Quote: Originally Posted by roker Why limit yourself to AAC? Can you use Amazon's MP3s? I believe they're all 256, which is equal in bit rate to the Itunes+ files. From what i've read (correct me if I'm mistaken) AAC, granting the same bit rate, have better quality from mp3...

Aside from itunes (not available here locally), what sites can I legally purchase AAC music files? I hope it has a wide and latest selection, practical and safe.

Quote: Originally Posted by iriverdude Lossy on DAP with lossless on your computer. Do you mean a good computer audio set up could bring out the difference between lossy and lossless or you just meant for storage (for future use) purposes?

Quote: Originally Posted by krmathis I do not think so. Noticeable maybe, but likely not very noticeable... Depending on the music, amplifier and headphones of course. I would go lossless for the sake of mind. Unless storage space is a limitation for you. Yes, space is an...

I downloaded some tracks in both lossless and 256 kbps and listened to them with my itouch/IE8, I honestly can't hear the difference. Would good amping via LOD make a very noticable difference between a lossless and 256kbps tracks?

Thanks for your inputs. Since I ca't make up my mind I might as well get all three since it's just over $100 for all of them then I'll just sell the two which I won't be using.

I was browsing at Ebay looking for an LOD cable and came across these cables. All are priced between $35 to $40 only from a Hongkong supplier. I was just wondering if there would be an audible difference between them and which, on your experience, is more duarable and flexible (i'll fit my...

Quote: Originally Posted by Zalithian Why do you need an amp in the first place? The IE8's don't really benefit much from amps in general from what I've read and tried. They're very low impedance, high sensitivity and already have great soundstage and body so I would probably not even...

I've decided to sell my Zune 30 for a touch 2G. Wanted a slim player coz I've decided I'll get an amp. I'm keeping my IE8 ATM. So what should be a better match for my touch and IE8, a Pico or Mustang via LOD? Or, as i've read from a review, the cheaper Icon Mobile synergizes well with the IE8. I...

Right now, with my current Zune 30/IE8, I honestly can't hear a difference between losless and 320kbps files. I have plans in upgrading my rig in the near future then maybe I'll be able to distinguish any difference.

Quote: Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict I would think so, but I haven't tried IE8 with a Zune. I have tried them with Nuforce and iPod, and the amp improves the sound noticeably. Thanks for the quick reply sir! BTW, it doesn't necesarily have to be imodded (ipod), right?

@HPA Would you think there would be a night and day difference between my current rig, an IE8/Zune 30 combo, and an Itouch 2nd Gen paired with an IE8 and Icon Mobile via line out (alo cable)?

Quote: Originally Posted by charlie0904 because IE8 needs an amp to bring out the highs more to balance, after some read ups i think an op amp rolling amp would be a better match for IE8 or cold sounding amp. IMO. i compared IE8 with mustang and D10(stock) before and D10 is a clear...

Quote: Originally Posted by charlie0904 i don't think either shadow or pico slim would match well with IE8 though... Why not? Any particular characteristic of an amp I should consider in matching my IE8? I'll be seling my Zune for a Fuze abd I won't be connecting them thru HP out...

Quote: Originally Posted by Bojamijams Wait for the RSA Shadow and Headamp Pico Slim in the nearby future.. SHOULD be better then T4 Yes, been reading a couple of threads and alot are anticipating these little beasts. If the shadow is a smaller Mustang and the Pico Slim is a...

Was fortunate to test out the E5 with my Zune/IE8 before I buy one. I really didn't notice much improvement. Accdg. to the guy it's because the IE8 has low impedance. I'm not sure what he meant. Does it mean the IE8 doesn't need an amp or the E5 is not powerful enough to maximize the potential...

Quote: Originally Posted by tstarn06 Also, you mention it being mid-forward, but then say the bass is like bare knuckles vs. boxing gloves. Which is the problem harshness-wise, the bass or the forward mids? Or both? My main concern is the harshness of the mids. With regards to...

Was browsing for small amps and seems T4 and the cheap Fiio E5 is popular but are they good in SQ? I'm looking for an amp with better sq than the T4 but not bigger/bulkier (if there's one) to match with my IE8 and Zune (also might replace it with a Fuze). Portability (size/ weight) and SQ is the...

Quote: Originally Posted by bba1973 Maybe you should look for a player with a good EQ or good bass boost. Or for $20 you could try a Fiio E5 amp since it's got bass boost. Don't take this the wrong way, but it could just be your ears and/or sound preferences. There's nothing wrong with...

Yes, the mid's a bit forward, harsh actually for my taste. Might try the Clip or Fuze. With the type of music I'm listening to I prefer the bass to sound like it's coming from a ported subwoofer rather than sealed. I know sealed boxes are supposed to be more accurate but I like the "boom" of...

I was planning to get an S9 to pair with my IE8s but bought a 1st gen Zune instead because of local availability and support. I loaded it with lossless files. Is it me or does the combo of Zune-IE8 too detailed that even the vocals (specially female) are piercing? I tired all the settings but I...

Quote: Originally Posted by roebeet Cowon S9, imo. Good balance for both video + great audio SQ. The Archos 5 SQ is not as good, I've read. And keep in mind that it's a big player, vs. the S9 (which might be good or bad, depending on your needs) After reading a lot of reviews...

I thought all encoders/decoders are the same, have been using Xilixsoft 3gp video converter and windows media player to rip/convert my files. Is there a difference in sound quality or just convenience? @Berlioz: Maybe you could PM me the sites Thanks Head-Fiers, you've all been a great help!

I guess I'm better off getting lossless, save them and just compress to fit my mp3 player. Atleast in the future, if budget permits, i could set up a high-end system and enjoy my collection of lossless. Another newb question: Where do i download lossless files? I'm more into RnB/Soul type of...

Quote: Originally Posted by gilency none of the iTunes music is lossless. they are acc (like MP3, compressed). Thats why I never buy music from iTunes. I use only lossless music. This is from wikipedia: "Lossless data compression is a class of data compression algorithms that allows...