Newb with Headphone Questions

[Ant_]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for reading my post.

I've recently joined the site having found the iPod Classic Mod thread whilst searching google
I have two iPod Classics that I am modifying (5.5th Gen, and 7th Gen) and am looking to purchase some headphones for them.

Despite having an large music collection I am new to the audio scene.
I have iPods, and iPhones, and their stock earbuds ...... and that's it

My intention is to buy some nice headphones for my iPods, and then perhaps start looking into home equipment if/when the bug bites.

With the above in mind, I would be interested to hear peoples thoughts on which headphones I should be considering at this time.

I believe I'll want closed back headphones for my application. I've never used a headphone amp so don't know how seriously I should be considering one of these. If not, perhaps I need something that's not too difficult to drive.
I personally don't like the aesthetics of a iPod and amp thrown together with rubber bands, so I might give the amp a miss, unless there's a dramatic difference when using one, and then I'll have to see how I can make them look good together. Perhaps some kind of small zipped utility bag/pouch might work

I read this article last night, and whilst it was interesting, it was far beyond my current level of knowledge.
http://archimago.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/retro-measure-2006-apple-ipod-classic.html

One thing I did take from it though is that the 5.5th Gen iPods seem to have ~11 Ohm impedance, meaning I should be looking for headphones of around 90 Ohm.
Does anybody know if these figures are the same for the iPod 7th Gen, or if there were changes made when they swapped the DAC etc,

I have heard that the M40X's would be a good first choice of headphone, but they're only rated at 35 Ohm, so I'm not sure they're ideal. Again, I'm new to this, so I'm picking things up as I go.

My budget is somewhere around the £300 mark, but I'll happily spend less

If anybody has any thoughts or suggestions they'd be happy to share I'd be most appreciative.

Thanks in advance
Ant

 

[Intensecure]

I believe that the iPod 7th Gen has about 5Ohm output impedance, and although you are obviously considering the 8 to 1 ratio of impedance, in my experience/opinion this is only really relevant when dealing with sensitive BA IEMs and won't really effect the sound of most headphones - others may disagree, but just relating my experience.
I use Sony MDR 1A, which are rated at 24Ohm out of my 7th Gen and sound fantastic. Volume doesn't need to go full, about 80% up will be pretty darn loud, no problems. I paid $150 for my Sony and recommend them wholeheartedly as excellent closed headphones. Of course you should try first, whatever you buy, and depends on what music you prefer, although these Sony are good as all-rounders - I listen to practically every type of music. And I like them directly from my iPod, no amping required.
Just IMHO.

 

[serman005]

You should definitely check out the SoundMAGIC HP151--the new version of the HP150. It sounds excellent and is a terrific value at around 120 GBP. Very highly recommended.

 

[youngarthur]

It might be an idea to read the forum for a few days, then buy from Amazon,so you can try, and return, if you are not liking them.