With EQ music sounds distorted

I'm afraid this is a common problem (happens on every iPod model that I've owned -- that's five different models -- early 2nd generation iPod, shuffle 1, shuffle 2, iPhone, and nano). Basically, any of the equalizers that boost the bass frequencies will distort when playing at anything other than the very lowest volume settings. Of course, the source material affects the results as any bass heavy recording will have more of a problem. I suspect this happens because the iPods don't have enough output power to cleanly drive such high levels of bass. In fact, I suspect this is a common problem on a lot of MP3 players (not just the iPods).

The workaround (if you want to call it that) is to use only the mildest forms of equalization and then keep the volume levels fairly low. Because of this I almost never use equalization on the iPods. A better solution is just to use a set of headphones that are both efficient (low power) and which have better bass response. For that purpose I can recommend either the Koss Porta Pros or the Sennheiser PX100s (note, these are headband style, on-the-ear type headphones, NOT earbuds).

I completely agree--on iTunes, the EQ's are superb (though you might want SRS's iWOW equalizing plug-in if you want true bass from iTunes), but they've had over 10 various types and models of iPod (not including HD size of course) and never gotten it right. Do you want to control the music's output based on the music itself... you're better off in iTunes. Do you want quality music for all your songs, then you're in the wrong forum. Those headphones Waymen suggested, though, I have gotta say rock hard if they are at all within your budget (you can find em for around $50 if youre Google-savvy). I personally own the PX-100's he mentions and they have great bass, incredible portability, and quality that rivals many higher priced ones. If you want bass, dont mess with the software on a portable device. change the hardware if you can at all afford it.

I hope this helped,
iBoy

Enabling EQ distorts the sound with my iPod Nano as well. It's a design fault. EQ simply boosts the frequencies without lowering the over all volume level. Modern records are maximized to be as loud as possible so there's simply no headroom for the boosted frequencies -> the sound distorts.

Is there any sensible way of solving this problem? Suggestion "just adjust the gain of all your audio files -6dB" isn't very practical. It would take like 50 hours.

And one other thing. How came this great company Apple doesn't provide me a way to ask them directly about this problem? I mean I'm fine with crowd-sourcing but as a customer I would expect some way of contacting the manufacturer about a product fault.