1. Does Simpl A1 work with the iPod Photo?
2. With which headphones does the Simpl A1 work best?
3. Why does the Simpl A1 use the headphone port instead of line out?
4. How do I get the best sound from my iPod?
5. What is podGrip technology?
6. How do I connect the Simpl A1 to iPod?
7. Does Simpl A1 really improve sound quality?
8. What else can I do with Simpl A1?
9. Does the A1 work with the new iPod with video?

1. Does Simpl A1 work with the iPod Photo?
Yes, the Simpl A1 will attach to the iPod Photo. Simpl Acoustics’ podGrip technology is based on the width of the iPod, and since all full-sized iPods are the same width, the Simpl A1 attaches to all iPods except the iPod mini.

2. With which headphones does the Simpl A1 work best?
The Simpl A1 is designed to work with headphones with impedances as low as 16 ohms to as high as 600 ohms. The only headphones that absolutely will not work are electrostatic headphones. Electrostatic headphones come with their own amplifier anyway, so this should not be an issue. Lower sensitivity headphones, or those with a sensitivity rating of 100dB or lower, will benefit most from a headphone amplifier. More sensitive headphones can pick up the small amount of iPod background noise that the A1 amplifies. If you would like to use more sensitive headphones with the A1 and are bothered by the background hiss, we offer a free service to lower the gain of the amp to accommodate more sensitive headphones.

3. Why does the Simpl A1 use the headphone port instead of line out?
The Simpl A1 connects to the iPod's headphone jack because it allows us to retain use of the iPod volume control. In trying to keep operation of the Simpl A1 as simple as possible, we felt it necessary that operation of the iPod remain unchanged when using the A1. As for the difference in quality between the headphone and line-out, we have done extensive listening tests, and with our circuit we can not hear a difference between the two outputs.

4. How do I get the best sound from my iPod?
In order to get the best possible sound from iPod, we recommend using iTunes to encode your music with the Apple Lossless Encoder or uncompressed AIFF. Files encoded in these formats are larger than typical AAC or MP3 files, but the difference in sound quality is apparent. If you prefer to encode your music with a lossy codec, we recommend 256 kbps AAC.

5. What is podGrip technology?
PodGrip technology is Simpl Acoustics' method of attaching accessories to the iPod. It is comprised of two “wings” that each have special 3M pads to grip the iPod. The pads are specifically designed with a very high coefficient of friction to stainless steel, which is what the back of the iPod is made of. These two “wings” expand slightly when the iPod is inserted and then clamp, or grip, the sides of the iPod. This mounting system allows the Simpl A1 to sit flush against the back of the iPod with a secure, tight fit and will not mar or mark the iPod.

6. How do I connect the Simpl A1 to iPod?
The Simpl A1 includes a short stereo mini to mini cable that connects from the iPod to the input jack of the Simpl A1. Headphones then connect to the audio-out jack of the Simpl A1.

7. Does Simpl A1 really improve sound quality?
While sound quality is subjective, there are some technical reasons why distortion is lower and sound seems better with an amp. First, the very high input impedance of the Simpl A1 means the iPod does not have to work hard to send the audio signal to A1; this results in lower distortion. Second, the Simpl A1’s low output impedance ensures that headphones receive the full current required to drive them properly. Finally, the iPod rolls off the lower frequencies at about 50 Hz with 32 ohm headphones. Our amp is designed to allow the headphone port to run full range, from below 20 Hz to over 20,000 Hz, with all headphones, regardless of impedance. Further, some headphones have very high impedances and low sensitivity, so an amp is required to drive them to adequate listening levels.

8. What else can I do with Simpl A1?
The Simpl A1 makes an amazing preamp for connecting your iPod to outputs other than headphones. These include home stereos, car adapters, mixing boards, portable speakers, and anything else you can think of. You no longer have to turn your iPod and car stereo all the way up to enjoy the music. Simpl A1 can also be used to amplify other portable audio devices, such as MP3, MiniDisc, CD players, or your computer. Please note that podGrip is compatible with full-sized iPods only.

9. Does the A1 work with the new iPod with video?
Yes, the A1 does work with the new iPod with video since it is the same width as previous iPods.