what's the best ipod EQ setting? i've tried rock, but that just distorts.

i don't use it just for that reason

I tend to keep it on Acoustic for everything, but that's just me.

I did Small Speakers for a while, but now I just leave it.

it sounds like it's more trouble than it's worth

I tried some of them when I first got my iPod, and they all just seemed to distort the sound

I just leave it at normal.

Completely depends on your headphones. Some are pretty mild, some aren't. Try it before you get used to yours, if you can. Once you hear yours for a while, you don't notice the flaws they might have anymore.

i tend to go with the treble booster (using ear buds) to get details. the bass usually takes care of itself

the rock setting distorts on both headphones & in my car, so i'm going normal for now until i discover one that's better. also, using EQ also supposedly is a nominal battery drain.

R&B sounds pretty good to me.
I usually leave it on Rock, then switch to Acoustic, Electronic or Flat if the sound is annoying me.

rock and/or roll