I've compared the iPod using the line output to hifi equipment. As I have a convertor cable, it is easy to quickly hook up the iPod to any hifi around. The first experiment compares lossless compressed audio files, to distinguish decoding from the iPod electronics. Comparison to the Ayre CX-7 CD player (a $2995 or €3500 CD player!), reveals that the iPod sounds "closed". Instruments have less timbre (especially in the treble region), sound sources are less focussed, the bass is less under control, treble shows a bit sibilance, there is spatial information, and the whole has less drive. Despite these observations, the iPod certainly doesn't disappoint, especially considering it is 1/10th of the price. Where the Ayre would receive a 9 out of 10, the iPod still deserves a firm 7 out of 10. It is comparable with a good middle-of-the-road CD player, from brands like Marantz, Denon etc.
I've also performed some quick-and-dirty comparisons with other MP3 playback devices (e.g. iRiver H10, Creative Zen Vision M:3, Sony Ericsson W800, Palm Tungsten T3, Cowon iAudio X5L). In most cases the iPod sounded overall better (more coherent and transparent). In some cases it was a matter of taste, where the iPod has more transparency, and other devices sound more smooth.
I haven't performed the comparisons in great detail, and the conclusions that I draw from these comparisons is that the iPod is at least amongst the best sounding devices. Compared to my old walkman or portable CD player, it is a significant improvement anyway. Furthermore, the fact that the iPod is able to playback AAC or loss-less which in my ears is superior to MP3, makes it part of the best sounding devices anyway. For more detailed comparisons, with other MP3 players, have a look at some magazines or the web.
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I guess that could fit in to any portable device but why showcase it with one that has one of the worst sound qualities?
Tell me about it. At least this way I could use this with my non-ipod...not that I ever would bother with one of these.
What does your opinion have to do with reality?
Try this, among many other reviews of iPod sound quality:
http://homepage.mac.com/marc.heijligers/audio/ipod/comparison/comparison.html
Some excerpts for the lazy:
I've compared the iPod using the line output to hifi equipment. As I have a convertor cable, it is easy to quickly hook up the iPod to any hifi around. The first experiment compares lossless compressed audio files, to distinguish decoding from the iPod electronics. Comparison to the Ayre CX-7 CD player (a $2995 or €3500 CD player!), reveals that the iPod sounds "closed". Instruments have less timbre (especially in the treble region), sound sources are less focussed, the bass is less under control, treble shows a bit sibilance, there is spatial information, and the whole has less drive. Despite these observations, the iPod certainly doesn't disappoint, especially considering it is 1/10th of the price. Where the Ayre would receive a 9 out of 10, the iPod still deserves a firm 7 out of 10. It is comparable with a good middle-of-the-road CD player, from brands like Marantz, Denon etc.
I've also performed some quick-and-dirty comparisons with other MP3 playback devices (e.g. iRiver H10, Creative Zen Vision M:3, Sony Ericsson W800, Palm Tungsten T3, Cowon iAudio X5L). In most cases the iPod sounded overall better (more coherent and transparent). In some cases it was a matter of taste, where the iPod has more transparency, and other devices sound more smooth.
I haven't performed the comparisons in great detail, and the conclusions that I draw from these comparisons is that the iPod is at least amongst the best sounding devices. Compared to my old walkman or portable CD player, it is a significant improvement anyway. Furthermore, the fact that the iPod is able to playback AAC or loss-less which in my ears is superior to MP3, makes it part of the best sounding devices anyway. For more detailed comparisons, with other MP3 players, have a look at some magazines or the web.