Replacing Ipod internal amplifier?

[crazyfrenchman27]

While disassembling my ipod to replace the battery, I noticed the internal headphone amplifier tucked away...

I was curious: has anyone attempted to replace this amplifier with a new or improved one?

What kind of personal modifications exist for the ipod?

I'm enjoying my new battery with it's 30% longer life-time...it would be wonderful if I could similarly improve the amplifier.

Thanks!

Currently listening to: "Sunrise" by Norah Jones on my Koss Porta Pros.

 

[leon]

You're probably already aware of this mod... replacing the capacitors in the iPod. Some claim it'll eliminate the distortion so many of you hate... some say it doesn't help, but different parts will give you slightly different sound.

 

[kloan]

What?! People are modding the insides of their iPods?? Wow... that's really brave... I too wonder if the amplifier can be made better.. that would be really cool..

 

[null]

Not very familiar with an Ipod's internals, but if the Ipod contains a cheap SMD op-amp, you can try to find a better replacement...

 

[kloan]

i'd be extremely hesitant modifying my ipod.. especially with smd's since i have no experience with it.. i guess its nice to know the option is there, but i dont think i could do it...

as far as people replacing the capacitors, they must be surface mount too, right? i doubt i could do that either... id love to see the insides up close where the amp is so i could see what's there..

hey crazyfrenchman, have you done a battery test with your new battery? its the 850mah one, right? im tempted to buy one, my battery doesn't last as long as id like it to.. but i wanna see what people get with the new ones first..

 

[Sovkiller]

That is a job for Dr. Xin......Calling Dr. Xin, calling Dr. Xin

 

[null]

I understand how SMD parts are more space-efficient, but DAMN are they hard to solder/de-solder.

 

[nleahcim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by null I understand how SMD parts are more space-efficient, but DAMN are they hard to solder/de-solder.

With the right equipment and a little knowledge - surface mount soldering is quite easy. I personally prefer surface mount soldering over through hole - somehow I just find it to be less of a hassle.

 

[intlplby]

i like surface mount.... i find it a lot easier to work from one side


tin the pads then just place your piece and secure with an alligator clip or some masking tape and solder one side or one pin, then remove that and solder the rest

much easier than trying to work both sides and getting the right amount of solder to flux through the hole

 

[null]

I find removing SMDs are harder than adding....

 

[mjg]

i did the battery myself, but i dunno how brace i am to try this.

 

[rayofsi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by null I find removing SMDs are harder than adding....

ditto

 

[Head Creep]

This would be very interesting to try out... all we have to do is find either a very brave iPod owner or someone with just a bit too much money to spend.

 

[Daroid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by null Not very familiar with an Ipod's internals, but if the Ipod contains a cheap SMD op-amp, you can try to find a better replacement...

Most portable players use a combined low-voltage DAC and op-amp chipset, like the CS43L42: http://www.cirrus.com/en/products/pro/detail/P133.html
It has other functions too, but as seen from it's THD+N and Dynamic range, it's not great at all...

 

[aki]

I like where this is heading, and i hope someone does it. Maybe with a 2nd hand or old 1G or 2G even?

The other thing I would like to see is a headphone amp that can source its power from the iPod's headphone out - as the iTrip and iTalk does.