Im close to purchasing the new Apple iPod -- but with an audiophile twist
Im about to invest upwards of $700 in a high-end iPod system. This amount consists of birthday money (Im now 50!), plus $200 earned writing this blog the past few months. Bottom line, I intend to make this a truly frivolous purchase.
[10/31/05 - I'm midway though the purchase process. After more research, I've decided to make a few changes from my original plan. Stay tuned for an update after all the pieces are in.]
What do I mean by audiophile?
I have always had an affinity for high-end audio. So when I decided to take the plunge, I researched what the audiophile magazines had to say. For best sound they recommend:
- Storing files in a high-resolution format (WAV or Apple Lossless)
- Upgrading the headphones (and preferably adding a headphone amplifier)
- When driving your stereo system, using the docking station (so you can bypass iPod's headphone amp)
- I also need a transportable output device for work
Heres what I plan to buy, along with pricing / sources...
- iPod: Apple just announced a new 60 GB unit, featuring 20 hours battery life and a slightly smaller size. The unit retails for $400. Last week Tweeter sent an offer for 10% off any item in the store. So my price will be $360 plus tax.
- Earphones: Etymotic 6i isolator earphones (if you have never heard of Etymotic earphones, click here to read the reviews). Retails at $150. Prices on the web start at $90. I plan to order mine from J&R for $100. With J&R there is no shipping, no tax, and they allow returns.
- Transportable output device: I need something that can be carried in a backpack to work. For my needs, this unit will run on A/C (not batteries). Currently I am leaning toward Tivoli Audio's Model One radio. This has been an audiophile favorite since its introduction about 5 years ago. Retails at $120. I am budgeting $110 with shipping and tax.
- Accessories: Apple no longer ships a USB power adaptor with the latest iPod. So I will need an A/C adaptor (retail $29), universal docking station (retail $39), and cables to connect the docking station to the Tivoli radio and my home system. Total cost for accessories will approach $100.
If there are any iPod audiophiles out there, please let me know if you think I can do better for the money.
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