how does an ipod sound on a HI-FI system?

rai · 03-12-2008, 08:02 PM

I am not an audiophile but consider myself able to hear some sound depth or quality. I'm curious what you are able to hear with ipod or mp3 compression with a true hi-fi system. I mean does it sound worse than a source material recording considering you have so much more definition and the compression may make it sound like a 3rd rate copy.

As I say, I am no expert, but on other cars (not hi-fi system) it seems like a ipod is tinny or small in certain range of notes.

If getting the premium system would it be better to skip ipod if it's going to be bad sounding? Save the $$ and just stick with source CD recordings?

What's the feeling about ipod quality?

!Xoible · 03-13-2008, 01:10 PM

iPod is worth it for sure. this is what i recommend. take your iPod to a dealer and tell him you want to hear it in the car. they'll be more than happy to let you do that

M3aHOLIC84 · 03-13-2008, 01:39 PM

a buddy of mine has a camry and i can say it sucks ass...it is so dimmed out and nasty sometimes...also depends on how well the original recording of the song is...and you certainly cant forget what kind of speakers your listening it on...that would make a big difference

!Xoible · 03-13-2008, 02:57 PM

on my 335 it was awesome. i didnt want to give too much positive feedback, maybe his ear is more sensitive than mine. but it was great on 335 with logic7

GregW / Oregon · 04-19-2008, 10:02 PM

For those conversant with bit rates and encoding. I currently am using an iPhone and my CDs are ripped to it at stadard AAC 128kb. Is there a noticeable difference going to 256kb, or should I skip the whole thing and use a lossless format with a hard drive?

Thanks.

Technic · 04-19-2008, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

For those conversant with bit rates and encoding. I currently am using an iPhone and my CDs are ripped to it at stadard AAC 128kb. Is there a noticeable difference going to 256kb, or should I skip the whole thing and use a lossless format with a hard drive?

Thanks.

Go 320kps variable bit rate (VBR) if you have the space in your iPod... for me it is the best compromise between song size and sound quality.

GregW / Oregon · 04-19-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

Go 320kps variable bit rate (VBR) if you have the space in your iPod... for me it is the best compromise between song size and sound quality.

I don't see that as an option in iTunes?

fmquadri · 04-19-2008, 10:44 PM

Using decent headphones and even on moderate sound systems you can tell the difference between 128 and 256 and 320. Good recordings show even more quality and depth with better bitrate conversions.

I would recommend 256 as the minimum - if you can, 320 VBR. Not sure if Itunes will do that itself. You may need to get a separate MP3 ripper (LAME MP3 codec) and create your own - then import into itunes. Its worth the extra effort, IMHO.

MP3's playing in the M3 that were ripped at 128 sound metallic and a little tinny.
Higher bitrate ones sound great.

GregW / Oregon · 04-19-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmquadri

Using decent headphones and even on moderate sound systems you can tell the difference between 128 and 256 and 320. Good recordings show even more quality and depth with better bitrate conversions.

I would recommend 256 as the minimum - if you can, 320 VBR. Not sure if Itunes will do that itself. You may need to get a separate MP3 ripper (LAME MP3 codec) and create your own - then import into itunes. Its worth the extra effort, IMHO.

MP3's playing in the M3 that were ripped at 128 sound metallic and a little tinny.
Higher bitrate ones sound great.

Thanks--it's obvious that higher is better, but want to find the best quality/size compromise. I know this will vary with different listeners.

gorun · 04-20-2008, 02:00 AM

Ipod sounds bad as it does internal conversion and obviously has cheap DACs. I can confirm that USB sounds much better both in my home and car! If you can go USB you wont regret it, just make sure you encode at a high bitrate -256 or 320.

Davinhci · 04-20-2008, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorun

Ipod sounds bad as it does internal conversion and obviously has cheap DACs. I can confirm that USB sounds much better both in my home and car! If you can go USB you wont regret it, just make sure you encode at a high bitrate -256 or 320.

sorry how do you encode the bitrate?

