iPod Mini Sound Quality

colin, i had this issue with my ipod and it is easy fixed.

some cds are pre programmed with extra bass which, when you add more by using an EQ distortes the sound, this happens even on hifi's. all you need to do is note which songs are doing this, and change the EQ for those songs in itunes to flat or off and then update your ipod. then you can have your ipod set to any EQ but when it gets to these songs, it will play them at flat, and as they already have all that extra bass, will still sound great.

I hope this helps

I also noticed this problem on the iPod Mini. I have the second generation iPod Mini and it's great. It does, however has two flaws:

1. Noticeable distortion when playing certain music.
2. Not being able to utilitze your own custom EQ settings.

AS for solving the first problem above, with some experimentation, I've noticed that you can eliminate distortion by adjusting the volume levels for each individual file. It's done by right-clicking the file you want to adjust and choosing Get Info. On the one of the tabs, there's an adjustment for volume levels and EQ settings. Simply move the slider down and that should eliminate the problem. But the best way to handle this is to convert the file out to a WAV file and use a WAV editor to adjust the volume level. Then when you import and convert the file, that should eliminate the problem. As for the second one, I hope that there can be a way to import your own custom EQ settings in iTunes to the iPod. I find this my major qualm. The preset EQ settings are good, but they are no subsitute to being able to adjust the sound how YOU want it. I hope Apple will answer the cries for being able to import your EQ setting from iTunes to the iPod. All it would take is some programming and that should do it. Maybe on the next release of iTunes and the iPod updater? I hope so!!

I can confirm the problem with the 2G iPod mini.

The problem is not present in the Shuffle.

Akira wrote:
"But the best way to handle this is to convert the file out to a WAV file and use a WAV editor to adjust the volume level. Then when you import and convert the file, that should eliminate the problem."

This is not a good idea since you will be encoding the song a second time (transcoding) and you will loose some sound quality.

Whether the quality loss of transcoding the songs will be audible depends on what bitrate you used in the first place. Expect serious loss of quality if transcoding material with bitrates of 128 kbps and below.

If your Shuffle "just stopped working" why would you go ahead and purchase something else from Apple? There are too many MP3 players out there to offer up your bucks to a company I am just now finding out is too happy to not address the needs of their loyal following.

There are too many MP3 players out there to offer up your bucks to a company I am just now finding out is too happy to not address the needs of their loyal following.

And there is all kinds of new, crazy stuff coming out. . .or already here; stuff that is compatible with your existing iTunes software, amongst other things. . .

well... if talking about the best, sure we need to ignore the difference of the price. So usually the things more expensive will be better, this is nearly universal on the earth.

I never think ipod mini is a bad device, but talking about the best, we need to make it serious.

Also, I have really listened beosound 2 by my ears, I am sure about this result.

I have found this problem too. I just go my ipod mini after my ipod shuffle just stopped working. And no the shuffle does not have this problem.

I was checking this one out: <">Sorry I heisted your thread.

of course not, for mp3 player, have you compared with beosound 2 by B&O. IF not, just go and have a try.

You will know what is the best of the best!

I have the same problem with my iPod mini. Did you return it? What did Apple say about it?

/Emma

Im having the exact same problem, but i dont know where i should use my warranty to get it fixed or if tweaking the songs on iTunes will do.

Agreed! Sony makes wonderful devices, and Creative too! Check those guys out when shopping for a music playback device next time. The sound quality in Sony portable music players are the best in the indusrty.

Troy, Colin could also rip music at higher bitrates or in different formats that could potentially improve sound quality but what Colin is hearing is a hiss similar to the background static of cassette tapes. That is completely iPod specif to Colin and several other users (admittedly, my iPod Mini sounds just fine, a little low, but just fine). Upon returning that new Mini, I implore Colin to investigate some of the other portable music player manufacturers. Report back to us Colin, what player do you eventually go with!!!

Simon,

Are you sure it is fair to compare a $200 iPod Mini with a $460 beosound?

Besides, not everybody would agree with your assessment. Take a look at this CNET review: http://reviews.cnet.com/Bang_Olufsen_BeoSound_2/4505-64907-31236402.html