Sennheiser pxc450 and ipod volume

[admin_exported]

I have just received a pair of Sennheiser pxc450 headphones. The sound quality is excellent, and it does muffle a certain amount of external sound. There is one thing I'm a bit unsure about. When I use the phones with my ipod I have to put the ipod volume up to maximum to have the volume control on the phones working properly. If I have the volume at half way on the ipod for example, I have to turn the volume on the phones up to maximum, and even then it doesn't sound lound enough. However, when I use the headphones with my hifi, on a low volume on the hifi, I only need to turn the headphones up a little. Is this normal, or do I have a fault in the phones? I have tried three ipods and they all have the same problem. This wasn't the case with the bose quietcomforts I tried at the airport. Thanks for your help.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have the same issue. Such expensive a,d great reviewed earphones, and such a low volume... breaks the fun.

Anyone knows about a solution to this? any help would be nice.

Thanks,

 

[matengawhat]

i would be guessing its down to the weak volume output of the ipod not the earphones - most in ear portable headphones are 32ohms these seem to be between 150/750 ohms - not sure why that figure goes that high

 

[Audiofoolius]

The only option is a portable headphone amp. The amp of your iPod isn't powerful enough to drive good quality headphones (150 Ohm and more).

 

[Anonymous]

This is the amp that I use with all my headphones when using my ipods CMOY amp Headamp, available from ebay, a cracking little amp.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your answer. Seems a little probelmatic to need to buy an amplifier to an already expensive piece of device...

Rarely i cannot see many people that encounter this issue, but maybe all are using the in-ear phones instead. why then they are using such a low impedance? Apple to answer

Again, thanks.

 

[matengawhat]

not really sure that these were ever designed for ipod or the ipod to be used specifically with these so don't think you can blame either company - they work together just not optimally - i use in ear when connecting direct to ipod and my proper headphones through a headphone amp

 

[Clare Newsome]

EU regulations mean all iPods sold in Europe are now volume limited - this has impact with a wide range of headphones, not just the excellent Sennheisers.

But there are sound-boosting options (aside from buying a US iPod!) - one quick way to boost your iTunes collection is as follows:
[*]Select all tracks in your library (highlight one track then go to the Edit menu,then Select All)[*]Go to the File Menu and hit Get Info (it will then ask if you want to edit info for multiple items - say OK)[*]Under the Options tab of the 'Multiple Items Information' window that pops up, you can alter the volume adjustment for every track in your library.
[*]You'll then need to resync your iPod with your iTunes library.
It's definitely worth a try if you use decent headphones - I've used the Sennheisers with my iPod no problem.

 

[John Duncan]

Slightly OT but, having just got a touch, which is my first non-US, post-EU legislation iPod, it can take my head off with volume, so not sure what the complaints are in this regard.......

 

[Clare Newsome]

We've also found the Touch and iPhone more peppy- probably find they're not classified as MP3 players under EU law, but instead a handheld computing device/mobile phone

 

[John Duncan]

Clare Newsome:We've also found the Touch and iPhone more peppy- probably find they're not classified as MP3 players under EU law, but instead a handheld computing device/mobile phone

True. What's French for 'knobs'?

 

[matengawhat]

JohnDuncan:Clare Newsome:We've also found the Touch and iPhone more peppy- probably find they're not classified as MP3 players under EU law, but instead a handheld computing device/mobile phone

True. What's French for 'knobs'?

boutons is nearest although also translates to buttons which is cool

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Many thanks.

Well, an amplifier is not a very good solution, as i don't want to cary another device (more batteries,chargers, weight, etc). I bought this excelent headphones, so ican enjoy the music in planes, and outside areas. I guess the idea of noise cancelling headphones, is to use with MP3 portatil players :O).

Anyhow, i'll take your suggestion and try it. Sounds like it will help.

Regards,

Willy.

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:
EU regulations mean all iPods sold in Europe are now volume limited - this has impact with a wide range of headphones, not just the excellent Sennheisers.

But there are sound-boosting options (aside from buying a US iPod!) - one quick way to boost your iTunes collection is as follows:
[*]Select all tracks in your library (highlight one track then go to the Edit menu,then Select All)[*]Go to the File Menu and hit Get Info (it will then ask if you want to edit info for multiple items - say OK)[*]Under the Options tab of the 'Multiple Items Information' window that pops up, you can alter the volume adjustment for every track in your library.
[*]You'll then need to resync your iPod with your iTunes library.
It's definitely worth a try if you use decent headphones - I've used the Sennheisers with my iPod no problem.

Now that is worth knowing! Surely there is room for an Ipod tweaks in the 'How To........' section?