Creative Xmod Alternatives

[noddyisking]

My son listens to music when mobile on an iPod and from iTunes through desk speakers at home. Wants new headphones for Christmas, likes open design, so I am getting him Grado SR80's. Have seen the Xmod in shops and in magazine reviews and thought it woud be a good little add-on suprise. Are there any equally portable but better alternatives to this product?

 

[minimelody]

I think its a nice add-on, really portable too. Great enhancement to music from your mp3. Can be used with your pc too. The included CMSS technology is nice when watching videos.

 

[Assorted]

I can say without a doubt that the Xmod was (or is) a fad perpetuated by the same people who praises the Bose headphones for excellent and above all accurate audio production, in the hi-fi world.

If he's using his computer, for a bit more than the price of the Xmod, a decent soundcard will do (which there are pages of threads worth reading), considering that he's getting SR 80s.

 

[noddyisking]

Thanks Assorted, My son has a macbook pro and although he has a decent Pioneer AV set up that is a reasonable cd player in his bedroom, he listens to most music using the computer as source and mostly mp3 files or on an iPod. We may have changed our mind about sr80's. Getting good reports on other options, particularly Audio-Technica ATH-ES7. Basically want something that would mainly sit on his desk between the Mac and his Phillips MMS321 321 stereo speakers. If it also was portable and sat between his iPod and headphones it would be ideal. any suggestions?

 

[drey]

Hey there. The Xmod isn't really portable, as you need an external power adapter (sold separately) if you want to use it with anything other than a computer (eg. an iPod). I think what you're looking for is more along the lines of a dac/amp combo. Two come to mind. The Meier Corda Move and the iBasso D1. Also, Ray Samuels has an upcoming dac/amp called the Predator.
Do a search on the forums and you'll find plenty of threads on them.

I have an Xmod, running out of my MacBook. Got it as a gift, and honestly I wouldn't recommend it. It IS better than the onboard MacBook soundcard (when all the digital 'enhancements' are off), but not significantly so.

As for the headphones, may I recommend the Alessandro MS-1s? Fantastic IMO.

Hope it helps.

 

[drey]

And one more thing, if you can forgo the portability, the EMU 0404 USB would be great.

 

[noddyisking]

Thanks drey, I ended up getting my son Sennheiser HD25-1 ii headphones based on reviews, appearance and rugged construction!! He is not really interested in an amp any more - but I am. Currently I have an Edirol UA-1EX between my iMac and a Nad amp. I've just treated myself to Sennheiser HD650's and a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 headphone amp. While I will mostly listen to CD's on the headphones, I have a lot of stuff on MP3 files only . What would you recommend as an upgrade to the Edirol between iMac USB and the hifi set up?

 

[JadeEast]

I picked up the xmod a while ago for $50 from my local drug/everything store. It may not be perfect but it is cheap and cheerful. Without any of the enhancements it's certainly a capable dac and a step up from the output of my mac book.

It's probably available at deep a deep discount I've seen it online for $20. I really think that this is one of those products that got gang bashed for its marketing claims rather than it's sonic performance.

I've certainly enjoyed the performance of it and for it's price its good enough. I'm sure that the boutique products may sound better and have more utility not having heard any of them I can't really say.

 

[n4k33n]

I have the xmod and I didn't really like it. I gave it to my girlfriend and she kept it, so now its the EXmod =D

 

[noddyisking]

HaHaHa, decided to get the Headsix from Meier Audio for portable. Still looking for recommendations for upgrading from the Edirol DAC to take USB from iMac and feed to RCA inputs on Nad amp.