Red Wine iMod vs. Red Wine SB2

Vinnie R. · « **on:** 14 Sep 2005, 10:32 am »

All,

I received quite a few emails and PMs asking me "which one sounds better?"

http://www.redwineaudio.com/iMod.html

VS

http://www.redwineaudio.com/SB2_Mods.html

I am planning to do a 'shootout' over here once I get the chance. When I do, I'll post details. Also, both will be at RMAF for YOU to be the judge

As always, thanks for all your interest and support!

MttBsh · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Sep 2005, 04:19 pm »

Is the IPod limited to playing what's on its internal hard drive? if so, regardless of sound quality, the 20 gig capacity would be the show-stopper for me.

Paul_Bui · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 Sep 2005, 04:34 pm »

...but it doesn't need a wired/wireless network with a HD/PC on to work, does it? OTOH, the iMod is a stand-alone player thus can be an attractive solution to many people.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 Sep 2005, 04:54 pm »

Quote from: Paul_Bui

...but it doesn't need a wired/wireless network with a HD/PC on to work, does it? OTOH, the iMod is a stand-alone player thus can be an attractive solution to many people.

Hi Paul,

You only use the computer to download music into the iPod (using iTunes), and the music then stays on the iPods internal harddrive.

The iPod is battery powered and plays at least 8 hours (I'm pretty sure it can play longer) between charges.

Hi MttBsh,

There is a 60GB version of it as well. Mine is the 20GB.

20GB can hold approx 50 CDs using Apple Lossless compression....not too shabby, and you can alway delete CDs and load new ones.

And then there is the sound of the iMod + Clari-T combo, which I promise is VERY impressive

Jon L · « **Reply #4 on:** 14 Sep 2005, 05:09 pm »

Vinnie, thanks for looking into the much-maligned iPod. I posted this link at head-fi.org.

My main problem is that ugly hole in the back with line sticking out. I may be a perfectionist audiophile, but that look just isn't going to fly with a lot of people.

Is there any way to use smaller caps, maybe silver mica, after the DAC chip and stick it inside the iPod, terminated into 1/8" female mini jack somewhere on iPod?

If there's no room for caps, maybe just take the wires from DAC chip to a 1/8" jack on iPod, then use a removable short adapter that has blackgate caps inside the cable?

BTW, is the headphone out jack improved at all by this mod?

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #5 on:** 14 Sep 2005, 08:00 pm »

Quote from: Jon L

Vinnie, thanks for looking into the much-maligned iPod. I posted this link at head-fi.org.

My main problem is that ugly hole in the back with line sticking out. I may be a perfectionist audiophile, but that look just isn't going to fly with a lot of people.

Is there any way to use smaller caps, maybe silver mica, after the DAC chip and stick it inside the iPod, terminated into 1/8" female mini jack somewhere on iPod?

If there's no room for caps, maybe just take the wires from DAC chip to a ...

Hi Jon L,

Thanks for posting on head-fi. I just replied to that thread, and asked you to be a little more candid about how you feel about the looks of the iMod

I think I can do this mod and use the headphone jack instead , but the headphone jack would be then the be new iMod line out (ie. the headphone out would be eliminated....shouldn't be an issue if people are going to be using this into a headphone amp or 2-channel stereo rig). This would keep everything inside...which will make it look better

Not sure if people would like to lose the volume controlled headphone output though...

Trust me when i say this....THERE IS NO ROOM IN THERE!

The iPod demonstrates some seriously dense electronics packaging...hot damn!

fly_fish_nz · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Sep 2005, 07:09 pm »

Hi Vinnie,

Just wondering whether you've had a chance yet to compare the modded SB2 and IPOD units head to head? Thanks!

C.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Sep 2005, 12:54 pm »

Quote from: fly_fish_nz

Hi Vinnie,

Just wondering whether you've had a chance yet to compare the modded SB2 and IPOD units head to head? Thanks!

C.

Hi C.,

I had to send my modded SB2 off to RMAF, so I wasn't able to do a head to head. At RMAF, I am hoping that many visitors will want to do the shootout because they both sound terrific and I'm still not sure which one is the winner.

Based on listening to both for a few days, I can state the following:

-- The modded iPod has a sweeter, more "tube-like" top end that I know many listeners are going to find to be very seductive and a beautiful match with the Clari-T + Omega combo.

-- The modded SB2 has the edge in dynamics and retrieving that last bit of detail off of the recording.

There will be plenty more to follow after RMAF, and I'm hoping that fellow AC members who get to hear both will post their impressions.

Thanks for your interest,

fly_fish_nz · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 Sep 2005, 04:14 pm »

Thanks Vinnie. Let us know what others and you think after you have a chance to spend some time listening to the two at RMAF. Sounds like fun and wish I could make it.

C.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Sep 2005, 05:02 pm »

Quote from: fly_fish_nz

Thanks Vinnie. Let us know what others and you think after you have a chance to spend some time listening to the two at RMAF. Sounds like fun and wish I could make it.

C.

Will do!

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Sep 2005, 08:09 am »

Vinnie :

Quote

At RMAF, I am hoping that many visitors will want to do the shootout because they both sound terrific and I'm still not sure which one is the winner.

[/list:u]

Chris[/list:u]

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Sep 2005, 10:09 am »

Quote from: lonewolfny42

Vinnie :
Quote
At RMAF, I am hoping that many visitors will want to do the shootout because they both sound terrific and I'm still not sure which one is the winner.
[/list:u]
Hey Vinnie....Sounds like a Rave to me.... [/list:u]
Chris[/list:u]

Hi Chris,

You bet! Complete with NY Audio Rave favorite demo discs

See you there!