Your iPod will only sound as good as the earphones!

The iPod comes with a pair of “earbuds”.
These are the biggest insult to the iPod they could have put in the box.
Most people fail to even realize this until they hear a pair of truly good earphones. The unit produces very good audio.
Being an audiophile for many years, I have heard the very best stereo systems. That being said I was let down at the sound quality. That is until I discovered true quality earphones. Just like with a stereo system, the sound will only be as good as the speakers. You can buy all the top components and if the speakers are not adequate, you will never experience the true sound of the system.

Earphones vs Earbuds

Earphones fit in the ear canal isolating the outside noise better than earbuds and as a rule, sound much better. They have drivers for the bass and treble seperately as they should. Most earbuds just throw the sound together.

A pair of earphones can range in price from $20 to $100. As with anything else, you get what you pay for. I just want to provide information to those of you that may have never considered upgrading the earbuds that came with it, give it some hard thought. The standard earbuds belong in the trash, not your ears.

If you really want to be impressed, try a pair of JBL 220 Reference earphones.
The frequency response is absoultely breathtaking.
The highs are clearer and the bass is more lifelike. Honestly, I used my iPod strictly for listening to it in the car through the FM Stereo (See the Griffin iTrip Link on the left) until I put on a pair of the JBL 220 earphones. Now I slip them on every chance I get.

Head Phones:
In contrast to the earphone the headphone completely covers your ears. While they sound great they are much larger. The comfort level of good headphones is decent however the fatigue time wearing them is much less. I’d stick to the earphones just for the ease of use if nothing else. Some people are bothered by earphones, for them the headphone is a wonderful alternative.

The Bose Quiet Comfort 2 Noise Cancelling Headphones are top of the line. Not only do they sound fantastic, they keep outside noise form interfering with your enjoyment of music. They let you "escape" to your own peaceful place. I've seen many people put them on simply for the noise cancellation they offer.

Try a pair for 30 at no charge from Bose. If you don't like them send them back for a refund. The hitch is, you won't want to part with them once you have a pair. And Bose knows it.

Gordy's Gadgets

iPod accessories and more at Gordys Gadgets