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What exactly IS an iMod?

post #1 of 48
8/5/10 at 8:54pm
Thread Starter 

Hey, I've seen them around and for sale, and I checked out the website...I really don't get what they DO. What are the differences between normal ipods? Is it worth buying one? What are the advantages? Disadvantages?

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post #2 of 48
8/5/10 at 10:53pm

Here is the maker of the imod. Start with the info here.

http://www.redwineaudio.com/products/imod

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post #3 of 48
8/5/10 at 10:59pm
Thread Starter 

So is the problem only with 4th generation and later? Is the line out on older ipod's better?

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post #4 of 48
8/5/10 at 11:00pm
Thread Starter 

Also, why are some of the cables hundreds of dollars, some costing more than an ipod alone?

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post #5 of 48
8/5/10 at 11:08pm

because some wire is very expensive and so are the connectors used. that and people have to charge a lot to keep their small businesses running. There are $10,000+ cables out there for full sized systems don't forget.

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post #6 of 48
8/5/10 at 11:19pm

^ Also some of those cables have special capacitors inside them to work with a 5/5.5g iMod which also adds to their bloated price.

Basically an iMod changes the internal circuitry to allow the audio signal to bi-pass the internal amp and go directly to the Line Out and then onto an external amp of your choosing.

As it says on their website the modding process will allow for; 

Quote:

 

  • Tighter, more articulate bass (not necessarily more bass quantity… but much improved bass control and definition)
  • A richer, more seductive midrange
  • A less flat and more expansive imaging (the soundstage needs to open up and become more 3D… more wide, more deep, and with a better sense of height in recordings that offer this level of resolution).
  • Improved transients/dynamics
  • More detail retrieval and overall transparency
  • Superior treble extension and sweetness, as well as better decay of long held notes and delicate harmonics

Edited by Hero Kid - 8/6/10 at 12:08am
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post #7 of 48
8/5/10 at 11:24pm

I think you mean 'amp'? Bypassing the DAC will be in the territory of Wadia iTransport.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hero Kid View Post

Basically an iMod changes the internal circuitry to allow the audio signal to bi-pass the internal DAC and go directly to the Line Out and then onto an external amp of your choosing.


 

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post #8 of 48
8/6/10 at 12:07am

^ Whoops. Yeah I did mean amp.

Here's a good quote.

Quote:

The goal of the Red Wine iMod is to significantly minimize the analog signal path that follows the output of the internal Wolfson Microelectronics DAC chip.

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post #9 of 48
8/6/10 at 1:07am

Should be renamed the iMad
 


Edited by Bennyboy71 - 8/6/10 at 1:09am
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post #10 of 48
8/6/10 at 1:17am

^ Sadly made me chuckle.

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post #11 of 48
8/6/10 at 11:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bennyboy71 View Post

Should be renamed the iMad
 


lol-034.gif

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post #12 of 48
8/6/10 at 12:48pm
Thread Starter 

So if I were to get an imod ipod, would it be better to get an older 4G model so I don't need the expensive 200 dollar cables? Also, I can't find a price on what it costs to get one modded, does anyone here know?

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post #13 of 48
8/6/10 at 12:49pm
Thread Starter 

Wait nevermind, its WAAAAAAYY at the bottom

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post #14 of 48
8/6/10 at 12:53pm
Thread Starter 

So...one more question...is it really worth it?

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post #15 of 48
8/6/10 at 12:56pm

Keep in mind that iPods are engineered to have a four year lifespan.  How much do you want to spend on an iPod that already has one foot in the grave?

 

Also, Apple probably won't repair a modded unit.  If it fails, you'd either have to cannibalize another iPod for parts or start over again with a new one.

 

I love my stock iPod.  But I see it as a disposable music player.  It can't be affordably repaired and when it dies, the new ones will be much better, so I'll buy a new one.  Instead, I dumped money into the tube gear and turntable.  All of those can be repaired and should easily outlast me.

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