[scannon18]

I've seen a lot of measurements for the Sansa clip (not sure if I'm allowed to say where) and it seems to measure very well. So why does it impart such a warm sound signature? Shouldn't it be more neutral? Is it possible that this warmth is actually the result of a low quality dac that is too "fuzzy "?

Because it seems to me that the Sansa clip is very warm and has no detail but has a powerful amp. I have come to really hate the sound signature of this player. I prefer listening to my iPod despite the higher output impedance.

 

[LFC_SL]

Original Clip? Never heard it, but Clip+ vs iPod Nano 4G, the former is better. In direct comparison the Clip+ had better extension, airier mids and revealed detail that was masked by the Nano. Clip+ can also handle fast electronica music better, where the Nano appeared to struggle. Of course ignorance is bliss they say. Nano 4G is a very competent device and definitely better all-rounder than the Clip+, but in terms of audio the Clip+ has superior output which I only found when a/b'ing against the Clip+
 
If you do a forum search a past thread determines that Rockbox is true flat, whereas stock firmware on Clip+ is bumped up a few notches across the spectrum, so that probably influences the "warm sound". But then again it is meant to be a cheap no-frills player, which happens to do some extras like fm. For straight headphone out use, leaning on warm is perfectly understandable

 

[scannon18]

Well, I've installed rockbox (VERY impressed, to say the least) but I can't shake that "fuzzy" sound signature.  
 
And to clarify, I am referring to the Clip+.  
 
Anyway, that's my whole problem.  Measurements aside, I just don't think it sounds as, I don't know, "clean?" as my ipod touch 3rd gen, which is a much better player than the nano 4g, based off of subjective listening experiences.  
 
If i had to guess I would says it's the dac, but I'm really no expert.
 
As a side note, my Nexus S 4g rooted and kernaled with Voodoo Control sounds better than both of the above players, though the headphone out does have a high output impedance

 

[LFC_SL]

Check out this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/540846/sansa-clip-review-with-detailed-measurements
 
I agree iPod dacs have a "cleaner" sound, though I prefer Clip+ mids/vocal delivery, better detail and higher speed

 

[scannon18]

yes, it was nwavguys measurements I was referring too.  I'm baffled.  But rockbox is really cool, I would like to get an iPod classic with its huge harddrive and rockbox that.  Going through a portable amp that would be excellent. . .