IPOD CLASSIC LINE OUT (7th gen) vs IPOD VIDEO LINE OUT (5.5gen)

Like many others here on head-fi I've come to a point where I need more hard drive space for my DAP!

And if you require anything above 120GB, it seems Ipod is still king when it comes to high capacity DAPs - at least that is relatively easy to find for purchase...

If one decides to go with the ipods you have a choice of: 

refurbished ipod video (5.5) with HDD up to 240GB

or

you can just pick up the latest ipod classic with its 160GB disk space. 

Price wise it seems

ipod video's 240gb  for around ~$285

vs

the ipod classic $249 (or cheaper)..

I know there has been some debate as to which has better SQ but I find it tedious work going through multiple threads searching for an answer. and in the end some prefer the SQ of the older video while others the classic. 

I think it would be great if we can have a poll with those who have heard both the video and classic, and their preference in SQ. To make it simple, the poll will only look at line out (LOD) and not the Headphone out.. I think if you need over 120gb, most likely you are using lossless files (ALAC or FLAC)  and a portable amp to take advantage of it. 

I hope this thread doesn't turn in to a debate as to which is better, or how other DAPs SQ are better than ipods etc... I just simply would like to know your preference and the amp you have used in your test, and maybe a short description why you prefer one or the other -  or perhaps you find them both about the same.

example :

IPOD Classic + Pico > Ipod video + Pico  

the sound was warmer and more natural with the classic. bass went deeper etc...

maybe also add type of music you tried it with if you wish

We all hear differently and prefer different SQ, but it would be great to see what people think and maybe get an idea which is generally preferred with certain amps..or music etc. 

NOTE: PLEASE VOTE ONLY IF YOU HAVE HEARD BOTH AND HAD A CHANCE TO DO A DECENT COMPARISON..

ALSO NO IMOD COMPARISON PLEASE. NO MODIFICATIONS..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hero Kid 

For me the difference between the two is more than the internal components. The ability to Rockbox the 5.5g (to me) makes it win hands down over the 7th gen.

So that's something you certainly have to consider.

I agree on Rockbox, though I have yet to try it.

Thats the reason why I said probably use FLAC or ALAC, keeping in mind Rockboxed ipod videos. 

I think if you consider other options apart from SQ, then the video does seem to stand as the better of the two with Imod option and Rockbox, plus its a DIYer dream with the ability to upgrade the HDD to flashcard..

But the down side is you can't get a new unit, will have limited warranty (if any), lower battery hours, thicker etc. 

I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a DAP.