Is this what I need?

[The Strat]

http://www.astellnkern.com/ Is this the answer for when I'm banged up in a hotel for days on end?

 

[Purite Audio]

Or one of these?

http://www.courtisane.co.uk/gallery/

Keith.

 

[Guest]

http://www.astellnkern.com/ Is this the answer for when I'm banged up in a hotel for days on end?

Not sure you really wanted to phrase it like that

 

[The Strat]

Very good!!

 

[The Strat]

Now back on topic - does anyone have any knowledge of this product?

 

[meninblack]

They had these on demo at Munich. Very nice, but a lot of dosh for what is ultimately just a posh iPod. Will only be as good as your headphones.

 

[The Strat]

Ah - lot of dosh?

 

[naxos10]

Touchstone Audio wre doing an offer on the AK100 on this very site late last year, and their is a review of the AK120 in Hi-Fi Choice last/current issue.

I know these units will record, but have you seen the price of Hi-res downloads!!!!!!!!!!

 

[The Strat]

I was just going to use it to rip my CDs in WAV so I could take them with with me.

 

[The Strat]

Just looked at Touchstone - looks excellent - and not as expensive as I thought. Thanks Alan and Mibby.

 

[meninblack]

The Fiio X3 has a similar spec for 1/3 the price.

 

[The Strat]

OK food for thought.

 

[RichardG]

Or one of these?http://www.courtisane.co.uk/gallery/

Keith.

Thanks for that - not sure what it is cos it's set our work internet filter into overdrive....category comes up as Sex / Sexual

Just waiting for the IM Police to ring now...

Maybe NSFW, maybe not but I wouldn't advise others take the chance...

 

[diceman]

Oh bugger - I clicked it at work & it took me to an elite escorts agency website. I forgot what it was for and had to re-click so I could make this post!

Luckily I am on the boss's laptop, maybe click again?

Thanks for that - not sure what it is cos it's set our work internet filter into overdrive....category comes up as Sex / SexualJust waiting for the IM Police to ring now...

Maybe NSFW, maybe not but I wouldn't advise others take the chance...

 

[The Strat]

I see it has a real knob.

 

[Pete the Feet]

Not fashionable but these are just fine:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-iPod-classic-160GB-Generation/dp/B002MRRROQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377790855&sr=8-1&keywords=ipod+classic

not sure about the volume limitation though.

When my 120gb packs up I shall be looking at one of the above. The sound quality is good with some decent earphones.

 

[The Strat]

Urm not sure Pete. I've got a Classic with Shure 420s and I can't say I enjoy even with a lossless rip. But then I'm a fussy old git!!!!!!

 

[davidcotton]

Tried installing rockbox on it? Alternative firmware to apple's. Depending on which generation you have (5th/6th/7th) will depend on how to install it. Or you could try getting hold of a sansa clip plus (around £25-35 depending) and see if you enjoy that more than the classic. I use the clip plus for music and the classic for audiobooks.

The other problem may be the headphones themselves, as they are known to be on the neutral side. Maybe if you could borrow/try other sets and see if that's the answer instead.

Cheers

 

[Pete the Feet]

Urm not sure Pete. I've got a Classic with Shure 420s and I can't say I enjoy even with a lossless rip. But then I'm a fussy old git!!!!!!

I use AIFF and Sennheisser CX300i. The sound of the earphones are good apart from music with resonant bass, which tends to distort and bugger them up. I tried some Koss Pro Porta classics and didn't like them. I believe the current Apple buds are very good so I may give them a try next.

As David above says it may just be the headphones that are the problem.