iPod dock duke-out: SQ question

[omendelovitz]

I'm just wondering if anyone has been able to compare Turbo's turbodocks (using a high quality cable) against a sendsation pocketdock (using the same or similar quality cable) and can comment on the SQ difference. Turbo makes a good point about interference from power source wiring, but I'm not sure HOW much difference it makes, and if the changes are really audible. Anyone ever try/test both and care to weigh in with their impressions?

 

[GIGANTOID]

I'm using a sendstation dock with a 12" Headfi mini-mini out of a 5G into a hornet. I thought I'd be able to free up a cable in my bag by doing so (sharing a USB cable for iPod and a digicam) but the camera has a different size USB connection.

I just ordered a custom Audiolineout Bling Bling, 6" with a small right angle connector. So I can give you impressions on that when it arrives.

My normal human to audiophile speach is pretty weak and my ears maybe tin and not golden. FWIW.

 

[omendelovitz]

looking forward to your impressions!

 

[hoosterw]

Well I have both available and I can tell you that Turbo docks are far preferred over the sik din or other docks. Far better quality materials used and as said no interference from other cabling.
The next prefereable step (from sound performance) would be to loose another connection by going through hardwired docks.

The backdraft there is unflexibility for matching or other cables/other equipment.

But that is more a personnal choice.

Rgds and happy listening,

Hans.

 

[bigshot]

The dock is a connector. There's no electronics in it. The amount of cabling used inside the dock is insignificant. There is absolutely no reason why one dock would sound any different than any other. Interference from other cables isn't an issue unless you are using your iPod cables around the power line drop from Hoover Dam.

Choose the dock you buy based on whether it has a locking connection or not or how big it is or if it's not flexible. Those are issues that really matter.

If someone tells you that a dock made a "night and day" difference to them, take that into consideration with anything else they have to say.

See ya
Steve

 

[labrat]

Deleted.

 

[Eric1285]

To be honest, I think it's pretty ridiculus how much some of those docks cost. I just bulk ordered a bunch of the slimline ipod dock connectors and I'm going to make a bunch of the connectors as soon as they get in. Probably going to make three sets for myself with RCA, minijack, and 1/4 plug connectors. Honestly, these things cost like $1 each and with the minimal amount of wiring that goes into it plus maybe the cost of a nice connector, I'm bewildered as to how some of these things are going for $80-100! I can understand $20 for a basic one and maybe $30-40 for a very, very nice one, but anything over that seems pretty ridiculus, which is why I decided to just order a bunch and make them myself. I'll definitely report back with how it sounds.

 

[omendelovitz]

Hey, that's a really nice connector! I've never seen that dock type before, however...

 

[GIGANTOID]

WOW! thats a really novel connect. I was just looking at cases for an AMP + iPod and they were all to shallow because of the sendstation and where the cable connects. The way labrat has it would solve that issue.

More details plz?!

 

[bigshot]

I have a pocket dock with line out, and as long as it's seated properly, there is no noise. Reports to the contrary are greatly exaggerated.

See ya
Steve

 

[ComfyCan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot I have a pocket dock with line out, and as long as it's seated properly, there is no noise. Reports to the contrary are greatly exaggerated. See ya Steve

I've had the same experience (i.e., no noise), although I haven't used the pocket dock with a hard disk based IPod as often as with a flash player (Nano). However, I can't say that others who indicate they've had problems didn't. (I don't remember reading many such complaints though??)

I do like the versatility of the pocket dock. If I'm rigging a portable setup where cord flexibility isn't an issue, I generally use my Wyvern AG8 mini to mini. If I want a rig that has no "cord bulge", I use a cardas w/ right angle connectors and simply wrap extra cord around the pocket dock before terminating into the amp, thereby removing the slack. I sacrafice a very slight (negative) change in the sound quality for convenience.

I also keep a set of Klipsch 2.0's in the bathroom with a radioshack mini/mini hanging from the line in jack on the speakers. When I want tunes for the shower, I pop the pocket dock onto the nano and plug the mini plug into the pocket dock. Bingo: Instant kick-ass sound system (beats the snot out of any aftermarket I-Pod docking station/speaker toy on the market).

I seem to be severely wandering off topic, so that's enough babble.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot I have a pocket dock with line out, and as long as it's seated properly, there is no noise. Reports to the contrary are greatly exaggerated. See ya Steve

I agree, also when you travel you will most likely not have to take the charger. Why because most households have computers nowadays and you can use one of their USB cables to charge your iPod.

 

[zippy2001]

Hi,

I have the Sendstation Pocketdock, which I purchased because I thought it would be nice to have a dock that could also be used to connect to my iTunes via the USB. But the dock does not lock and it much larger than other docks. I had to modify the case to get it to fit.

I had heard good things about the TurboDock III, which is smaller and is very transparent. The mini cables from Turbo are okay, but I prefer the RnB Black Diamond interconnect, which sounds great, good extension on the bottom end, neutral and very detailed.

I also bought the AudioLineOut Bling Bling dock, because I liked the compactness. It sounds very good, very clean sound and a bit brighter due to the silver wires.

Then I bought the RnB Audio Dock, which I like as much as the ALO Bling Bling dock. It is compact, well made, very good sound. It uses copper wires which I prefer, I think it sounds a little closer to a neutral sound.

 

[bigshot]

The cables that come with the Pocket Dock are excellent. They are lightweight and very flexible. There's absolutely no reason to use a thick, stiff cable on a portable rig... unless of course, if you are a masochist.

See ya
Steve