so.. how much quieter (or louder) are the new iPhones compared to the 5? are they nearer to the 4/4S than the 5?

Here's GSMarena's take on the 5C audio output: "Just as expected the Apple iPhone 5c audio output was mostly identical to that of the iPhone 5. The Apple lineup was dethroned as the best in this regard over the past year by some of the Android flagships (most notably the HTC recent top dogs)...

Jakkal may be referring to the iFixit teardowns: iPhone 5: Apple 338S1117 http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPhone+5+Teardown/10525/2 iPhone 5C: Apple 338S1116 http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPhone+5c+Teardown/17382/2 iPhone 5S: Apple 338S1216...

That's great. Maybe since this is the closest to a new music device (no new iPod touch) they'll launch this year, Apple improved the 5C's audio. Can you say that the 5C's volume output is similar if not better than the 4S or 4 (if you tried one)?

For those who have one of these iPhones, how's the sound quality through the headphone out? Does it still have a lower volume output (like the 5) than the 4 or 4s?

How do I remove the foam pads?

The Mars Volta opened up a world of music for me. It got me into prog, jazz, folk and classic rock. Thanks to the Volta, I now listen to mahavishnu orchestra, led zep, rush and pink floyd! TMV: the gateway to audio nirvana. Cassandra Geminni did it for me.

I like Anthony's projects. Circa, TSOAF, Saosin. It's all good.

For me, Frances the Mute is their best album yet. It has everything!