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...

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

Nano.........

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)

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.

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

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.....

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.

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......

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

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

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...!!

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.

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.

It's not so much the iPod, as people who have an issue with iTunes - what's the problem?!?!?