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iTunes sound quality

I apologize if this topic has been covered in detail before, but I am very disappointed in the the sound quality of the songs I've downloaded from iTunes to my iPod classic for play through my home audio system. Compared to the CDs that I imported to the iPod, the sound is muffled and lacks clarity. Where this is most noticeable is in the voices. Is this just a trade-off for being able to download individual songs as opposed to buying the hard copy CD? Any helpful suggestions or a reality check would be most appreciated! Thank, high plains

imac, Mac OS X (10.5.8), none

Posted on Oct 11, 2009 9:11 AM

27 replies

high plains Author

Level 1

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Oct 21, 2009 4:42 PM in response to GLNHP

Actually only $20 with S&H from Amazon--thanks for the link!

GLNHP

Level 3

850 points

Oct 21, 2009 5:08 PM in response to high plains

Definitely off topic for this forum, but Jumilla is a growing region in Spain, like the Rioja region. If you can find any wines from Jumilla, you will not be disappointed.

high plains Author

Level 1

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Oct 26, 2009 1:12 PM in response to GLNHP

I love wines from the Rioja region, and I will keep an eye out for the Jumilla locale as well. We get a good sampling of Spanish wines out here in the Rockies, which is fortunate.

But back to the topic, I did receive and test out the cable you recommended, and it does seem to enhance the audio quality. Little tough to test side-by-side due to differential volume issues. As you know, when you hook up the dock connector to RCA cable, you lose the ability to control volume from the iPod. From what I concluded though the voices do seem to jump out better with this cable, so I think at this point I'm satisfied that the audio is as good as I can get it, and importantly it's good enough! Thanks for everyone's input--I really appreciate the help. The forum is great. All the best, High Plains from the Rockies.

iNexxFear

Level 2

410 points

Oct 26, 2009 5:37 PM in response to high plains

So glad that you've found your answers... Hope to see you post back here soon with any furhter questions!

high plains Author

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Oct 27, 2009 9:08 AM in response to iNexxFear

Didn't take me long to have one more question: Is there any way to adjust the volume either when I input iTunes to my playlists from downloads or CDs, or after having completed the additions to the playlists, so that the volume of all selections is relatively the same? I find myself running to the remote for the receiver quite a bit to make such adjustments and would obviously prefer not to. Thanks.

iNexxFear

Level 2

410 points

Oct 27, 2009 10:05 AM in response to high plains

Hey there!

You have one main option which is as listed in the iPod's manual (which you can find online)... That option is using the "Sound check" Feature... I've copied it out of the PDF for you here:

*Setting Songs to Play at the Same Volume Level*

iTunes can automatically adjust the volume of songs, so they play at the same relative volume level. You can set iPod classic to use the iTunes volume settings.

To set iTunes to play songs at the same sound level:
1 - In iTunes, choose:
iTunes > Preferences if you’re using a Mac
----OR----
Edit > Preferences if you’re using a Windows PC.

2 - Click Playback and select Sound Check, and then click OK.

To set iPod classic to use the iTunes volume settings:
Choose Settings and set Sound Check to On.

+If you haven’t activated Sound Check in iTunes, setting it on iPod classic has no effect.+

Hope this helps you! 🙂

high plains Author

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Oct 28, 2009 7:55 AM in response to iNexxFear

Awesome help again! 'Sound check' was enabled on the Mac, but not on the iPod. Have now done so, and synchronized both programs--this should take care of it. Thanks as always.

high plains Author

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Oct 29, 2009 7:47 AM in response to iNexxFear

I have another question: Is there a way to suspend a song from playing on a particular playlist without deleting it? I assumed by unchecking the little box next to it that it would do the trick, but apparently it doesn't. And thanks for the suggestion, I did look at the online manual for the iPod Classic, but could find no reference to my question. Thanks.

iNexxFear

Level 2

410 points

Oct 29, 2009 8:06 AM in response to high plains

High plains,

Exactly what are you talking about here?

If it's in a playlist, just remove it or skip it... If however its a track on your ipod that you no longer want to to have on the iPod (such as a LIVE track) and you don't want to hear it when you play that album; then uncheck the song and then when your iPod is cradled make sure that you check the option on the main page that reads (Sync only checked songs).

That will eliminate the syncing of unwanted songs to that unique iPod... if multiple iPods sync to the device you must do this per each unit.

If that's not what you're asking to complete than please clarify.

Thanks!

high plains Author

Level 1

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Oct 29, 2009 12:28 PM in response to iNexxFear

Sorry I wasn't clear. What I want to do is not play certain songs by unchecking them. I could not find, however, the option you refer to "Sync only checked songs". You seem to indicate it's on the "main page"...of the iPod, iTunes? Please clarify. Thanks!

high plains Author

Level 1

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Oct 29, 2009 12:47 PM in response to iNexxFear

Found the option: Thanks again!

iNexxFear

Level 2

410 points

Oct 29, 2009 12:52 PM in response to high plains

Great... And sorry for being vague, I'm not at my device and reviewing these remotely...

Glad we're able to help!

iTunes sound quality