iPod Amplifier

[gratefulshrink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by simpl aseltzer144, I certainly do appreciate your constructive feedback, and my original post wasn't trying to call anyone out, so to speak. Since my company has released the product, there have been a few "doubting thomases" about the A1, and I felt the need to share my feelings on the subject. I take the feedback on this and other forums seriously when making revisions to the product, so I certainly welcome any and all constructive criticism.

Well, if you really want suggestions on revisions, I would like to see a separate volume control and the option to use the dock line out from the ipod.

Maybe that will be on the A2?????

 

[PFRfan]

I completely agree that the enhancements that would attract the most attention around here are an integrated line-out connector, a decent pot, and a gain setting suitable for low-imperdence IEMs. If you read much around hear, you'll know how popular Etymonics, Shure, Ultimate Ears, Sensaphon, and Westone are for use with iPods. Your product really needs to match up with those offerings to hit the people most likely to appreciate it. People using it at home don't need their amp to be portable or attach to the back of their iPod. People who carry bigger headphones on the go usually have room in their headphone bag for whatever portable amp they want. but canal-phones... THEY are a great fit for a compact integrated solution like the A1.

Even if the 4G iPod is perfectly adequate for driving those IEMs by itself (and I've heard it before), that wouldn't stop people here from buying it - it IS Head-Fi, you know.

I know the argument is that you tried your amp with a pot from the line out against your current version without being able to tell the difference. If that test was performed AFTER you had ready decided to go from the headphone out, then you can see where people might have doubts about your objectivity concerning the difference. Either way, though, it would be nice for some people to set aside their assumptions about the volume issue and just try it. Not all of the time, just when an interesting product like this one appears.

Your next amp may convince me to buy another iPod.

 

[AuroraProject]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gratefulshrink Well, if you really want suggestions on revisions, I would like to see a separate volume control and the option to use the dock line out from the ipod. Maybe that will be on the A2?????

Agreed, add a dock connector to access the ipods line out and a volume control and sign me up for one!

 

[staid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuroraProject Agreed, add a dock connector to access the ipods line out and a volume control and sign me up for one!

And one for me, too!

 

[Head-Case]

Well, the Simpl A1 is $125 with FREE SHIPPING at Mac Mall, but they have no stock, and will be out of stock until June 20.

J&R has them at $150, PLUS SHIPPING.

J&R came down to $130 including shipping, so my Simpl A1 should ship tomorrow, which should put it in my hands Monday.

Now, I'm off to the Rat Shack to pick up some connectors to built my Etymotics ER-4P to ER-4S converter.

I also have to decide between the Ray Samuels Audio Emmeline XP-7 and Emmeline SR-71 as the amp for airplane travel, and fixed listening, as the Simpl A1 is just for general knocking around (and filling in my shirt pocket).

I'll let everyone know how it sounds.

 

[Head-Case]

BUT, I would only hope it would have arrived today. I am struggeling by with my 4Ps in my iPod right now as I write this. Since I am in my living room, I SHOULD bring out the Crown D-60 and the Koss Electrostatics, but the 4Ps are the "phone of the moment."

I hope Mr. UPS (Frank) will ring the doorbell tomorrow, but who knows.

The 4Ps ARE better than the iPod buds, but I hear the "strain" that I have found in some amps over the past 25 years in broadcasting, and 35 years of chasing good audio.

Now, settiling into Rundgren....

 

[akwok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by staid And one for me, too!

Me too!

It'd totally buy one (and recommend it to all my friends)

PLEASE oh PLEASE release this revision!