Ipod Classic 160 - rubbish sound quality?

[jchm]

Hi all

I've just bought one of these to replace my 3 year old Nano. I've ripped CD's using Apple Lossless and I'm using Shure E3 headphones.

I think the sound quality is appalling - thin, tinny, and no 'shape' to the music at all - a side to side comparison with my old Nano is a no contest - the Nano sounds warmer and richer. I really can't be bothered to copy any more CD's until I sort this out - is it just me, or have Apple really messed up with these new models?

[DJT75]

Originally Posted by jchm

Hi all

I've just bought one of these to replace my 3 year old Nano. I've ripped CD's using Apple Lossless and I'm using Shure E3 headphones.

I think the sound quality is appalling - thin, tinny, and no 'shape' to the music at all - a side to side comparison with my old Nano is a no contest - the Nano sounds warmer and richer. I really can't be bothered to copy any more CD's until I sort this out - is it just me, or have Apple really messed up with these new models?

Not sure mate - might just be a fault with your ipod, my 160 sounds perfect?

[spooney]

Is it with the previous songs in iTunes you were listening with the Nano or is it with the newly ripped songs only?

[jchm]

Originally Posted by spooney

Is it with the previous songs in iTunes you were listening with the Nano or is it with the newly ripped songs only?

It's with newly ripped songs. Due to problems with my last PC, I havent got the Nano stuff on PC anymore, but I guess I can copy back across from my Nano and compare that way....

[Autopilot]

I have a Classic and sound quality is not great, i find it fairly detailed but very flat. With lossless and top quality earphones then the weak point is the DAC on the iPod and it will show.

This is what you want http://www.redwineaudio.com/iMod.html

[oml]

Can anybody tell me how to improve the volume on this machine??

[Del45]

I bought a Classic 80gb yesterday, to replace my beloved iriver H140.

So far i'm not very impressed with the sound quality compared to the iriver, i'm begining to think i've made a big mistake.

[Del45]

Originally Posted by oml

Can anybody tell me how to improve the volume on this machine??

Have you used the volume limit setting.

[mahavishnu123]

Apple have replaced the audio chips in the new iPod Classic range. There's been loads of complaints about it over a the Apple support forums. From what I gathered, the sound is generally more "electronic" rather than acoustic...although for most people walking down the street with the Apple earphones, it isn't noticeable. The differences only kick in when using canal earphones, or connecting it to a hi-fi using the AUX/headphone jack port.

See the complaints discussion here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread....26861&tstart=0

That said, many audiophile-types are pleased with the sound. I'm getting my old 5G 60Gb one replaced with an 80Gb one soon so I'll let you know.

[gerbilly]

Originally Posted by oml

Can anybody tell me how to improve the volume on this machine??

try i-pod volume booster, it works.

[spooney]

Originally Posted by Del45

Have you used the volume limit setting.

Originally Posted by gerbilly

try i-pod volume booster, it works.

Originally Posted by oml

Can anybody tell me how to improve the volume on this machine??

My first question would be: Are you using the provided ear phones? Although they have improved over time (some people claim) I think they are only useful as substitute.
I suggest to go for a good set of in-ears according your preferences: Some models like Bose emphasize bass, JBLs are very neutral, etc..
With the proper end piece most of the external noise is blocked out and sound quality and volume improve significantly.

I picked up a relatively cheap Sony set at an airport and the improvement was more than significant. Higher quality in-ears will give you even more.

[kokoshka]

What's iPod booster, please?

[spooney]

Originally Posted by kokoshka

What's iPod booster, please?

iPods in the EU have a volume cap built in to protect people from too much volume.
With some tools like this one you are able to remove the cap and the iPod playes a bit louder.

BTW:
Same is true for kids toys like play phones, etc . I have three small kids and usullay they make so much noise they can't hear their new toys when pushing the button. Somebody made a decision on the green table I guess

[oml]

Where is the "iPod booster"?

(Have you used the volume limit setting?) Yes

After buying the Classic 160gb the sound quality is a bit naff and can understand people complaining big time...Not a patch on my old Archos....

[kokoshka]

So, where would I find such a tool? On another matter, and to return to the plot, I have just had to return my third iPod. I've had only three, a 30, a 60 and finally an 80 gb, all 5 or 5.5. None have outlived their guarantees, despite very careful handling. I now have my refund, 200 smackeroos, I need a portable, it must be iPod since I'm a Mac user, and was about to buy a 160 classic, until I stumbled onto this thread. I've looked at other forums too, and dozens of reviews, both pro and user. Opinions are not unanimous, although they are generally against the new sound. Much of what I read baffles me entirely. Sitting in a greasy spoon this morning, I heard some Puccini playing on a radio on an adjacent building site, and it was a delight, despite the ambient din. So, although I have been troubled by not being able to get to grips with the science, I wonder would I really notice the change in sound that much? I'm old enough to remember the change from mono to stereo records and wonder if perhaps I expect too much from something the size of a packet of woodbines? Would someone with some expertise answer me this: if I go ahead and buy a 160gb, about how many CD's might it hold in a lossless format? I've realised that I don't enjoy carrying my entire library around, I prefer to just have a current playlist and some firm favourites.