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Swiss Bob · Apr 28, 2003, 04:18 PM

Either my ears are bent or there's a downgrade in MP3 playback quality when moving from iTunes 3 to iTunes 4. Not as "sparkly" in the top end.

It may be just that my ears are tired but something's lacking.

?

Sneaky way to get everyone on AAC?

OptimusG4 · Apr 28, 2003, 04:19 PM

Finally, someone else notices the downgrade. WTF gives??

GeminiFossil · Apr 28, 2003, 04:56 PM

I thought I was the only noticing that the sound quality wasn't too good. I think I am going to just download from the place I have been in the past and leave it at that.

clod · Apr 28, 2003, 05:05 PM

I noticed that too.

Timo · Apr 28, 2003, 05:23 PM

I was listening to a Guided By Voices track in iTunes 4 and the high end was now popping, as if it was distorted (that is, distorted beyond GBV's usual sound). Yuck.

And, maybe it's just me, but some tracks seem to subtly fade in and out, just slightly.

Hmm...

malvolio · Apr 28, 2003, 05:26 PM

Definitely not noticing any loss of sound quality here. Are you guys using external speakers? I'm not.

Timo · Apr 28, 2003, 05:30 PM

headphones

Apr 28, 2003, 05:31 PM

Have any of you thought to check if the sound enhancer or fade in/out has been turned on or off?

The_Equivocator · Apr 28, 2003, 05:36 PM

Have you guys tried downloading Quicktime 6.2? Is the quality-loss you're experiencing also apparent when playing the same file in 6.2?

Swiss Bob · Apr 28, 2003, 05:37 PM

I'm listening on Pros but can still tell a huge difference.

No "enhancements".

Definately a loss in quality for MP3 playback.
Trying (in vain) to find an iTunes 3 install dmg - seems Apple have removed all 3 downloads from their site.

Timo · Apr 28, 2003, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by hayesk:
Have any of you thought to check if the sound enhancer or fade in/out has been turned on or off?

Tried this. Didn't help.

Timo · Apr 28, 2003, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by The_Equivocator:
Have you guys tried downloading Quicktime 6.2? Is the quality-loss you're experiencing also apparent when playing the same file in 6.2?

The track sounds better in QT 6.2, but for me there are "popping" sounds I never heard before -- very apparent in iTunes 4, somewhat apparent in QT 6.2.

as2 · Apr 28, 2003, 05:58 PM

I've not noticed any difference.. Had to turn sound enhancer back on, but other than that they sound the same.

Using SoundSticks, but haven't been able to crank the volume, as my housemate has a 48hour take out exam at the moment, so don't want to disturb her.

Adam

sideus · Apr 28, 2003, 06:57 PM

I did notice popping sounds when playing m4p files. The pops occur say when iChat received an IM and plays the received IM sound.

Playing my mp3s right now, not noticing any changes.

davidflas · Apr 28, 2003, 10:51 PM

I'm going to check this out, haven't noticed quality reduction yet, glad now that I have the iLife cd with iTunes 3..

Swiss Bob · Apr 28, 2003, 11:50 PM

If possible if anyone has an iTunes 3 install on a dmg or something can you email it to me? Trying to go back and finding it hard to find an install (Apple has taken all iT 3 downloads off their site by the looks of things).

PM me first please.

Thanks!

Sarc · Apr 28, 2003, 11:52 PM

you can always install iTunes 3 form the Jaguar CD's ...

Swiss Bob · Apr 29, 2003, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by Sarc:
you can always install iTunes 3 form the Jaguar CD's ...

Can I do that without a full re-install? It's on the Jag disk rather than the software disk yes?

Been that long I can't remember what happens and I don't want the install to wipe all my (stupidly non-backed-up) data.

G4ME · Apr 29, 2003, 01:15 AM

i just upgraded to 4 and so far haven't noticed any big change, but seeing its 1 AM i will have to wait till tomarrow when can give her a proper work out

scaught · Apr 29, 2003, 01:16 AM

Originally posted by Swiss Bob:
Can I do that without a full re-install? It's on the Jag disk rather than the software disk yes?

Been that long I can't remember what happens and I don't want the install to wipe all my (stupidly non-backed-up) data.

look for a program called "pacifist" by macnn's own CharlesS. it will allow you to grab the pkgs you want to install from the jag install discs.

Swiss Bob · Apr 29, 2003, 01:54 AM

Originally posted by scaught:
look for a program called "pacifist" by macnn's own CharlesS. it will allow you to grab the pkgs you want to install from the jag install discs.

Thanks mate. Excellent information!
Job done, I'm back on 3. And yep, it does sound better!

Mercator · Apr 30, 2003, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by Timo:
And, maybe it's just me, but some tracks seem to subtly fade in and out, just slightly.

Hmm...

I'm having this exact same problem. Files play fine in QT 6.2, but the sound fades out in iTunes 4. Hope this gets addressed in an update

Merc