to be larger (Have you seen some of those 100uf Film Caps? ). Plus, you would be working with higher voltages in home amps that give you more swing or higher current for the same purpose.

I like my iPod touch and the line out in the device is one of the better ones to come from Apple (I have owned 6 different iPods, so I think that right to say is earned). The headphone out is another matter IMO. Plus, I also don't think that making a 6 inch high stack of components is portable hi-fi either. Pssh... I have a SR-Lambda with a SR-7/SB and a T-Amp that can run on battery power. I could throw it in a bag, but IMO it is FAR from being portable audio. Many good home amps run on battery power because it is cleaner. Next thing you know, Krmathis' is going to be called a portable-fi setup. The only travel that my Stax will go on are when I will be on a cruise this Christmas and some longer road trips.

For reference, I am waiting for an MOT tag - take everything with a grain of salt.

yeah I find my iphone to sound better then my ipod video def. out of a headphone jack but the dock sound should not really be different and I have had 7 mobile music players from apple to this day