Headphones and accessories for your iPod
The Apple iPod changed the way we listen to music. Thank you Apple, the iPod has changed the world for the better. Here we'll discuss some headphones and accessories that will make your iPod even cooler than it already is.
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Our recommendations of small headphones for Apple iPod
Though the stock Apple earbuds are not bad as earbuds go, you can get significantly better sound by upgrading your headphones. The Chinese company Yuin offers the PK2 earbud, a premium treat. In ear headphones, as opposed to earbuds, boast high noise isolation and significantly better sound quality. The Sennheiser CX300-II offer a moderate seal, good sound, and easy fit. Moving up the ladder, Etymotic Research has long manufactured outstanding ear canal headphones; their Etymotic HF5 are excellent performers at their price. Monster has recently introduced the Monster Turbine Pro, which possess good punch and a lively sound. In our opinion, the best headphone for iPods (in fact the best generic fit, in ear headphones overall) are the Shure SE535; a liquid and lush experience with your music.
Larger size, top rated headphones for iPod
For some, the comfort and ease of a larger size headphone is preferred. If you're constantly on the go, it's important to think about a durable, and perhaps even foldable, headphone. It's also important to choose headphones that are efficient enough to be driven by an iPod's headphone jack, such as the following models (see our listing for amp'd headphone recommendations): All kinds of listeners will enjoy the Sennheiser PX 200 II, which offer a sophisticated sound and fold into a very compact size. The Sony MDR-7502 also offer a compact alternative at a nicely affordable price. Pictured above is the Shure SRH 240's, Shure's entry level full size headphone that will deliver crisp clear sound in a sealed, comfortable design.
Your iPod can sound better with a line-out dock & headphone amp
If you're looking for a premium iPod listening experience, consider adding a quality headphone amp. When you plug your headphones into the iPod, the headphones present a load to the device, which requires energy from the power supply. These fluctuations in power supply voltage can degrade the sound. Unlike headphones, the input of a headphone amplifier has a very high input impedance and presents almost no load to the iPod. Additionally, by using an iPod dock like the Sendstation Pocket Dock line out, you can use the much cleaner and superior line-out signal to feed a headphone amp for excellent results. A Total AirHead portable headphone amp is perfectly suited for this application, while the Total BitHead adds a USB input for computer use as well. A HeadRoom GigaBag will keep your sweet portable headphone system tidy and safe.
Check out more great headphone recommendations for your iPod below.
