Ipod 5th Generation

Superior sound quality, especially if combined with RockBox to make use of lossless audio. The DAC used in the 5th gen "Classic" is regarded as being one of the best Apple have ever used. I own both myself and the difference in quality can be significant if paired with a decent set of cans.

You can upgrade the HDD with a SSD, up to 256GB on a 5th Gen. iPod. Now, if on top you get it iModded, you have quite a killer DAP.

Now both the iPhone 4 or iPod Video aren't great sounding straight out of their headphone output; they improve via dock line out to headphone amp, but it still ain't terrific, even with ALAC.

With the iPhone 4, the only way to get decent sound is with the Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo or the Fostex HP-P1 iDAC's; Alas, the iPod Video (5 or 5.5G) isn't compatible with the HP-P1 or the CLAS, so, you have to either get it iModded by RedWineAudio or DIYModded by anyone capable of performing the surgery that actually makes the Wolfson Microelectronics DAC shine.

N.B. Both an iMod or iDevice + CLAS require a headphone amp; iDevice + HP-P1 not since the HP-P1 is both iDAC and a headphone amp. Just to make things clearer in terms of total number of devices needed and approximate budget to achieve audiophile grade sound quality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the wizard of oz 

You can upgrade the HDD with a SSD, up to 256GB on a 5th Gen. iPod. Now, if on top you get it iModded, you have quite a killer DAP.

 

Now both the iPhone 4 or iPod Video aren't great sounding straight out of their headphone output; they improve via dock line out to headphone amp, but it still ain't terrific, even with ALAC.

 

With the iPhone 4, the only way to get decent sound is with the Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo or the Fostex HP-P1 iDAC's; Alas, the iPod Video (5 or 5.5G) isn't compatible with the HP-P1 or the CLAS, so, you have to either get it iModded by RedWineAudio or DIYModded by anyone capable of performing the surgery that actually makes the Wolfson Microelectronics DAC shine.

 

N.B. Both an iMod or iDevice + CLAS require a headphone amp; iDevice + HP-P1 not since the HP-P1 is both iDAC and a headphone amp. Just to make things clearer in terms of total number of devices needed and approximate budget to achieve audiophile grade sound quality.

 The only way to get "decent" sound is with the CLAS or HP-P1....really? There are a lot of people that think they sound pretty decent out of their headphone-outs, and with the line-out they sound even better. I'm sure the CLAS or HP-P1 are an improvement, but to say they are a necessity is a bit ridiculous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamingModerate 

If I have an iphone 4, is there any reason for me to keep my old Ipod 5th generation?  

Depends.

5th is gen is a bit darker and balances well with light/treble iems/headphones. Very nice with an LOD/portable amp.

but it is still old technology.

iphone 4/ipod touch 4G are more lighter/analytical and pair well with darker headphones/iems imho.

Of course the better quality music you put on: 256/320/ALAC/FLAC makes a difference.

I use my iPod 5th for my home 5.1 system, and my iPod touch 4G/cowon C2(backup) for commuting. I rarely use my portable amps - mainly because I am watching movies these winter days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achmedisdead 

 The only way to get "decent" sound is with the CLAS or HP-P1....really? There are a lot of people that think they sound pretty decent out of their headphone-outs, and with the line-out they sound even better. I'm sure the CLAS or HP-P1 are an improvement, but to say they are a necessity is a bit ridiculous.

I don't care what a lot of people think. I just know that I have compared iPod Videos to Hi-MD MiniDisc Walkmans, PCDP's, using line and headphone outputs, and the iPods sounded much duller, lacked punch, sound-stage, and had recessed bass. I agree line out improves the sound, but still marginally only. A digital dock connected to an amp with digital input corrected these shortcomings, so I can assume safely that the new portable iDAC's are the solution.

I really can't stand iPods' SQ using their analogue outputs; I feel I'm missing out on too much versus my Hi-MD Walkman: it playing LPCM sounds so much better than the iPod playing the same music in ALAC.

So maybe it ain't a necessity for everyone, but it would be for me. I really want to like the iPod, for its UI and capacity are a vast improvement over MD, but as is, just no. I still have a 5.5G in standby ready to be DIYmodded, but since the CLAS & HP-P1 I have put it off, & was about to try a Classic + HP-P1 combo when the news about the upcoming iBasso DX100 came out. So I'm still using my Hi-MD's at the moment!