[Superbaldguy]

I am seriously looking at getting a 30 GB 5.5G iPod but wonder how well the headphone amp works with my ER-4P's. I am not interested in using an amp at this point, just a simplified rig. I have used the CX300's with the iPod, works OK, but not overwhelmed.

My musical preferences would be classical and jazz. My experiences with rock music and phones on the iPod has been less than impressive.

 

[mrarroyo]

It will work fairly well. Later if you want you can add an amp with dock line out.

 

[swmtnbiker]

It use my 5G 30GB and ER-4Ps all of the time and they're a great combo. The iPod has enough juice to make the Etys sound very good and they'll stomp the CX300 sq-wise IMO. I don't think you'd be disappointed.

 

[Superbaldguy]

What is the headphone output of the iPod? I am used to the somewhat weak 5 mW/16 ohms of an MD unit, which is fine for the 4P's but more is always a bit better.............

 

[abitdeef]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superbaldguy /img/forum/go_quote.gif What is the headphone output of the iPod? I am used to the somewhat weak 5 mW/16 ohms of an MD unit, which is fine for the 4P's but more is always a bit better.............

30 mw 16 ohms

 

[GreatDane]

My 80 GB iPod sounds very good with my ER4P (unamped)

...with line out into Supermini is a whole 'nother story.

 

[Schalldampfer]

I could notice that the iPod couldn't keep up with the ER-4P, even when playing FLAC. But I guess having a ALO to an amp would help the matter.

 

[Superbaldguy]

Looks like I should audition an iPod with the Etys and see for myself. Any hiss? These IEM's pick up every little nuance, good or bad.

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superbaldguy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Looks like I should audition an iPod with the Etys and see for myself. Any hiss? These IEM's pick up every little nuance, good or bad.

I hear no hiss with my 80 GB iPod/ ER4P combo. Even with my 2G shuffle I hear very little hiss, none with music playing, even at very low volumes.

 

[Superbaldguy]

What about any bass roll-off? The 4P's are 27 ohms impedance.

 

[Publius]

I hear quite a bit of hiss with the 4P and a 5G 60G, that I bought last May. It mostly goes away when I add the 4P->4S adapter. Additionally, once I ReplayGain the tracks for album gain, I'm somewhat constrained in my listening volumes, but mostly for classical. At 100% volume, the iPod headphone output will distort on some music, no matter what you plug it into.

 

[swmtnbiker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Publius /img/forum/go_quote.gif At 100% volume, the iPod headphone output will distort on some music, no matter what you plug it into.

Why would anyone listen to an iPod (or any other audio device for that matter) at 100% volume?

As for hiss, I can barely detect a very slight background with my ER-4P and 5G 30GB. It does't affect listening my enjoyment at all.

 

[Superbaldguy]

Hmmm............So, a few of you detect a slight hiss. 100% volume with a 30 mW headphone amp would almost make my ears bleed.

 

[fjf]

For Classical and jazz, the combo sounds great. And you should rockbox it. Get rid of itunes and the apple firmware. No hiss at all, very good sound with lame v2 (192 Kbps VBR).

 

[Superbaldguy]

OK, I just ordered the black 30 GB model. I hope my 12 MiniDisc portables won't feel offended by this purchase.