ipod - Sound quality - base connector vs. headphone

[fmhanc]

Just an FYI

I was very inhappy with my sound when playing my Ipod when connected to the headphone jack, even with settings on Ipod set to flat.

Very harsh in upper frequencies

I bought a Y connector which gets line level audio from bottom Ipod connector and also charges the Ipod unit. (less than $10 on ebay)

WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

Clean sound again. Highly recommended

[Rocket99]

Just an FYI

I was very inhappy with my sound when playing my Ipod when connected to the headphone jack, even with settings on Ipod set to flat.

Very harsh in upper frequencies

I bought a Y connector which gets line level audio from bottom Ipod connector and also charges the Ipod unit. (less than $10 on ebay)

WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

Clean sound again. Highly recommended

I have the factory iPod connector which plugs into both the Aux and the USB, which sounds like the Y connector you're referring to, and I find the sound quality disappointing. CD's, FM and the Sat radio are all better. Sometimes, the iPod even sounds distorted.

I don't know much about sound files and iPods, but aren't the sound files on an iPod highly compressed which could explain the mediocre quality?

[mdt67]

could you post link to an ebay auction...thanks

[patten]

I have the factory iPod connector which plugs into both the Aux and the USB, which sounds like the Y connector you're referring to, and I find the sound quality disappointing. CD's, FM and the Sat radio are all better. Sometimes, the iPod even sounds distorted.

I don't know much about sound files and iPods, but aren't the sound files on an iPod highly compressed which could explain the mediocre quality?

That's strange. I have the same setup and the iPod (iPhone 4 in my case) is fantastic.

The sound quality of the original file is the main factor, of course. Try playing a recent recording from iTunes, or your own MP3 file encoded with a high bit rate (>128kbps).

[joec1101]

That's strange. I have the same setup and the iPod (iPhone 4 in my case) is fantastic.

The sound quality of the original file is the main factor, of course. Try playing a recent recording from iTunes, or your own MP3 file encoded with a high bit rate (>128kbps).

^
this - mine sounds excellent with y-cable and iPhone 4 on the L7 system

[Rocket99]

Patten,


That's strange. I have the same setup and the iPod (iPhone 4 in my case) is fantastic.

The sound quality of the original file is the main factor, of course. Try playing a recent recording from iTunes, or your own MP3 file encoded with a high bit rate (>128kbps).

It's my son's iPod Nano. Every song on there was either purchased on iTunes or copied from my CD collection. (I don't approve of illegal downloading and copying) I have no idea what the bit rate is. What would it ordinarily be on an iTunes download or copying from a CD? When you download from iTunes, do you have a choice of quality levels?

Without a doubt, CDs, FM, and the Sat radio all sound better than the iPod.

[Charleston335i]

This one charges when connected to audio headphone jack??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-iPOD-iPHONE-3G-3GS-CABLE-ADAPTER-USB-AUX-MINI-a54-/400144089547?pt=Car_Audio_Video#ht_3580wt_934

[mdt67]

Cool...just what i am looking for.

[swtaylor68]

There are many different sound files. The IPOD will read several types, but MP3 files are the lowest grade of sound quality. They are compressed into such a small file that the compression leaves high frequencies and base at the top of of the scale. Rip your files to apple lossles, or WAV files for your IPOD. These files will be larger in comparison, and take up more space, but the sound is great.

Converting MP3 files with a converter software will NOT work, so don't use a conversion software to do this if you think this will be the fix. It will need to be re-ripped from the original CD. All the original information is on the CD, but once compressed and ripped to MP3 that information is lost. You can burn a CD for your car using WAV files and NERO to get great quality sound too.

Scott

[Rocket99]

Rip your files to apple lossles, or WAV files for your IPOD.

How does one do that? When I buy a song on iTunes, it just downloads. Is there a way to select file type before downloading? And what about the one or two hundred songs I already purchased and downloaded -- do I have to buy them again under a different file type?


These files will be larger in comparison, and take up more space, How much larger?


It will need to be re-ripped from the original CD. All the original information is on the CD, but once compressed and ripped to MP3 that information is lost. Again, how do I select file type when using iTunes to copy from the CD onto the iPod?

[swtaylor68]

How does one do that? When I buy a song on iTunes, it just downloads. Is there a way to select file type before downloading? And what about the one or two hundred songs I already purchased and downloaded -- do I have to buy them again under a different file type?


How much larger?



Again, how do I select file type when using iTunes to copy from the CD onto the iPod?

1.
No, itunes is always MP3 I believe, you will need to go to a "HIFI" type of site to get better files, but they will cost you more than 99 cents a song.

2.
Maybe a difference of 15 MB to 80 MB

3.
It is in the "preferences" pull down in you itunes menu across the top. I believe it is located in the "general" tab.

Hope this helps. It gives you a much better, richer, even sound. The recording industry has gotten out of control with compressing these files. Depending on your age, CD's from the 90's when this craze started were much better recordings and burned at a better quality. Vinyl on a good system will outperform a CD any day:cool

Scott

[blue hen]

Depending on your age, CD's from the 90's when this craze started were much better recordings and burned at a better quality.

CDs are not compressed.

[swtaylor68]

You may want to do some research bluehen. I would tend to believe you are mistaken Sir.

File size is directly related to the compression of the binary code. They are all ones and zeros (0001110 11111100000 101110100111 0100000) that are read. Trust me, @ 128 kbps it is much less than 24/96 studio grade quality digital recordings. Some hi-res digital albums are larger than a gig of information. Generally the bit rate is 16/44.

But this is for another thread/forum.

scott

[Rocket99]

Scott,

Thank you for the detailed response.


No, itunes is always MP3 I believe, you will need to go to a "HIFI" type of site to get better files, but they will cost you more than 99 cents a song.Can you suggest one or two of these "HIFI" sites? Any compatibility issues with the iPod or iTunes?



Vinyl on a good system will outperform a CD any day:coolI completely agree, but some people will say we need our ears and heads examined. CD's have a shrillness that you don't get on vinyl. Vinyl is a richer more natural sound.

[swtaylor68]

Scott,

Thank you for the detailed response.

Can you suggest one or two of these "HIFI" sites? Any compatibility issues with the iPod or iTunes?


I completely agree, but some people will say we need our ears and heads examined. CD's have a shrillness that you don't get on vinyl. Vinyl is a richer more natural sound.

The albums are limited, and on the very high end not all souces will play 24/96 files. You may need a DAC to convert. They say a wadia transport with an ipod touch into a home system is fantastic for 24/96 files.

You would have to use the itunes software or something like media monkey to convert them from FLAC or WAV files to Apple lossless. itunes will be able to read WAV files and WAV files usually sound better than other formats according to some.

Here is my Linn LP12 turntable with full Naim audio gear, just thought you may be interested given your comment about vinyl.

Some Sites - there are more out there though.
Linn records audio website
naim audio website
hd tracks website

[mryakan]

Cool...just what i am looking for.

I got one (older model) for sale if you or anyone else is interested. PM me for details.

[Chromisdesigns]

[QUOTE=swtaylor68;20108812]1.
No, itunes is always MP3 I believe, you will need to go to a "HIFI" type of site to get better files, but they will cost you more than 99 cents a song.

iTunes is NOT MP3 -- it's variable bit rate AAC.

[Bammer]

Not to get back on topic :stickoutt but I have the factory "Y" connector and sometimes the sound is tinny and I have to jiggle the cable, which then fixes the problem. In my opinion it is a poor design - the ports face straight up, so the cables have to bend 90 degrees, which causes the connection problems. When it's working, which is most of the time, it sounds good.