Looking for headphones and speaker dock for my iPod Touch 4th Generation

[silenthunterstudios]

I have an iPod Touch 4th Generation and an iPhone 4S. I am looking for an iPod dock stereo system for both of them. I don't need the most expensive one, or an Apple product. I just would like to get the best bang for my buck. I do keep my iPod and iPhone in Otter boxes, are there any docks out there that I don't need to remove my Otter box before I put the iPod in the speakers?

I also don't care for the earbud speakers Apple provides with the iPhone and iPod. I'm looking for a large pair of headphones that will cover your ears, and block out most outside noise. Again, inexpensive, but not cheap low quality. I am not looking to spend a lot of money on either the dock speakers or the headphones. The headphones should not be too bulky, I want to use them while walking while listening to the iPod.

 

[Planterz]

I can't help you much with Apple products. I do know that you can get a "passthrough" extension connector.

As for headphones, I'm hardly an expert, but I've always been happy with Sony. Good sound balance, and you don't have to spend very much. Good enough for .mp3 quality, anyway. I've used the inexpensive on-ear (not over-the-ear) for years. I prefer the folding ones, not just because you can fold them, but they don't squeeze on your head as hard; the non-folding ones start to hurt after a while. You don't really need noise cancelling ones, as the muffs plus the volume will block most outside sound. It's kinda unsafe to block all outside noise while walking about anyway.

You're right about the Apple earbuds though - they're utter crap. It amazes me to see so many iDiots that don't know any better. My favorite are the Sony MDR-ED21LP, but they're discontinued. The MDR-ED12LP are mostly the same, just not constructed as nicely. They're not Sennheisers, but they put out great bass, decent balance, and none of the sharp tinny-ness that you get with buds that have smaller drivers. Plus they're like $13, so if you break them, it's no big deal.

 

[MVF]

I'm really happy with my Altec Lansing MT325 - it's not fancy, but it is portable and the sound is way beyond what I expected. It has an Aux In if you don't want to take your iPod out of the Otter Box (I assume you can plug into the jack), of course, it won't charge if you do that. Runs on batteries or AC.

Only "con" for me is no remote.

 

[brandonnash]

Most of the higher sound quality headphones have a more open ear design, like grado, sennheisers, akg, and hifiman. Try and find a pair of DJ headphones. They are almost always closed back design. Koss makes a good set that are pretty inexpensive. I believe its the dj100 but I will have to look it up.

 

[Piso Mojado]

I listen to classical and jazz, mostly on headphones and most often on an iPod nano or my computer. I'm very pleased with MEElectronics A151 for the gym and when I need sound isolation. They are IEMs (plugs) you can buy online for under $45.

Their flanged tips work better for me than the buttons in the photograph.

For over-the-ear, I've used Sony MDR–V6 since 1993. Sony has sold them since 1985 and you can buy them online for $85. Only criticism: cheesy pleather ear pads that need to be changed every 3–4 years. At least they're cheap.

I've never seen over-the-ear headphones with what I considered good sound isolation, and the ones I've tried with better than average sound isolation were very uncomfortable. Once you're used to headphones, MDR-V6 are comfortable to wear all day. They will keep you from hearing the telephone, but they won't block nearby conversations and traffic noise, and they annoy people close to you with their buzzing. This is the best you can expect from something comfortable. If you need sound isolation, IEMs are the way to go.

I don't listen to music while walking around Chicago. I see people do it every day, but IMO it isn't safe. So I can't advise you on that.

I've never heard a dock I wanted to buy. I would go to a big audio dealer, audition high-end clock radios and pick one that sounded good. Most over $200 will dock an iPod.

Lots (and I mean LOTS) of portable headphone reviews here

http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-108-portable-headphones-reviewed-denon-dn-hp1000-added-09-07-13

and IEM reviews here

http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-295-iems-compared-vsonic-vc1000-added-09-03-13-p-760#post_6492051

 

[DDA2011]

As far as the dock I would look into the Bose series I have the sound link and sound link mini and they have great sound! (These are the Bluetooth ones not the dock) They were worth every penny. With the headphones I prefer apples new headphones to almost any other. To me they are better quality than my studio beats which cost 10 times as much.

 

[kayweb]

I honestly like sony products and you can find good headphones for a decent price. I know you don't want to spend a ton of money but if you're ever looking to save up to buy expensive ones, honestly your best bet is either dre beats or bose headphones. For a ipod/iphone dock, skull candy has a pretty good one that charges while it plays but not sure if an otter box would fit.

 

[brandonnash]

I honestly like sony products and you can find good headphones for a decent price. I know you don't want to spend a ton of money but if you're ever looking to save up to buy expensive ones, honestly your best bet is either dre beats or bose headphones. For a ipod/iphone dock, skull candy has a pretty good one that charges while it plays but not sure if an otter box would fit.

Have you listened to headphones anywhere else other than best buy? Beats and Bose are both pretty horrible value and quality. Bose aren't as bad but still aren't worth the price tag.

OP, do yourself a favor and go over to head-fi.org and do a little research. You will fond something good on value AND sound quality.

 

[stog75]

+1 for the Bose soundlink recommendation. It's not a dock, but uses Bluetooth to connect. Best dang speakers I've ever seen, and believe me, I've done the research. For earphones, I'd recommend Shure. I have the se425 and they're amazing!!! They don't use noise cancelling technology (active), rather (passive) noise isolating technology. Think of it as an earplug + earbuds. I fly often and can barely, barely hear the engine thru the earphones. That means you can listen at a lesser volume reducing ear fatigue. The sound quality is so amazing in the shure it outperform a majority of the over-ear headphones bu miles. Can you buy less expensive...yes. But the quality outweighs the cost and you'll never be left wanting.