[vinnyferret]

I'm an audiophile when it comes to non-portable equipment. Well, I got an Ipod for the first time (Nano) and am thinking of getting the UE Sfi 5.

But I wonder, since Nano is mp3 quality, and I'm used to at least CD quality and alot of SACD/DVD-A hi res stuff on my home system, are the $250 headphones going to make much difference? I mean, an MP3 is an MP3.

Thx, and sorry if my question has been asked many times before.

 

[mark.s]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinnyferret <snip> I mean, an MP3 is an MP3.

Not really, there's a huge difference between a 128 kbps and 320 kbps mp3 file, at 320 kbps the file is somewhere near cd-quality. Your mp3-encoder also matters alot, you will get the best results with EAC and LAME.
But since you have an iPod you also have some other options: AAC, which is a lossy format like mp3, is claimed to be better quality than mp3 (at the same bitrate). ALAC, which is a lossless format (no sound data is removed when the file is encoded, so you have actual cd-quality), the files are larger though.
But try the different formats and quality settings to find the one you can live with

Your headphones also matters alot and the Super.fi's won't be overkill, even with a nano.

 

[TheSloth]

No, the s.fi 5pro's will not be a waste of money at all for a Nano. They'll sound great.

 

[blessingx]

As others have said it's not the file quality so the Nano isn't really "MP3 quality". Or it.. is but can also be "CD quality". Try a few encodes at 224 AAC VBR first though.

 

[gshan]

IEMs give the most intimate listening experience. A more expensive one will provide a very noticeable difference.

 

[tortie]

There's no such thing as overkill when buying headphones. Buy the best one you can afford.

 

[gshan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tortie There's no such thing as overkill when buying headphones. Buy the best one you can afford.

Ah yea, the wallet is really the only bottleneck in any audio setup

 

[silence57]

and quality amp and higher ohm headphones for home use if you want (say the Senn 650s). The sound can be surisingly good with a good set up and minimal music compression.

 

[raisin]

Reminds me of a question asked of an instructor at a high-speed driving event, about how much to spend on a helmet, "If you have a ten dollar head, buy a ten dollar helmet"