Over the
past few years I've had several
iPods and they've been through the proverbial ringer. Given the
innovative design and versatility of the
iPod , we've used it during commutes on the noisy
NYC subways,
road trips in the car
(power cords), the
centerpiece of my home audio system or a simple way to escape
into a world of music with a nice pair of headphones. BUT...some of
the main problems with the versatility of the
iPod is that everyone wants the most out of each and every song
no matter how it's being used. The
Simpl A1 iPod amplifier enhances just about every application
for your
iPod by improving sound, enhancing performance of high-end
headphones, extends battery life, and can be used to amplify any
audio device with a stereo mini jack connection, while being compatible
with all full-sized
iPods.
Manufacturer's
Product Overview
"
Simpl A1 is a high-end audio component designed to enhance the
iPod experience.
Simpl A1 provides the power necessary to support the performance
needs of high-end headphones. Using
Simpl A1 allows
iPods to function at a lower volume setting which ultimately
increases battery life.
Simpl A1's high power amplifier prevents the
iPod's internal amplifier from clipping or distorting."
First
Glance
Right out of the box the
Simpl A1 is a compact, clean-looking accessory with a straightforward
design that's easy for anyone to immediately hook on their
iPod and start enjoying its benefits. You get the amplifier, a USB
charging cord and the short male/male wire that connects the amplifier
to your
iPod, or whatever other audio source you want to amplify.
Performance
Our first test was simply. Slap it on a full-sized iPod and get down
to business. The
Simpl A1 connects to the iPod with what the manufacturer calls
"podgrip" technology. It's not really so much technology as it is
a well-designed feature that securely affixes the
Simpl A1 to your iPod. Basically, there's no way the
Simpl A1 is coming off unless you want it off. After connecting
the
Simpl A1 its performance can be immediately appreciated by turning
the volume down just short of not begin able to hear and then pressing
the power button bringing your
iPod to life. The two key aspects of its simplicity is that the
volume can be turned up high enough to drown out the annoying sounds
of the subway while avoiding the typical distortion and clicking that
happens when the volume is close to being maxed-out. Whether you're
using a pair of high-end
headphones or some
earbuds.
Next
we decided to try the
Simpl A1 with our
iPod attached to our
SONY DreamSystem. In this application the
iPod is hooked up to our receiver and the music is channeled
through to our stereo speakers. Even with a built-in amplifier the
Simpl A1 improves the sound quality and minimizes distortion
as we increased the volume to a point where it would be loud enough
for any audiophile. We've been running our iPods through receivers
for years and this without a doubt increases the sound quality.
For
the gamers out there we decided to give the
Simpl A1 a try on our PowerBook G4 while playing
Call of Duty 2 with our
BOSE Tri-Port Headphones . Granted, the gaming experience is enhanced
every time headphones are utilized. But with the
Simpl A1 the "background" sounds such as footsteps, distant airplanes
and gun shots, breathing...etc, are crystal clear and come to life
once again when the
Simpl A1 is powered up. It really adds to the gaming experience!
Even though it looks like a bulky set-up in this picture, it hides
away to the side quite well during use. This picture simply demonstartes
the way to hook it up.
IMPORTANT: Instructions
1. Fully charge the Simpl A1 via included USB Cable.
2. Completely lower
the iPod volume.
3. To attach, firmly press the Simpl A onto the back of the iPod.
4. Attach the mini cable from the iPod headphone port to the Simpl A1
audio-in port.
5. Connect your headphones to the Simpl A1 audio-out port.
6. Press the power button on the Simpl A.
7. Press play on the iPod and SLOWLY increase the volume.
Price
Simpl Acoustics announced
lower pricing on the Simpl A1 Headphone Amp for iPod in late 2005.
Simpl Acoustics has lowered the manufacturers suggested retail price
(MSRP) of the A1 from $149 to just $99. Increased demand has allowed
production costs to drop dramatically, and Simpl Acoustics would like
to pass these savings onto the consumer. The Simpl A1 allows the use
of high-end headphones with the iPod and provides improved sound quality
and iPod battery life. “The Simpl A1 is the perfect product for people
who want the best sound quality from their iPods, and we are thrilled
to provide this product to music lovers,” said Simpl Acoustics’ President,
Preston Graham.
Final Thoughts
The
Simpl A1 is hands-down one of the best headphone amps on the
market. Let alone one that's designed specifically for the
iPod. It delivers on its performance promises and is versatile
enough to compliment stand-alone usage with an
iPod, amplification for a home-audio system and enhanced game-playing.
Additionally, for those of you with video iPods battery life is
a big issue. Using this product will extend battery life allowing
for more viewing time. The only downside, even given the sleek design,
the
Simpl A1 is a little bulky. It weighs next to nothing but if
this was attached to a 60 gig iPod, you're going to have a device
that won't easily slide into your jeans pocket.
Additional Review
You can read an additional
review by Pierce Case
here.
This item is
available for purchase from Amazon.com
Simpl
Acoustics is a small company located in the hills of beautiful Austin,
Texas. With a full-time designer and electrical engineer on staff,
all products are designed and engineered in house to the highest
standards. Simpl Acoustics aims to create the best audio electronics
for the iPod at affordable prices.
First
Glance
Next
we decided to try the 
For
the gamers out there we decided to give the 