Red Wine iPOD mod vs. Red Wine SB3 mod?

deuterium · « **on:** 14 Apr 2006, 02:56 pm »

Vinnie and others,

I am interested in upgrading my headfi listening situation. Currently, I am using unmodded iPODs (3G and 5G) with ALAC files into a Ray Samules headphone amp and into my cans.

I would like to upgrade the sound quaility and I am intrigued by both of the mods for the iPOD and SB3. I do not own a 4G iPOD or an SB3 at this time and therefore would have to start with a purchase of either item. I do have a Mac Powerbook with external HDs holding my CD collection and an Airport express.

A comparison of the two modded pieces in terms of utility and sound quality for home use would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Apr 2006, 01:49 pm »

Hi deuterium,

Welcome to Audiocircle!

Going the iPod route has the advantage of having a built-in hard drive, so once you download your 60GB of music, you don't need to be connected to your computer to play your music. I also find the iTunes/iPod interface to be first-rate. The iPod is much smaller and you may like that for portable use.

Going with the Squeezebox requires that you are connected to a computer (wired or wireless) running Slim Devices Slim Server software. The fully modded SB3 is going to be quite a bit bigger than a modded iPod. The battery enclosure itself is 6" x 8" x 3".

Regarding the sound quality (using lossless compression or .wav), I'd say the iMod has a warmer tone. The modded SB is a little bit more detailed and dynamic, with a little more bass punch. Both have very black background and are very clean.

The line out of the iMod is ~ 1Vrms, while the modded SB is ~ 2.1Vrms. As long as your headphone amp has enough gain, the 1Vrms output of the iMod should not be a problem. In fact,the lower oujtput voltage of the iMod can be an advantage if you find that you have "hair-trigger" volume (gets too loud too soon on the dial).

Hope this helps!

Best,

deuterium · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 02:55 pm »

"Regarding the sound quality (using lossless compression or .wav), I'd say the iMod has a warmer tone. The modded SB is a little bit more detailed and dynamic, with a little more bass punch. Both have very black background and are very clean.

The line out of the iMod is ~ 1Vrms, while the modded SB is ~ 2.1Vrms. As long as your headphone amp has enough gain, the 1Vrms output of the iMod should not be a problem. In fact,the lower oujtput voltage of the iMod can be an advantage if you find that you have "hair-trigger" volume (gets too loud too soon on the dial)."

Vinnie,

Thanks for your response, especially on the sonic properties of the two pieces. It is very helpful.

Gain should not be a problem with the Ray Samuel's amp.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Apr 2006, 01:23 pm »

Quote from: deuterium

"Thanks for your response, especially on the sonic properties of the two pieces. It is very helpful.

Gain should not be a problem with the Ray Samuel's amp....

Hi deuterium,

There are some guys on headfi.com (portable audio forum) who are using the iMod with Ray Samuels amps and I've read nothing but good things about the combo.

I actually met Ray Samuels last summer at the Boston HeadFi meet and it was a pleasure. His designs and build quality matches his passion for what he does, which is most impressive!

Best regards,

deuterium · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 08:12 pm »

Vinnie,

Thanks again.

IronLion · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 08:28 pm »

Personally, I would stay away from iPods; I know several people who have them and they've had bad experience with them breaking very easily or for no apparent reason at all. It would suck to get an iMod or whatever and have it break, I wonder if Apple would even replace it after the case has obviously been opened for modifications. I doubt it. Also, I think iPods in general suck. That my opinion, though.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 09:08 pm »

Quote from: IronLion

Personally, I would stay away from iPods; I know several people who have them and they've had bad experience with them breaking very easily or for no apparent reason at all. It would suck to get an iMod or whatever and have it break, I wonder if Apple would even replace it after the case has obviously been opened for modifications. I doubt it.

In general, the iPods are pretty rugged little bastards! I've seen them dropped hard onto the pavement and keep working without a glitch, but Also, I think iPods in general suck. That my opinion, though.[/you can't always get this lucky.

As far as repairing a modded iPod, it is best that it is sent to me, not Apple. The mod work that I do in there can easily be damaged if someone opens up the unit without knowing what mods have been done.

Quote

Also, I think iPods in general suck. That my opinion, though.

Why?

IronLion · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 09:27 pm »

Quote from: Vinnie R.

Why?

Well, because as I mentioned earlier, in my experience I know people who own them and who have had many problems with them in the past. Also, as a NYtimes article pointed out a few months ago, iPods are in general not built for longevity and therefore have spotty warranty coverage and questionable reliability. I also do not like the idea of having your music collection tied to a piece of software that I personally also think sucks, iTunes.

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Apr 2006, 10:22 pm »

Quote from: IronLion

Quote from: Vinnie R.
Why?

Well, because as I mentioned earlier, in my experience I know people who own them and who have had many problems with them in the past. Also, as a NYtimes article pointed out a few months ago, iPods are in general not built for longevity and therefore have spotty warranty coverage and questionable reliability. I also do not like the idea of having your music collection tied to a piece of software that I personally also think sucks, iTunes.

Well....the iPod KNOWS when it has been insulted!

Just teasing....I can respect that you don't like it. It is not for everyone.

Cheers!

Rocket · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Apr 2006, 12:18 am »

Hi Vinnie,

Are only certain ipods modded at this stage? I haven't been to find the ones that you mentioned.

Regards

Rod

Vinnie R. · « **Reply #10 on:** 26 Apr 2006, 01:47 am »

Quote from: Rocket

Hi Vinnie,

Are only certain ipods modded at this stage? I haven't been to find the ones that you mentioned.

Regards

Rod

Hi Rod,

I only mod the 4th generation iPods (black/white screen and the iPod Photo unts).

You can find these online (e.g. www.pcmall.com, B&H Photo online, eBay, etc) and they are less expensive than the newer iPod Video players.

A lot of my iMod customers purchase them online and have them sent directly to me for the mod. This is fine with me...

Best regards,