Apple’s range of innovative gadgetry has really shaped how we listen to music. The iPod dock is sleek, well designed and uses an interface which is both unique and elegant in its own way. Of course, the iPod reflects both convenience and a milestone in technology. The iTunes store is a world full of downloadable film, music and applications, all designed to make life a little easier in the digital world.

iTunes’ store sells compressed music and film. Compression dramatically reduces the quality. In simple terms, though demonstration, if you were to fold a piece of paper as many times as physically possible it’d be a much smaller size at the end. In theory, this is a physical demonstration of compression. It takes something bigger and minimizes it as much as possible – losing vital data and information along the way; this takes its toll on the higher-end of a recording where all of the delicate detail is stored. For many Hi-Fi enthusiasts, compression is something that is best avoided. Spending money on a system designed to sound great will soon reveal the flaws in an Mp3 recording. However, recent rumours reveal that Apple could soon be offering a lossless Mp3 download service. Lossless means that no information will be missing from the original source file when it’s copied to an iPod or equivalent. Thankfully, the iPod is compatible with playing lossless sound files. However, keeping films compressed on an iPod will help to keep disc space free and available from more lossless tracks. Where lossless cannot be used, the Mp3 conversion rate of 320kb per second is a high-quality compression rate and is more ideal than any other mp3 compression rate.

This article is designed to show you how to get the best sound possible out of an iPod or an iPad. iPods come in all shapes, sizes and colours, and if handled correctly, they can provide satisfying results. The iPad is a recent invention that is taking the tablet market by storm. It too is a device which allows great flexibility over music.

To connect your iPod to an existing Hi-Fi you can either use a simple 3.5mm headphone to 2x RCA phono plug interconnect (plugs into the headphone socket on the iPod, and the other connects to the auxiliary inputs of your hi-fi amplifier). Or, you could use an iPod dock which charges your iPod and often allows for video and image content to be sent to your television too. In Hi-Fi terms, an iPod dock is a much more stable method of connecting an iPod to a hi-fi amplifier. Denon’s ASD-11 is a great starting point of iPod connectivity. It charges and allows video connection via S-Video outputs. This then can connect to your stereo system too; providing a great sound from the iPod. Also, it’s worth noting that a good quality set of interconnects from iPod to receiver/amplifier will allow for further sound quality improvements. QED provides a range of cables that caters for improved sound quality at great value prices.

Independent iPod/iPad docking stations allow for your apple accessory to be charged, played and admired when sitting in the dock of a system that remains independent and uses its own loudspeakers. B&W offers the latest Zeppelin Air and B&W Zeppelin Mini in their range of Apple connectivity products. The new Zeppelin Air features Bluetooth, a media device system which allows you to connect your Apple device without having to dock it into the Zeppelin’s docking station. However, many other brands available from Hifi Gear can also allow flexibility in connectivity of an Apple product. Please contact us if you wish to discuss possibilities and requirements further.

For the best sound from an iPod, remember these 3 simple starting points:

  1. Use lossless files of your audio. These are available from lossless download sites and as an import option on iTunes (click options on disc import, then select lossless).
  2. Use a good quality iPod dock from a trusted manufacturer.
  3. If using an iPhone, disconnect from service providers (if you want to enjoy top quality audio) to prevent interference from ingoing and outgoing data.

 

In part two of ‘getting synced with the iPod generation’, we shall explore the nature of audio and video streaming via Wi-Fi through your iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

 

Tom Parker

Sales and Website Admin