Everything we know is wrong...

[leveller1642]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif I meant limited by their nature of only outputting less than 1 volt as a start for example. Maybe portable devices have already surpassed some full size players in sound quality from its line outs, I don't really know since I haven't heard everything out there but as far as everything Ive listened to, portable devices always have weak outputs resulting in a dull non dynamic sound in comparison to inexpensive full sized units which usually sound full and robust by default. and yah I have a 2g touch. Its okay, not that much better than the 5.5g ipod I also have. Not as good as my pioneer dvd player for example.

I suppose with DAPs it all comes down to individual preferences. I personally like slightly bright and detailed.

You might find this interesting. Burson Audio claim that one of their solid state discrete audio buffers significantly improve the lineout of an ipod by lowering the output impedance. I have been agonising over the last few weeks over whether to drop $US400 or so on one for my full size headphone set up as an alternative to upgrading my DACs. .

6moons audio reviews: Burson Audio Buffer

 

[Phelonious Ponk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leveller1642 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I suppose with DAPs it all comes down to individual preferences. I personally like slightly bright and detailed. You might find this interesting. Burson Audio claim that one of their solid state discrete audio buffers significantly improve the lineout of an ipod by lowering the output impedance. I have been agonising over the last few weeks over whether to drop $US400 or so on one for my full size headphone set up as an alternative to upgrading my DACs. . 6moons audio reviews: Burson Audio Buffer

And you would need an output impedance of < 1 ohm because?

P

 

[donunus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leveller1642 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I suppose with DAPs it all comes down to individual preferences. I personally like slightly bright and detailed. You might find this interesting. Burson Audio claim that one of their solid state discrete audio buffers significantly improve the lineout of an ipod by lowering the output impedance. I have been agonising over the last few weeks over whether to drop $US400 or so on one for my full size headphone set up as an alternative to upgrading my DACs. . 6moons audio reviews: Burson Audio Buffer

For $400 you could also just get the digital out docks like the Wadia and Onkyo and use the ipod with your existing DAC

 

[Currawong]

The measurements of a device into a computer does not express how well it will drive headphones, as the load on the iPod will be different than what a headphone provides. As well, THD figures do not relate either.

I do agree, with the latest generation, iPods do not sound nearly as bad as they did a couple of generations ago. They've been slowly improving. The myth, I believe, is that Apple did something bad switching from Wolfson to Cirrus.

 

[krmathis]

I look forward to the day a DAP (iPod or other) and a pair of IEMs is the end of it all!

When such a highly portable rig surpass any full size headphone rig when it comes to sound quality.

 

[FallenAngel]

That day might have come - Hifiman HM-801 + JH13

Just need to fix the crappy analog volume control.

 

[Ham Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif That day might have come - Hifiman HM-801 + JH13 Just need to fix the crappy analog volume control.

Except the Hifiman doesn't do gapless playback. Which means I can't properly enjoy my Pink Floyd or Beethoven. It may sound fantastic but there is more to music playback than just sounding fantastic.

 

[grokit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Currawong /img/forum/go_quote.gif The myth, I believe, is that Apple did something bad switching from Wolfson to Cirrus.

I believe the Cirrus DAC is still in the Classic iPod, but the new Samsung integrated audio-video chipset (no DAC) that are installed in Apple's latest-generation touchscreen DAP devices now seems to be a game-changer in both sonic accuracy and dynamics, with increased output volume as well. I have read quite a few posts where JH-13 owners are quite happy straight out of a 3g iTouch or iPhone, and actually prefer them without external amplification.

 

[Budgie]

The measured performance can tell you whats wrong with a product, but not whats right with it.

I still ain't buying no stinking "pod".

 

[leveller1642]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phelonious Ponk /img/forum/go_quote.gif And you would need an output impedance of < 1 ohm because? P

Actually according to that link (of a superseded model by the way) the buffer outputs between 15-30 ohm. I have no idea why a high impedance output into lower impedance input translates to degraded sound. I am only taking Burson's word for it.

Do you think it might be BS?

 

[sonci]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ham Sandwich /img/forum/go_quote.gif Except the Hifiman doesn't do gapless playback. Which means I can't properly enjoy my Pink Floyd or Beethoven. It may sound fantastic but there is more to music playback than just sounding fantastic.

how could they miss that, makes me wonder who design these things,
gapless is easy, even old Rio Karma could do it, and I think its software based..

 

[leeperry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leveller1642 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Actually according to that link (of a superseded model by the way) the buffer outputs between 15-30 ohm. I have no idea why a high impedance output into lower impedance input translates to degraded sound.

this unit was also sold by audio-gd, apparently it does work.

a major impedance mismatch will completely screw up the FR IME...my 32Ω cd1k fails bigtime on my straight DAC output, but w/ an impedance adapter it's just fine...trebles are not whiney anymore, and the bass is much more controlled.

OTOH, your Burson HA-160 already includes a "buffer", so it'd be a waste of money...I think that's what Burson told me anyway when I enquired about a guy using it together w/ their amp, might wanna check w/ them.

 

[xdanny]

Any Cowon will smoke an ipod at any given time. And will sound better in an HT environment.

 

[grokit]

And there you have it

 

[ManuLM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xdanny /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any Cowon will smoke an ipod at any given time. And will sound better in an HT environment.

Interesting.
Once a brand made its point, hard to change it right

I tested Ipod touch latest gen and found it as good as my D2, listening with IE8