Technic · 04-20-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

I don't see that as an option in iTunes?

Go Edit > Preferences > Advanced > Importing > Setting > Custom:

Stereo Bit Rate = 320 kps
Use Variable Bit Rate Encoding (VBR) = check
Quality: Highest (MP3 only setting)

For MP3 you can set also subsonic filter at 10Hz; not available for AAC.

03-12-2008, 08:02 PM	#1
rai Captain Drives: M3 coupe with DCT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: maryland Posts: 634 iTrader: (0)	how does an ipod sound on a HI-FI system? I am not an audiophile but consider myself able to hear some sound depth or quality. I'm curious what you are able to hear with ipod or mp3 compression with a true hi-fi system. I mean does it sound worse than a source material recording considering you have so much more definition and the compression may make it sound like a 3rd rate copy. As I say, I am no expert, but on other cars (not hi-fi system) it seems like a ipod is tinny or small in certain range of notes. If getting the premium system would it be better to skip ipod if it's going to be bad sounding? Save the $$ and just stick with source CD recordings? What's the feeling about ipod quality? Last edited by rai; 03-12-2008 at 08:50 PM.
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03-13-2008, 01:39 PM	#3
M3aHOLIC84 Private First Class Drives: 2002 Laguna Seca Blue M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 171 iTrader: (0)	a buddy of mine has a camry and i can say it sucks ass...it is so dimmed out and nasty sometimes...also depends on how well the original recording of the song is...and you certainly cant forget what kind of speakers your listening it on...that would make a big difference __________________ 2002 Laguna Seca Blue M3

04-19-2008, 10:02 PM	#5
GregW / Oregon Commander-In-Chief Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe, 2006 ML350 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Oswego, OR Posts: 6,051 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 M-B ML350 [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 Coupe [4.75]	Digital music formats For those conversant with bit rates and encoding. I currently am using an iPhone and my CDs are ripped to it at stadard AAC 128kb. Is there a noticeable difference going to 256kb, or should I skip the whole thing and use a lossless format with a hard drive? Thanks. __________________ Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA 2008 M3 Coupe - Alpine/Fox Red/Carbon 2001 M3 Coupe - SOLD 3/08 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 (2012 ML350 BlueTEC on order)

03-13-2008, 01:10 PM	#2
!Xoible Banned Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . Posts: 1,820 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [3.50] 2007 335i [4.50] 2008 528i [4.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [4.00]	iPod is worth it for sure. this is what i recommend. take your iPod to a dealer and tell him you want to hear it in the car. they'll be more than happy to let you do that

03-13-2008, 02:57 PM	#4
!Xoible Banned Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . Posts: 1,820 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [3.50] 2007 335i [4.50] 2008 528i [4.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [4.00]	on my 335 it was awesome. i didnt want to give too much positive feedback, maybe his ear is more sensitive than mine. but it was great on 335 with logic7

04-19-2008, 10:44 PM	#8
fmquadri Private First Class Drives: 08 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 150 iTrader: (0)	Using decent headphones and even on moderate sound systems you can tell the difference between 128 and 256 and 320. Good recordings show even more quality and depth with better bitrate conversions. I would recommend 256 as the minimum - if you can, 320 VBR. Not sure if Itunes will do that itself. You may need to get a separate MP3 ripper (LAME MP3 codec) and create your own - then import into itunes. Its worth the extra effort, IMHO. MP3's playing in the M3 that were ripped at 128 sound metallic and a little tinny. Higher bitrate ones sound great.

04-20-2008, 02:00 AM	#10
gorun Lieutenant Drives: E92 AW DCT Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Across the Wall Posts: 428 iTrader: (0)	Ipod sounds bad as it does internal conversion and obviously has cheap DACs. I can confirm that USB sounds much better both in my home and car! If you can go USB you wont regret it, just make sure you encode at a high bitrate -256 or 320.