Better SQ through amplification?

[phergus_25]

At the moment I am ripping a few of my CDs with 192Kbs. I am going to have them on a Ipod Nano using Westone UM1's, given I dont find a better option before I sell this sub for the $$. My question is, am I better to just run them off of the nano or buy an amp later.

On the amp front I now that the Pa2v2 is a good one, and I hear of other members offering cutoms for $75 shipped.

So my questions are:

1) is an amp a good idea?
2) IF so then what is a good one around 75 shipped?

Thanks
-greg

 

[2426]

I'm not sure what you mean by customs? You can get one off Gary for 60 bucks.

 

[Naris]

Uh... isn't the PA2V2 $60 shipped (unless you did run into a customs charge, which seems unlikely given how careful Gary is)...?

The UM1s won't improve that much with amplification. They will somewhat (if the UM2s are any indication), but not enough to justify the extra expense.

You're going 192 kbps standard MP3 or AAC? If you intend to improve your equipment but are still going to be doing portable you may want to make a second copy in ALAC or something. For later (as ripping cds can be quite a pain).

 

[phergus_25]

By other customs... Well another forum member offered to make one for 75 shipped, it has a metal case which is one reason I liked it over the Pa2v2.

If its not going to give me much more sound or SQ over off the I pod I might not go for it.

I also plan on getting a set of grado SR 60 or 80s at some point, for home listining and where it dosent matter that alot of sound is going to leak out.

So if I do get the Grados then I would assume that the amp would really help, correct?

 

[phergus_25]

on ripping a 2nd copy its a really good idea, I am only going through a few CDs to see how I like the sound and all, I'll deff do that when I do a full library rip.

 

[phergus_25]

On thing I have been reading is some of the cheaper amps will give an uneven gain to the low end, since the UM1s dont have verry good bass response this could be a desirable trait correct?

 

[2426]

Quote:

Originally Posted by phergus_25 By other customs... Well another forum member offered to make one for 75 shipped, it has a metal case which is one reason I liked it over the Pa2v2.

Are you sure it was a PA2V2? First, they do not come in a metal case, unless he modded it. If he did mod it, which is likely, I see no point into doing that. It clearly states in Gary's website that he will replace the amp, even if you break it.
Quote:

I will stand behind this product and be happy to service any amp (at no charge) should anything ever go wrong, and this offer extends for the rest of my life. I'll admit, a few amplifiers have come back for repair and they were fixed, then returned by the next day. Even if the amp breaks and it's your fault, it doesn't matter, I will still fix it.

That was from his website. Gary, is one of the friendiest amp builders I have ever met. He does stand behind his amps.

 

[n1cx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2426 Are you sure it was a PA2V2? First, they do not come in a metal case, unless he modded it. If he did mod it, which is likely, I see no point into doing that. It clearly states in Gary's website that he will replace the amp, even if you break it. That was from his website. Gary, is one of the friendiest amp builders I have ever met. He does stand behind his amps.

I think he meant that another member offered him to make a custom amp with a metal case, which is why he likes it better than the PA2V2.

 

[phergus_25]

Im in no way talking down the Pa2v2, Im just talkin about the options. Im really alot more into the sound than the look or build. Tho I really do like knowing that my $ is going to a good buisness person.

So should I expect a better bass response with one of these amps, or expecially if I at some point get a set of Grados?

 

[phergus_25]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n1cx I think he meant that another member offered him to make a custom amp with a metal case, which is why he likes it better than the PA2V2.

I didnt realize that the PA2v2 had such a warentiee, the metal case is kinda trivial at best now...

 

[phergus_25]

Ok, the amp ths guy is pffering to make is a PINT. from reading reviews and all I think this is the way to go for a amp.

 

[Asr]

The PINT is a good value indeed, but I don't know why you're using 192 kb/s MP3 if you're going to use halfway decent cans on an iPod Nano, with an amp like the PINT. You should encode at 320 kb/s VBR at least to reap the benefit.

 

[phergus_25]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr The PINT is a good value indeed, but I don't know why you're using 192 kb/s MP3 if you're going to use halfway decent cans on an iPod Nano, with an amp like the PINT. You should encode at 320 kb/s VBR at least to reap the benefit.

ok time to re rip... for now with the UM1s and no amp i would think that the 192 would work fine... correct me if Im wronge

 

[2426]

Well, try re-ripping to a higher bitrate, if you can't notice a difference, I see no reason to keep it at a higher bitrate. Try using AAC, IMO it sounds better than mp3.

 

[Ypoknons]

Quote:

Originally Posted by phergus_25 ok time to re rip... for now with the UM1s and no amp i would think that the 192 would work fine... correct me if Im wronge

I would sort-of agree - with the UM-1's and no amp the 192's a fine experience indeed but if you ever upgrade, and this is head-fi, it could get a little icky. I'd recommend LAME VBR -V2 or maybe -V4 because re-ripping if a huge pain, especially if you're stuck somewhere without you're CD's.