What DAC or Headphone will work best with Ipod Touch.

[SupremeSoul]

Hi Everybody.

What DAC and/or Headphone will improve audio quality for Ipod Touch(6th gen) on a budget of $200 - $300?

Also, I only have mp3 files. Do I need to convert it to FLAC or something to feel this improvement?

Thank you.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

What DAC and/or Headphone will improve audio quality for Ipod Touch(6th gen) on a budget of $200 - $300?

AFAIK it's kind of hard to get a DAC that will work with the Touch as not all versions work with digital output without the Apple certification chip on the receiving DAC.

Also, I only have mp3 files. Do I need to convert it to FLAC or something to feel this improvement?

You can't convert MP3 to FLAC. That's like converting JPEG to 16megapixel RAW.

If you have them on real 320kbps or even at least 256kbps from iTunes or streamed from Spotify or Apple then don't sweat it.


Overall you're better off picking a high sensitivity IEM (105dB or preferably higher) and using it on the Touch without a DAC and headphone amp.

 

[pbui44]

AFAIK it's kind of hard to get a DAC that will work with the Touch as not all versions work with digital output without the Apple certification chip on the receiving DAC.




You can't convert MP3 to FLAC. That's like converting JPEG to 16megapixel RAW.

If you have them on real 320kbps or even at least 256kbps from iTunes or streamed from Spotify or Apple then don't sweat it.


Overall you're better off picking a high sensitivity IEM (105dB or preferably higher) and using it on the Touch without a DAC and headphone amp.

I am glad you said this, as I was figuring out how to have him wait for the new Audeze Mobius. If you can wait until this late Summer, Audeze will have their new Mobius planar-magnetic wireless over-ear headphones shipping to their pledgers. Check this link out for more info:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audeze-mobius-review-preview-head-fi-tv.874607/

Check this link out for pledging:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mobius-immersive-cinematic-3d-audio-headphone-headphones#/

after pledging, get some KZ ZS6 in-ears for $46 to get used to a “higher quality” sound, while you wait for your Mobius to ship:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075...=FNX3SMJ8QPRVJYT37MVK&dpPl=1&dpID=51yv4hWdIrL

 

[SupremeSoul]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[pbui44]

If you like the sound of KZ KS6, but feel that the treble is too “sharp”, “zingy”, or “hot”, you can get some foam ear tips here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071...=4CTKECK4JPM57X0M4K91&dpPl=1&dpID=71wLh20gaLL

KS6 cable upgrade here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01L...e=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WE6647QHXDHQMMD8F739&th=1

Nice 2 pack dual-mesh-with zipper-compartment case for your KS6 and whatever else you want, like microSD card cases, USB drives, etc.:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077...C_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=earbud+case&psc=1