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BBE; is it worth taking into account when comparing iaudio9/nanite N2 against Clip+?

post #1 of 5
2/16/11 at 12:51pm
Thread Starter 

Well my Ipod Classic 5th generation has lacking sound quality and no good eq potential; I am in the mood for something with fantastic sound quality.

It is either the Clip+ or the i9

As i understand it the Clip+ has a preferable quality of sound compared to the i9 with no eq or "enhancements"

Is this a true statement, and if so is it REALLY noticeable.

Now to the main point; CAN the Jet Effects 3.0 (BBE+, Macbass, etc) and the more detailed equaliser present in the i9 (when finely tuned) provide a much better sound when compared to the Clip+ Rock Boxed with it's equaliser (when finely tuned)? Is it a huge difference, or does it need a side by side comparison to really notice; is it worth it?

I will be using Ultimate Ears TF10 and ALL my music ripped from CD's into Flac.

Also, can you fast scroll through songs on the i9? And does the clip on the clip have a strong grip?

Honest opinions of people who own both pleeeeeeeeeease.

This is driving me insane and I have no way to test both.... after HOURS of research you people are my last, and best resort.

Thanks in advance for any knowledge shared!

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post #2 of 5
2/16/11 at 1:25pm

I've got both the rockboxed Clip+ and the iAudio 9 and (as it happens) TF10s.  The unequalized i9 sounds a little less bassy than the unEQ'd Clip+.

 

I don't generally equalize much. If this is essential to your listening enjoyment, then I'd recommend the Clip+. Rockbox it and you can play around with it until you get the sound exactly the way you want it. The Rockboxed software offers you a lot more options for fine-tuning. 

 

But when it comes down to it the Clip+'s a much more basic player with a slightly funky UI. The iAudio's got a nice UI, especially the touchpad. It's also a radio, recorder, and you can put text and pictures on it. I like them both for what they are.

 

If $$ is your main consideration, get the Clip+, some micro SD cards, rockbox it and you've got a good, cheap player with a lot of storage. If you want something a little more refined (and an easier to read screen) get the iAudio. But for sound quality, I wouldn't say there's a lot to choose between them.

 

<edit> I just remembered something, I had a problem with FLAC on the iAudio. Can't remember what or how I fixed it, but you should know.

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post #3 of 5
2/16/11 at 1:45pm
Thread Starter 

Wow, thanks, you happened to have everyhting i mentioned.

So you would say that the Jet Effects (not just the equaliser) on the i9 do little to impact the quality of the music? (If it at all helps I listen to metal mostly)

And because you were so damn quick at replying (you must be a watchful hawk) you didn't give me time to edit..... so would you say that the clip on the clip is strong, and does the i9 have a quick scrolling feature like with the ipod scroll wheel, or is there any way to accelerate the scrolling through the lists?

But thanks! If the i9 has no great audio benefits compared to the clip then i may have to consider the clip, as once you take away the Jet Effects the i9 has no other audio benefits(I am only interested in audio so the i9 having video and the other extras does not bother me).

Does anyone else agree or disagree with rroseperry?


Thanks again.

Never heard of Flac issues, but if any pop up I will try my best to fix it..... or ask you.

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post #4 of 5
2/16/11 at 2:06pm


Answers in bold below. I'm procrastinating at work, hence the quick response.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Twomey View Post

Wow, thanks, you happened to have everyhting i mentioned.

So you would say that the Jet Effects (not just the equaliser) on the i9 do little to impact the quality of the music? (If it at all helps I listen to metal mostly)

 

I don't listen to much metal myself, but the Jet Effects and the rest of the settings can make a huge impact on the sound of the music.  I would change them according to genre when I first got the player, but for months now, I've just set it at normal (flat). The phones are more interesting without the additional color (imo).

And because you were so damn quick at replying (you must be a watchful hawk) you didn't give me time to edit..... so would you say that the clip on the clip is strong, and does the i9 have a quick scrolling feature like with the ipod scroll wheel, or is there any way to accelerate the scrolling through the lists?

 

The clip is pretty good, I've never had any trouble with it, but I did notice a couple of people managed to break their clips over on the appreciation thread. Depends on how rough you are with it, I guess.

 

(Added later) I've gotten good at scrolling quickly, takes practice.



But thanks! If the i9 has no great audio benefits compared to the clip then i may have to consider the clip, as once you take away the Jet Effects the i9 has no other audio benefits(I am only interested in audio so the i9 having video and the other extras does not bother me).

Does anyone else agree or disagree with rroseperry?


Thanks again.

Never heard of Flac issues, but if any pop up I will try my best to fix it..... or ask you.



Good luck!

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post #5 of 5
2/16/11 at 2:51pm
Thread Starter 

I love procrastination, some days it's the only way to survive.

And damn this is a tough choice, I can see how the i9 can be easier to use, and i like the idea of being able to customise my sound, and i do like coloured sound. However the clip is so damn adorable and simple (in a good way). Hmmmm.....

8gb clip with 8gb sd card and silicone case comes to no more than £50, while the 16Gb i9 was going for £120, i say was because now I cannot find it to buy anywhere.... that may have just made my choice a lot easier. (in the UK, although american retailers seemed not to stock it either, discontinuing?)

I have got my eye on the Nanite N2 from America, similair price as clip, apparently has better audio quality and it does has bbe. However worse user interface and no rockbox or clip

If anyone else wishes to add their input or knowledge then please do as i will still lurk, watch and reply.

It has also come to my attention that low impedence high sensitivity iem's such as the TF10's hiss a considerable amount with the i9 and Clip+, please seeing as you are my perfect helper in this situation, can you test out the i9 and clip+ and report back any hiss.

If you could do that, then you are a star!


Edited by Twomey - 2/16/11 at 4:00pm
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