What are the iPod Classics (160GB) like for music quality?

Space Monkey · 4 Aug 2013 at 18:47

Hi all,

Looking at getting a decent MP3 player, which will be paired with the Fiio E12 AMP and the Shure SE315s, and the 160GB iPod Classic caught my eye, how are they for music reproduction, as good as any?

And build quality as well?

Cheers

Mr Plow · 4 Aug 2013 at 22:48

My 40GB iPod Colour sounds great, just make sure you use the line out adaptor cable to the amp (had to buy mine separately, assume this is still the case). I run rockbox on mine to play a mix of FLAC and MP3s through a FiiO E7, lossless sounds great and as long as your MP3s are of a decent quality they should be fine.

Space Monkey · 4 Aug 2013 at 22:52

Thanks Mr Plow,

The lineout adaptor is the one that uses the 30 pin connector on the bottom as opposed to using the headphone socket? Can I ask what's the difference between using the 2?

Will the iPod classic allow you to run rockbox, or is that for iPods using iOS?

Tunney · 4 Aug 2013 at 22:57

I've never been particularly impressed by any of Apple's portable players for sound quality. You're paying for convenience rather than out-and-out sound quality.

Space Monkey · 4 Aug 2013 at 23:05

Tunney said:
I've never been particularly impressed by any of Apple's portable players for sound quality. You're paying for convenience rather than out-and-out sound quality.

Got any suggestions?

Mr Plow · 4 Aug 2013 at 23:09

The line out adaptor plugs into the 30 pin connector correct and outputs line-level (non-amped) audio, the FiiO will be amping the signal for you (and doing a much better job). In use you won't be able to control the volume from the iPod, you'll do this directly on the FiiO amp.

Rockbox isn't available for the Classics unfortunately so if you want lossless you'll have to use Apple's ALAC format.

Space Monkey · 4 Aug 2013 at 23:12

Mr Plow said:
The line out adaptor plugs into the 30 pin connector correct and outputs line-level (non-amped) audio, the FiiO will be amping the signal for you (and doing a much better job). In use you won't be able to control the volume from the iPod, you'll do this directly on the FiiO amp.

Rockbox isn't available for the Classics unfortunately so if you want lossless you'll have to use Apple's ALAC format.

Excellent info, thanks

So the 30 pin line out is an almost pure signal so my amp does the work, whereas the headphone out is amped and processed etc?

lamboman · 4 Aug 2013 at 23:16

Things worth mentioning:

When using line-out, you are bypassing the iPod's internal amplifier, for output to a system that has its own amplifiers (eg. a sound dock or headphone amp). Differences for sound quality etc. are self-explanatory.
The 6th generation iPod (the ones with the aluminium fronts, the current ones) all use Cirrus Logic DACs. Having heard the difference between the Wolfson and Cirrus DACs myself, the Wolfson is far easier to listen to. The Cirrus sounds clinical, cold, and closed. The Wolfson is more open, musical, and warmer.
As Tunney said, all the iPods are so-so in terms of sound quality. Best bet is to grab a SanDisk Sanza Fuze/Fuze+/Clip/Clip+ (not entirely sure which is the best of that bunch, the ones without the + aren't available anymore I don't think, and you'll need to check line-out if you want that, don't think the Fuze+ has it).

deaglecat · 6 Aug 2013 at 19:38

And the build quality of the Sansa is comparable to that commonly found in X-mas cracker gifts....

There is a market for quality mp3 players that are not Apple. If done well.

lamboman · 6 Aug 2013 at 19:54

deaglecat said:
And the build quality of the Sansa is comparable to that commonly found in X-mas cracker gifts....

There is a market for quality mp3 players that are not Apple. If done well.

Agreed, they aren't as well built but they're also a fraction of the price. And that market has pretty much diminished (unless we are talking about products like the iPod touch).

If you want to look at it like that, they are essentially the best of a bad bunch.

visibleman · 6 Aug 2013 at 23:43

lamboman said:
Best bet is to grab a SanDisk Sanza Fuze/Fuze+/Clip/Clip+ (not entirely sure which is the best of that bunch, the ones without the + aren't available anymore I don't think, and you'll need to check line-out if you want that, don't think the Fuze+ has it).

IIRC, the the Fuze, Clip and Clip+ all share the 'better' AMS SoC but to be honest, all of the Sansa's sounds sound very similar.

My two pennies - iPods are good all-round players but as mentioned, you're better off with a second-hand 5G with a Wolfson DAC over the newer 6G.
However, there are definitely better sounding players out there like the Sansa's, iRiver AK100/120, Cowon X7/X9 etc.

android guy · 7 Aug 2013 at 13:15

Tunney said:
I've never been particularly impressed by any of Apple's portable players for sound quality. You're paying for convenience rather than out-and-out sound quality.

+1
I had an ipod touch then bought a cowan s9, boy did that show up how kak ipods are.

If you like good sound quality stay away from apple cause it ain't there.

Style over substance - That should be under apple's logo