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arnette · Jul 18, 2003, 04:30 PM

I'm hesitant to pick up an iPod because I've heard my buddy's 15GB version and I'm not all that impressed with the amp they use.
For instance, I understand the very first software update Apple intro'd allowed the iPod to play louder. Can they vary the sound quality like that without screwing with the hardware??

I have an iRiver flash 128MB player and the thing sounds phenomenal. Could anybody offer their opinions on the sound of the iPod?

And before you ask, his and my mp3s are ripped at 224 (or whatever the correct number close to that is). With my same headphones (sennheiser PX200).

thanks!

SupahCoolX · Jul 18, 2003, 05:51 PM

I notice that my iPod doesn't get bass as deep as my old Rio600 and Iomega HipZip. However, the iPod's sound is quite a bit more clear than those two. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the iPod's sound quality. I'm no audio expert, however.

parsec_kadets · Jul 18, 2003, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by arnette:

For instance, I understand the very first software update Apple intro'd allowed the iPod to play louder. Can they vary the sound quality like that without screwing with the hardware??

If they couldn't then you wouldn't have things like software equalizers and the sound check feature.

fourstarcltv · Jul 18, 2003, 08:17 PM

i too had concerns about the sound quality of the ipod, but those quickly dissapeared when i demoed a 15gig gen. 3 model ay my local apple centre with my sennheiser hd580 cans. fantastic sound quality, i was really impressed.

i've been enjoying my ipod ever since.

SwarmyCurve · Jul 18, 2003, 10:46 PM

iPods sound very good. Believe me! It depends more on your headphones or stereo equipment, and always use the dock with a stereo.

If you are a truly nutty audiophile, then you wouldn't even dare use an mp3/aac music player anyways!

arnette · Jul 19, 2003, 09:08 AM

[OUOTE]If you are a truly nutty audiophile, then you wouldn't even dare use an mp3/aac music player anyways! [/B][/QUOTE]

Well, that's true... but a lot of the sound obviously has to do with the headphone amp in the player, and as far as I know Apple still hasn't released any information on the output of the amp. If I was sitting in a dead-quiet room with Grado RS-1s and had the best possible recording of some music then yeah, the mp3 or AAC version of anything would be annoying to the point of not-listenable. But I never am in a completely still room... I just want to be sure that the iPod can play loud enough to drown out extraneous noise, crisp enough so that everything is distinct through the headphones, etc. etc.

I wish there was an Apple Store around me so I could sample. The only thing I have is the crappy CompUSA and their floor iPod is locked away in an isolating plexiglass chamber. You can pick up the casing that it's in, but you can't play with the iPod!!

SwarmyCurve · Jul 19, 2003, 09:53 AM

I wish I lived closer to our state's Apple Store. They are like the best electronics/computer stores ... ever! I never tested my ipod before I bought it at best buy. You should be happy with it, but maybe you could just order one online and then return it if you don't like it!

MilkmanDan · Jul 21, 2003, 09:42 PM

If you're going to worry about sound quality, buy some nice expensive headphone. Earbuds are fine and all, but if you're real picky spend the cash.

I have no issues with my 10 gig 2 gen iPod. My very picky music major room mate has not complained about his 30 gig gen 3 iPod.

If you're really picky, encode at a very high bit rate.