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iPod Touch 4G vs Zune HD (Audio Quality)

Poll Results: Which player has better audio quality?

 
  • 31% (5)
    iPod Touch 4th generation
  • 56% (9)
    Zune HD
  • 12% (2)
    No difference
16 Total Votes  
post #1 of 21
3/26/11 at 6:43pm
Thread Starter 

I currently own a 4th generation iPod Touch and was wondering how much better the Zune HD's audio output is? From what I've heard, Zunes have always had superior sound quality when compared to iPods but also that Apple has been gradually improving iPod audio quality. Is there a noticeable difference between the two newest players from each company?

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post #2 of 21
3/26/11 at 8:08pm

TheDarkSide from ABI reports better sound with the 4G Touch. Here I haven't seen that many reports between the two, but the 4G Touch is at least on par with the SFlo2 if that's any indication ime.  

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post #3 of 21
3/26/11 at 8:19pm
Thread Starter 

Interesting... 

 

Would you say the 4th gen iPod Touch has the best audio quality in terms of mainstream portable audio players?

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post #4 of 21
3/26/11 at 11:02pm

I can't make that assessment, I would have to do an extensive side-by-side with every player. I do prefer it soundwise to the J3/Sony X/Touch 2g/Clip+ but the difference is overall minor. 

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post #5 of 21
3/26/11 at 11:23pm
Thread Starter 

If it's better than those, I guess I should be pretty satisfied then. Sony, Cowon, and Sandisk are rather known for being audiophile favorites (more the first two than the last for audio quality).

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post #6 of 21
3/27/11 at 3:30am

The Touch 4G can be enhanced, and greatly so, by the Equalizer and EQu apps.....something you cannot get on a Zune HD.

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post #7 of 21
3/27/11 at 4:04am
I have very good ears, which make me able to tell subtle differences. However, cant see one is better than the other.
Edited by fdhfdy - 3/27/11 at 4:06am
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post #8 of 21
3/27/11 at 3:00pm
Thread Starter 

I will be sure to check those apps out. I've actually heard about them before on these forums so they must be pretty good.

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post #9 of 21
3/28/11 at 12:18pm

Yeah those apps make the iPod Touch sounds waaay better than the Zune. 

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post #10 of 21
3/28/11 at 1:06pm

Kind of a funny poll, and I am really not surprised it has only 3 votes so far. How many people do YOU know would own a zune HD.. and have any interest in buying apple products? I can see people buying the zune1, but the only people buying zune HD couldn't be paid enough to go near an ipod or iphone despite that the HD is officialy old hat the the 4g would be an upgrade in all aspect. ;)

 

 

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post #11 of 21
3/28/11 at 4:24pm

Zune sounds more natural, but iPod Touch4G has more powerful mids and no hiss. Both has a very good soundstage.

If your earphones are easy to drive, Zune will be better, if you have got not easydriven earphones, iPod will make it.

Two players has interesting and fun sound.

As for apps, Apple wins, but Ferrari on Zune is good:)

 

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post #12 of 21
3/28/11 at 4:36pm

The Zune HD via dock line out sounds as good as a Nuforce HDP's DAC which is a $450 dac/amp combo. I fed the Zune HD into the HDP using 3.5mm and compared the USB DAC of the HDP and the zune through the headphone amplifier of the HDP. I could discern no difference using a AKG K701.

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post #13 of 21
3/28/11 at 10:12pm

I've just had a listen to the same song through the same headphone on my Zune HD, Touch 4th gen, and Cowon J3.

 

The Touch sounded better than the Zune HD.  Low end was less mushy on the Touch.  Details could be heard on the Touch that I didn't hear on  the Zune HD. Less general distortion and cross-channel mixing on the Touch.

 

That said, I listened to my J3 last, and it wasn't until then that I caught myself smiling while the music played.  Just saying...  ;-)

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post #14 of 21
3/29/11 at 4:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DThinker View Post

I've just had a listen to the same song through the same headphone on my Zune HD, Touch 4th gen, and Cowon J3.

 

The Touch sounded better than the Zune HD.  Low end was less mushy on the Touch.  Details could be heard on the Touch that I didn't hear on  the Zune HD. Less general distortion and cross-channel mixing on the Touch.

 

That said, I listened to my J3 last, and it wasn't until then that I caught myself smiling while the music played.  Just saying...  ;-)



 

QFT!!! I love your honesty,...the best thing about you IMO. beerchug.gif

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post #15 of 21
3/29/11 at 9:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DThinker View Post

I've just had a listen to the same song through the same headphone on my Zune HD, Touch 4th gen, and Cowon J3.

 

The Touch sounded better than the Zune HD.  Low end was less mushy on the Touch.  Details could be heard on the Touch that I didn't hear on  the Zune HD. Less general distortion and cross-channel mixing on the Touch.

 

That said, I listened to my J3 last, and it wasn't until then that I caught myself smiling while the music played.  Just saying...  ;-)

Was this with all EQ and effects disabled?
 

 

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