FlatNine
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2010
- Posts
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Over the last couple of years, my "portable" setup has evolved to an iPod Touch 64gb (3g), a TTJV Slim amp fed via LOD, and Senn HD-650. It sounds great! All told, that setup cost in the neighborhood of $1100 USD. Recently, a change in work requires me to commute to Manhattan's financial district once a week. For me the door to door commute is 3 hours each way, the majority of that spent on the train. Of course I had to have my music with me, but was not about to carry over a grand woth of "portable" gear with me on the commute, and then leave it unattended during the day as I attend meetings and whatnot. So much for portable...
I decided to buy some gear that would sound acceptable, but would *NOT* be devastating if it got broken, lost, or stolen. I got an 8GB Sansa Clip Zip, and a set of Klipsch Image S4's. For a setup that cost me under $140, the sound is suprisingly good. Which brings me to my rant. (This rant applies to my situation, and probably others, but if not, don't be offended. Just remember to preceed each statement with the phrase "For me" - meaning me, the OP.)
I could have probably gotten a nice little desktop setup for what I paid for my portable setup. (although I'd still have the HD-650's which I LOVE!) For me, the only thing portable about my setup is that I can port it from room to room to listen while I read. The convenience of my commuting setup - the tiny Clip Zip and IEM's provide more than enough fidelity on a train. Also 8GB allows me to have about 20 - 30 full lossless CD's at any one time. That is plenty of variety. I don't need to have everything with me at all times. (Let's not get into lossless vs lossy ok? My whole library is lossless - both FLAC and ALAC, and I don't need want yet another format)
I'm just thinking that when commuting or doing something truly portable, there are enough distractions and background noise that an inexpensive setup like the one I mentioned is more than sufficient. (By the way - the sound on this little combo it excellent!) I just think that I would have been better off overall with a respectable desktop setup instead of what I have. There's no way I'd go hiking or running with that rig. OTOH, I wouldn't think twice about doing it with my small rig. I guess what I'm saying is that, and I am echoing someone else's conclusion that I read here, "portable" is silly. (insert "For me") Yes the toys are cool, and some are amazing, but silly nonetheless. (insert "For me")
*** Edit - changed sentence to read "but would *NOT* be devastating"
I decided to buy some gear that would sound acceptable, but would *NOT* be devastating if it got broken, lost, or stolen. I got an 8GB Sansa Clip Zip, and a set of Klipsch Image S4's. For a setup that cost me under $140, the sound is suprisingly good. Which brings me to my rant. (This rant applies to my situation, and probably others, but if not, don't be offended. Just remember to preceed each statement with the phrase "For me" - meaning me, the OP.)
I could have probably gotten a nice little desktop setup for what I paid for my portable setup. (although I'd still have the HD-650's which I LOVE!) For me, the only thing portable about my setup is that I can port it from room to room to listen while I read. The convenience of my commuting setup - the tiny Clip Zip and IEM's provide more than enough fidelity on a train. Also 8GB allows me to have about 20 - 30 full lossless CD's at any one time. That is plenty of variety. I don't need to have everything with me at all times. (Let's not get into lossless vs lossy ok? My whole library is lossless - both FLAC and ALAC, and I don't need want yet another format)
I'm just thinking that when commuting or doing something truly portable, there are enough distractions and background noise that an inexpensive setup like the one I mentioned is more than sufficient. (By the way - the sound on this little combo it excellent!) I just think that I would have been better off overall with a respectable desktop setup instead of what I have. There's no way I'd go hiking or running with that rig. OTOH, I wouldn't think twice about doing it with my small rig. I guess what I'm saying is that, and I am echoing someone else's conclusion that I read here, "portable" is silly. (insert "For me") Yes the toys are cool, and some are amazing, but silly nonetheless. (insert "For me")
*** Edit - changed sentence to read "but would *NOT* be devastating"
