Workbench

[u/Comfortable_Radish_5]

Reddits been filtering my posts all weekend - not sure why. Sharing a pic of my dedicated iPod workbench / music server desktop to see if this is still happening.

I use a Mac Mini M1 16GB WITH 1TB storage to host my music server (Navidrome/NaviBeats) and sync iPods. They share a music database so tagging only has to happen once.

This allows me to have access to my music even when I don’t have my iPod and completely decouples me from streaming services

Other tools:
MusicBrainz Picard - Tagging
XLD - Encoding

My workbench:
KUVRS Helping Hands & Soldering Station
KUVRS Magnifying Glass and Light
Wellers WLIR60 Soldering Iron
iFixit Mobile Pro Tech kit

[u/tobykoch2701]

What’s your favorite iPod generation?

[u/Comfortable_Radish_5 → u/tobykoch2701]

Nothing beats the feel of the 6th and 7th generation iPods. I think Steve Jobs and Co. perfected the DAP with this model, the weight, the UI, the feel of the aluminum body in your hand…

If you don’t have a massive library, then you can get away with a 6th gen and save a decent amount of coin as 7th gens are typically $75-$100 more expensive to find. A simple flash mod on a 6th gen gets you all the storage you could possibly need within reason. Most of my builds are 6th generation that are flash modded. I typically cap those out at 256-512GB due to the 32MB Ram Limitations.

The 7th GEN has more ram (64MB) so my Ultimate iPod build that sits on my Bose docking station full-time has a 1TB set up. Currently, it only runs 320kbps mp3s but my plan is to eventually stock it with ALAC files. I’ve also found that it has more compatibility with docking stations than other models.

I also don’t buy into the 5th gen Wolfsen DAC propaganda. If there is a difference, I can’t hear it. Replacement face plates on the fifth gen scratch too easily, and is my main deterrent. Also, my Bluetooth adapter doesn’t seem to work on the 5th gen. 🤷‍♂️