[Watchdog]

Is the amplifier section of the iPod good enough that it doesn't benefit from a portable headphone amp?

I've noticed that the portable HDD players have very powerful amp sections relative to most portables.

Most MD players have 5mW amps into 16 ohms and I'm guessing most flash based mp3 and PCDP's are similar.

I think the iPod is 50mW and the Nomad Jukebox 3 is 100mW

I know power doesn't always equal quality but it sure is a factor in small portables.

 

[williamgoody]

When I had my ipod I used it amped, with a cmoy and a meta. As I didn't get the benefit I would usung a line out, I did get a much more rich and fuller sound. I really enjoyed that.

 

[HighwayStar]

The iPod will benefit from an amp, no doubt about it. But it doesn't need one to sound good. The iPod and Ety 4P's make a great combo and perserve the portability factor.

 

[raddogz]

With a great pair of headphones the ipod sounds great, but they sound even better with an amp

 

[lextek]

An amp had a little "something". With good buds the iPod is great by itself. A true portable music library.