Better Headphone Amp for iPod Video??

[gplonchak]

I have a Simpl A1 and it seems to be pretty good with my UM super.fi 5 Pros. Are there better, but not to expensive amps out there that help quality more than this particular amp? The thing I like the most is that it grips onto the back where it seems like other amps do not. Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

[feh1325]

if you like the simpl amp, then go with it! why spend any more money?

and other amps aren't contoured to fit with an ipod, for versitility reasons but there are velco "feet" that you can use.

there are some other methods of attaching an amp to a source. i tried to use a black, wristband that i bought at hot topic that says "music = life" and used that as a rubber band

[shixun]

I have a Simpl A1 and it seems to be pretty good with my UM super.fi 5 Pros. Are there better, but not to expensive amps out there that help quality more than this particular amp?Most say that the super.fi 5 Pro doesn't need to be amped. I find that the Simpl A1 complements bassy 'phones with limited treble extension (e.g. Senn HD555 & PX200, Koss Plug), so it may be a good choice for the super.fi 5 Pro as well.

http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID%5B0%5D=441&graphID%5B1%5D=345&graphID%5B2%5D=627&graphID%5B3%5D=&buttonSelection=Compare+Headphones

BTW the PX200 curve is inaccurate in the bass response because they didn't have a seal.

[gplonchak]

I do like the A1 and UE combo. I think I will stick with it. Although I have heard that the HeadRoom Total AirHead is a REALLY good amp. The problem again is that it doesn't attach to the iPod and also it runs on batteries while the A1 has an internal battery like the iPod. I just was curious if the quality was better. Does anyone use this amp? If so, how do you like it?

[feh1325]

i don't have the amp, but i've heard that it is the best amp in its price range
and about the batteries...you can buy recharables, saving you a lot of money

also, ulimate ears and other iem's really don't need amplification. they improve the sq of cans by a much larger margin.

and you can carry the amp in one pocket, and your ipod in the other with an interconnect going along your crotch, how fashionable!

[gplonchak]

I agree that the UE really dont need an amp and sound pretty good on their own. The thing that helps the quality is the fact that with the amp, you are playing at lower volumes to get the same effect at higher volumes with the internal amp of the iPod by itself. Therefore, there is less distorting and clipping resulting in a cleaner, punchier sound. Even though the Simpl A1 isn't the "best" amp out there, for $100, it does what it says it does and I'll stick with my combo for now. I might consider the headroom in the future. But for now, I'm satisfied. I'm so curious though what it sounds like compared to the A1. I wonder if it is a real huge difference. Thanks for you help.

[warpdrive]

the Headroom Airhead/Bithead is a very good amp, but you are definitely going to lose out in the portability and integration features of the A1. If you carry your iPod around in a gadget bag AND are using a very high quality headphone (better than your SF5), then the difference would be worth it.

[Arrowsmith]

I do like the A1 and UE combo. I think I will stick with it. Although I have heard that the HeadRoom Total AirHead is a REALLY good amp. The problem again is that it doesn't attach to the iPod and also it runs on batteries while the A1 has an internal battery like the iPod. I just was curious if the quality was better. Does anyone use this amp? If so, how do you like it?

I have the Airhead with the ipod 60gb video and the Shure e5's. Great combo. Really smooths out the ipod output. It runs 40+ hours on 4 AAA batteries so replacement is a snap at any airport or local Walgreens. It comes with several sets of velcro pads to attatch it to the ipod. I bought one of the BitBags for the whole shebang and it clips to your belt or you have a shoulder strap as well to use. One nice extra feature is the Airhead has 2 outputs so two people can listen or for testing multiple cans with the same output. Handy.

:D

[Mercuttio]

I'm using a Total Bithead velcro'd to the back of my 5G iPod in an Agent18 case. It works very well, and sounds fantastic. Really, any headphone benefits from an amp, even if just to clean up the signal. I use it with everything from an SR60 to a GS1000, and it always improves the overall sound quality. It's easier to notice on a higher impedance headphone or one that is highly sensitive, though.

[Arrowsmith]

I'm using a Total Bithead velcro'd to the back of my 5G iPod in an Agent18 case. It works very well, and sounds fantastic. Really, any headphone benefits from an amp, even if just to clean up the signal. I use it with everything from an SR60 to a GS1000, and it always improves the overall sound quality. It's easier to notice on a higher impedance headphone or one that is highly sensitive, though.

Nothing like a high bit rate and a clean signal to make great headphones sing! :D

[Mercuttio]

The nice thing about the new Bitheads and Airheads is the gain switch. I was able to sufficiently power an HD650 out of it. Really, I can't get over what a phenomonal little amp the Bithead is.

[Arrowsmith]

The nice thing about the new Bitheads and Airheads is the gain switch. I was able to sufficiently power an HD650 out of it. Really, I can't get over what a phenomonal little amp the Bithead is.

I have not needed the gain switch for the Shure E5's but it is good to know it'll do the job with less efficient headphones.