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Better sound quality than the I-pod?

I'm finally ready to make the jump to an IPod like device. I've heard some say that though the IPod rules in terms of usability, there are better units out there for sound quality.

I'll probably get a larger disk size so I can record uncompressed for the best sound quality. I'll put up with some minor inconveniences to get a superior sounding unit. I've heard good things about the Sony's, Creative Labs and others for sound quality. Does anyone know which brands sound best?
larryb
bluetrump
3 posts
 
the I-river are far more musical sounding than the Apple products. Plus, if you find an IHP series from last year, you can play uncompressed WAV files, and they have an optical digital output so you can connect to an external dac, have a battery-powered hard disk as the source, and with a jitter clock, have what may be the best transport source available.

I have an Ipod, and find it easier to use, and the playlists are great. But the IRiver sounds better and the batterry charge lasts FAR longer.

The SHURE EC series headphones are great.
ashra's avatar
ashra
148 posts
 
I have a Creative-Zen Micro and I'm very happy with the sound quality, size and features. Go to c-net for reviews and comparisons.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I wonder if those who say the iPod's bass is deficient and the treble is shrill have discovered the iPod's EQ feature. With certain EQ settings, both problems are easily remedied. And, set to the wrong EQ, both the bass and treble could sound wrong if not flat-out bad.
brooks
55 posts
 
You need to go out and listen for yourself I guess. I'm pretty anal and I would never call the Ipod shrill. I have noticed that the bass is stronger using line out and an outboard amp versus the internal amp. I would never call it deficient though.
And while an optical out would be fun to play with, I don't think it can measure up (literally and figuratively) to a usb output from a computer.
Steve
ckorody
640 posts
 
Hi - This for Brooks question -

Just upgraded from a G4 to a G5. On the G4 I sent a USB signal to a Waveterminal, then took the SPDIF out from the Waveterminal to the DAC. Now with the G5 I use a Toslink directly to the DAC.

After a few days my preliminary impression is that the sound of the Toslink (Wireworld 5 SuperNova) is more detailed than the USB (which is awesome). It sounds a bit drier (sorry I don't have a better word) - maybe this reflects the lack of cable coloration or?

Anyhow both are very satisfying, musical solutions with the optical having the theoretical advantage that it is immune to RFI etc and electrically isolates the DAC from the computer which can't be a bad thing.

BTW I use Apple Lossless compression
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