iPod 60G Photo Red Wine mod question

robster · « **on:** 2 Jan 2006, 12:20 am »

Hello-I now have a 60Gb iPod 5G Video using a Ray Samuels Hornet Headphone amp and a Sendstation pockect dock,earcandy mini cable and Sennheiser 650 headphones for indoors and Shure E4C canal earphones for walking.
I posted this question on Headfi forum too.
I bought the 5G video ipod before I even heard about the Redwine mod,my local Best Buy has a opened box iPod Photo 60GB unused just open box for $299. Now with the Redwine Mod is there a BIG difference or just a suttle difference in sound?
I'm on the fence about grabbing the 60GB Photo $299 Ipod at Best buy and getting the Redwine mod,that would be a total cost of $500 ? It wouldn't kill me to have 2 ipods.
What are your thoughts?

Cheers and many thanks for your help.

Robert

gary · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 12:26 am »

The improvement is not subtle in any way, so in my opinion it's a no-brainer. Stock the iPod sounds okay for a portable device, with the iMod it's a whole different animal. It's a serious contender going up against megabuck digital sources.

Gary

robster · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 12:31 am »

O.K. sounds like I need to get one then,I would need to buy a 60GB Photo, 4th generation right? the one at Best Buy is $299 is that a fair price? it's unused,open box and it should be a 4th Generation,sales person seems to think so,it's a Photo not video.

Many thanks for your help..

Cheers,
Robert

gary · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 01:06 am »

Yeah, that's the one you need. I got lucky and picked mine up for $279 new at my local Best Buy when they closed them out after the Videos came out. I don't think $299 sounds too bad, but if I were you I'd offer them less since it's an open-box. Talk to the manager, I bet they'd take $270.

Gary

robster · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 02:05 am »

Thanks Gary,
I did try,I asked the manager,he wouldn't budge,I'll try another manager. $280 would be better :~)..

Cheers,
Robert

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 02:12 am »

Hi Gary,

Thanks for your feedback....glad you are enjoying your modded iPod.

Hi Robster,

$299 sounds like a good price (assuming it is a new unit).

I haven't been able to find it much cheaper online than this ($343.00):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=370535&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Happy New Year!

robster · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 04:00 am »

Hi Vinnie,thanks for the reply.
I posted on the Headfi forum too. About 5G stock vs 4G Redwine mod.
Not sure if the Redwine 4G mod would beat my 5G,but hey I 'm thinking about getting the $299 brand new 4G 60GB Photo sending it to you and compare it to my 5G for myself.

Cheers,
Robert

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 04:30 am »

Quote from: robster

Hi Vinnie,thanks for the reply.
I posted on the Headfi forum too. About 5G stock vs 4G Redwine mod.
Not sure if the Redwine 4G mod would beat my 5G,but hey I 'm thinking about getting the $299 brand new 4G 60GB Photo sending it to you and compare it to my 5G for myself.

Cheers,
Robert

Hi Robert,

I bought a 5G iPod Video and compared it to my modded iPod Photo and I found the modded iPod Photo to be more enjoyable to listen to.... less forward and edgy, less "dry" sounding, more transparent sounding.

In fact, I prefer the sound of the stock 4G iPod (b/w screen and the iPod Photo's) to the sound of the stock 5G iPod Video. I do like the look of the iPod Video better (slightly larger screen, black case, slimmer), but not the sound.

As always, it is a matter of personal taste and system synergy...

Regards,

robster · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 05:09 am »

Thanks Vinnie,
that was the question I was going to ask next in email. How do you think the 5G compares to a Redine mod ipod? and now that you have answered that I'm set.

I'll head to Circuit City in the am and snark up that $299 open box new 4G 60GB Photo to send it you for a Redwine Mod.

Is the cost $199 for the Redwine Mod? or do you have a $100 special still available to friendly AudioCircle folks?
Also to be perfectly clear a 60GB Photo would be a 4th generation,right?Circuit City salesperson said it was new,just open box.

I also read it will be awhile until you could get to it,that's fine.

Thanks alot,
Robert

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 03:48 am »

Quote from: robster

Thanks Vinnie,
that was the question I was going to ask next in email. How do you think the 5G compares to a Redine mod ipod? and now that you have answered that I'm set.

I'll head to Circuit City in the am and snark up that $299 open box new 4G 60GB Photo to send it you for a Redwine Mod.

Is the cost $199 for the Redwine Mod? or do you have a $100 special still available to friendly AudioCircle folks?
Also to be perfectly clear a 60GB Photo would be a 4th generation,right?Circuit City salesperson ...

Hi robster,

Yes, the iMod is $199 + return shipping. And yes, the 60GB iPod Photo is considered to be a 4th Gen iPod and is the one that I mod.

I recommend that you load some Apple Lossless music onto it, test it out to make sure that it is functional, and then send it on over when you are ready. It makes for a dynamite little source once modded!

Regards,