Noticable diff. in Sound Quality btwn. H 120 and IPOD 3G???

[re715]

I really need help here. I've been reading more comparisons and reviews on these two players than anything. I love the look and ease of use of an ipod, and the way their DB works with iTunes. On the other hand the iriver h 120 seems to have more features (even though i prob don't need em), and i hear the sound quality is better, but navigation could be an issue.
Do you feel that a regular music listener non audiophile can really tel the diff. btwn. the iriver and the ipod's sound quality diff. Or is it not that substantial?

THanks again guys.

[Big D]

The two do sound different.

Some people prefer the iPod and some prefer the iHP. As a general rule the iPod's sound is brighter (more highs with weaker bass) but the iHP has a better bass and slightly less highs. If you haven't heard both then I doubt you would be disappointed with either.

The iHP does have a better EQ than the iPod's, which suffers badly from clipping and distortion.

If you plan on having the EQ set to flat then either will be fine, but be warned about the iPod's poor EQ if you like tinkering with the sound.

[DiGdUb]

if you like a flat clean sound, get an ipod. if you like a full 'fun' sound with adjustable bass/treble settings, then get an iriver.

[re715]

When you say clean flat sound.......are you trying to say it sounds like crap or am i prob not going to notice the diff from the way it sounds on my cpu with altec lansing speeks.

[turdburglar]

Either will sound fine, I second everything stated above about EQ and whatnot.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that with either the iPod or the iRiver (or any other portable audio device) the biggest difference you will ever hear in sound is when you get a new set of headphones.

A new pair of cans is highly recommended, whether you get an iPod or the iRiver. With a new pair, either will sound great.

[DiGdUb]

Originally Posted by re715

When you say clean flat sound.......are you trying to say it sounds like crap or am i prob not going to notice the diff from the way it sounds on my cpu with altec lansing speeks.

not crappy sound i would say. it really depends on your preference. some people prefer a relatively un-equalised sound to make it sound closer to the original and neutral, while others prefer to add some 'spice' to their music to make it sound more 'fun'.

[R.C]

As for your remark about the navigation, get this: A drunken retard monkey can navigate the IHP without any problem at all!
I don't know who spread the legend that the IHP is hard to use, but it's really stupid. It's so simple you'll be shocked.

As for SQ, I never heard the iPod, but the IHP really surprised me.. It's sounds terrific! Really deep, full and crispy. I'm very happy I got it.

[re715]

When i say difficult to use.....i meant navigation of files.....time taken to access files etc. And i hear that ipod has a better database fcn.

[R.C]

Originally Posted by re715

When i say difficult to use.....i meant navigation of files.....time taken to access files etc. And i hear that ipod has a better database fcn.

I was talking about navigation.. nevermind. Anyway the navigation is really really easy.

[Ihmemies]

iPod really lacks bass, and if you're into metal, drum&bass, trance or anything like that, I'd buy an iRiver. iRiver also has SRS truebass options and a better EQ, as already said.

Also buying new headphones is highly recommended. If you like to cycle etc, you should consider in-ear models like Koss's The Plug. Also Etymotic and Shure make very good products, they are a bit expensive, tough.

Second option is closed headphones, like Sennheiser HD-25 (http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser...nsf/root/02976) and other. Noise cancellation (they remove only low sounds like airplane and bus roar) headphones or open headphones aren't that good in outdoor use, because they require much absolute silence.

[XavierGr]

Originally Posted by R.C

As for your remark about the navigation, get this: A drunken retard monkey can navigate the IHP without any problem at all!
I don't know who spread the legend that the IHP is hard to use, but it's really stupid. It's so simple you'll be shocked.

I cant agree more on that. Rumors that say iHP is difficult to use are rubbish!

[InsjaHH]

Originally Posted by XavierGr

I cant agree more on that. Rumors that say iHP is difficult to use are rubbish!

I'm with you; it really shocked me how quickly and easy it is to navigate on the H-140; heck I didn't even need to grab the manual to learn the thing.

Although I did went for a peak look when I wanted to "queue" a song and get to the playlist (they weren't at a logical way to find out, so that's obvious ).

[ManchesterUnited4Life]

Well, I found that the iPod was too tinny, and less immersive than an iHP - even when Ultra Bass was selected on the iPod.

I went back with my Sony MDR-EX71 canal 'phones and re-tested, so to speak, and was still disappointed with the iPod. I think I've already given an in depth review of MY views/opinions of a couple of popular DAP's here: http://www.misticriver.net/index.php...pic&t=2088

My settings on my iHP are in my Sig ...

[FlameGrilled]

The above reference to a flatter fuller sound essentially means a more natural representation, with the ability to reproduce the extremes of loud and soft sounds as you'd expect off a good audio setup.

A lot of portable audio equipment is setup (at factory) to emphasis highs and lows quite artifficially - as this is more the nature of what most people expect these days - a lot of under-30's are much evolved in their listening experiences from 'boombox' type portable luggable stereos and real crap mini systems.

That's why some under-20's detest many DAP's, because their listening experience comes from using an older relatives proper aged hifi kit - which usually blows away boomboxes and mini systems for sheer fullness being mostly geared to analog medium.

The of use, with the exception of the minority in the under-20's, with a bit more age and experience dont want mandated set-by-default artficial enchancement of highs and lows - if we want it, we'll set up the DSP and EQ using user settings.. not have it rammed down our ears by the people who think teenage tastes are everyone's tastes.

That's why i like the p/b on the old JB1, in the same respect as many like the iHP's sound, as it's natural in feel, but full punchy enough to reproduce the extremes of soft subtlety (common to jazz and classical) and precise punchy highs (classicial, jazz and a lot of guitar sound, especially steel guitar) and driven mids with surrounding harmonics from overdriven peformace kit ( a real classic rock/metal/rock and roll or rock with blues feel characterisic).

[Bugman]

Not having owned an i-pod or contemplated buying one I can't comment on it's sound.

However, the sound quality on the iHP series is amazing, certainly the best portable system I'ver had the fortune to own. I had a Sony MZR900 MD Walkman before my iHP140 and the iHP kicks it's ass on quality and clarity.

As for navigation on the player, once you've performed your own translation of the manual from iRiver english into understanable english you'll be just fine, I took less than 4 hours spread over 4 days to get the hang of my iHP. :P

Whichever option you choose, I hope you enjoy it!

[re715]

Do you think if i use the my player in the car with a transmitter i'd be able to tell the diff. in sound btwn. the ipod and the h 120??

[ksb]

I suspect (but do not know) that you won't be able to tell the difference between an iPod and an iHP through an FM transmitter because too much quality will be lost in the transmission.

I use the Etymotic headphones with my H120. I believe that the sound quality I get from using them while riding my bike outside with wind rushing past my head is substantially better than I get from a cassette adapter with a relatively high-end car audio system.

Get good headphones. (It's even better if someone gives them to you as a gift, as happened to me!)

[FlameGrilled]

From reading of iriver's pigeon english to full operation and familarity - about 5 mins these days for me

Ok, i routinely read badly written manuals, so i know what translation horrors to pick up on, and disregard - but as most iRiver decks use a common navigation and options settings access, if you can drive one.. the rest all become child's play to pick up on :P