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newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

Last post Jul 16, 2008, 4:34 PM by mahler1. (24 replies)
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Posted on Jul 08, 2008, 2:36 PM

newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

just trying to find an upgrade for my iriver T30 (bought 2 years ago) and, not wishing to spend an inordinate amount of cash was looking at a 4GB IPOD Nano. The 1,000 song capacity is based on 128kb recording but, having read through the forums, know that the quality of that is not going to be much good (but maybe good enough for the office). What would be the optimum recording quality vs capacity on the 4GB version?


Any thoughts on alternatievs (seen the Cowon D2 mentioned elsewhere). Not looking to spend much over £100 but trying to maximise capacity & sound quality - not that the philips headphones are top of the range ;-)...

Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 1:24 PM

101194

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

I would suggest that whilst 128k is ok for a noisy environment (car on motorway / crowded train) once you remove that background noise, via a quiet environment and/or noise cancelling headphones you will find 128k a bit "splashy".

I would suggest 192k to be the best compromise for a flash player. You should be able to get around 35-40 albums on a 4Gb ripped at 192...


We're on the last freedom moped out of nowhere city and we haven't even told our parents what time we'll be back.

Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 1:27 PM

101687

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

thanks for the reply - been looking at the cowon I7 and the ipod nano.... big decision......

Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 1:37 PM

101688

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality


Nano.........


Tatterdemalion, rake, libertine, sloth.

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Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 3:31 PM

101695

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

even when reading "cowon has better sound than nano" and the fact that with the nano I am forced to use itunes (not that that is likely to be a problem as I work with computers so find new software (on the whole) easy to pick up)

Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 3:37 PM

101751

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality


Yup. Any difference in sound quality between a nano and anything else will be down to the headphones you use (the apple ones are truly pants), I don't see what everybody's issue is with iTunes, and you'll get far more compatible accessories for an iPod than anything else.


Tatterdemalion, rake, libertine, sloth.

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Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 3:41 PM

101755

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

thanks for the reply .... had been looking at getting a new stereo too - lots already with IPOD Docs which is convenient - or I can buy one if it doesnt come with one

Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 3:47 PM

101757

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

Yes you can, and it's in this area where the iPod excels, whereas differences in sound quality in players will be less obvious - I have Primare kit at home but listen to most of my music on a nano with Sennheiser CX300s, and am never fretting about any limitations in the ipod's sound....

Edit - whether or not you value the additional functionality of the Cowon is a different matter - SD card slot, for example.....


Tatterdemalion, rake, libertine, sloth.

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Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 4:06 PM

101759

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

Hi John. I think you and I should start a pro iPod and iTunes thread, as you and I seem to have no problem with iTunes, and with the right headphones, are more than satisfied with the sound production coming out of our iPods.

Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 4:09 PM

101765

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

the expandability was one thing that had be thinking.... just downloaded itupes, played quickly and can see it is intuitive and easy to use...... but then use it mainly @ work at the moment so 4GB (40 albums @ 192 or more at worse bit rate) should keep me going long enough......

Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 4:13 PM

101765

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality


Or, as Ashley would say - "150 million users can't be wrong". Even if he's wrong about some of it.......Wink


Tatterdemalion, rake, libertine, sloth.

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Posted on Jul 09, 2008, 6:33 PM

101767

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

I'd suggest the Sony Walkman which beats ipod hands down for sound quality and is compatible with mp3, WMA and non DRM AAC so you're not tied to iTunes
I'm not suffering from insanity...i'm enjoying every minute of it!

Posted on Jul 11, 2008, 10:12 PM

101826

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

Well Ipods have their looks and sound Avg if compared to other High end payers like say iRiver TXX and now the soon to come ZEN x-Fi "My next buy for sure"

 

Also CX300 lack the warmth that a CX400 can give and also check out the V-moda bass Freq. 'I own a pair and i love them'

 

EDIT:- If you are thinking of Cowon D2 ohh dont look any where else they sound wonderfull with the proper IEM like a CX400, etc...!!

Posted on Jul 12, 2008, 11:38 AM

101765

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

mahler1:
Hi John. I think you and I should start a pro iPod and iTunes thread, as you and I seem to have no problem with iTunes, and with the right headphones, are more than satisfied with the sound production coming out of our iPods.


Don't forget me Mahler1 - A Classic 160 owner and proud of it. I don't understand this "ipods sound pants", as long as you junk the standard phones, they seem pretty darn good to my ears...


We're on the last freedom moped out of nowhere city and we haven't even told our parents what time we'll be back.

Posted on Jul 12, 2008, 12:36 PM

102839

Re: newbie question - ipod vs others vs audio quality

Hi FBS welcome to the club, that's 3 members so far. As said with good quality headphones(Grado or my favourite Alessandro's)and a small portable headphone amp there is no better convenient portable sound system on the market. Right I have said my piece, bring it on you onlovers of iPods, we 3 are waiting, LET THE WAR BEGIN.Smile
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