5g ipod vs x5

[muckshot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangraman ...and in fact the measured low-impedance falloff of the 5G iPod is virtually identical to the X5. Sound quality is very similar as well, and anyone who says otherwise has not compared the two side by side. The X5's equaliser still behaves more predictably but the very apparent distortion on the iPod has gone. Sustained low notes can still cause the Bass Booster preset to distort though, although I can't get Latin to distort to the same degree.

Thanks for the info, I've had the 5th Gen Ipod for a few weeks now and though I was extremely displeased with it at first because I didn't like the way it sounded, I am slowly getting used to it. My only real problem with the Ipod is its terrible equalizer. I've already 'gained' my files to a lower base volume so that the EQ is useable, but the output remains distracting and disappointing. Not a single one of the EQ presets manages the balance I am looking for and I highly doubt its being customizable (which it isn't) would help anything. As such, I am often tempted to pull out the ol' retired MP3 CD player (as cumbersome as it is carrying around CDs with me, compared to the new setup) simply because I'm lusting after the nice warm comfy sound I had gotten used to... and yes, I've tried the Ipod's line-out, amped & unamped, low impedance as well as high impedance cans and it is always unsatisfying to my ears. So now tell me, what can I expect with the X5 equalizer? I've read that's it's 'good' but compared to what? Specifically, I'm looking to add more low-end to get that 'fun' sound back... this sterile Ipod sound just isn't doing it for me, even with my DT770s.

 

[jnev]

i don't use the equalizer much, it's more of a set it and forget it type thing. if it sounds good without it then i'll be fine.

i still can't make up my mind lol. i love the drag/drop capabilities of the x5, but i've been using itunes for the past couple days at a jukebox, it is one of the greatest programs ever designed! it is SO easy to use, and works so well. i've enver before bought anything based on the software it uses to sync, but this may be a first

the money isn't too big of a deal since they're fairly close togather in price (x5 is ~$30 cheaper). what i don't like is that i'll have to buy an ac adapter for the ipod to charge it away from my computer. are scratches very visible on the white ipod? i hate using cases, but i'd prefer my dap to not be scratched to hell. i can use the ipod as a portable hd right? meaning i don't need any drivers or any software to just drag/drop data files to it? also, this isn't a bug deal for me, but can i run programs off the ipod? like if i install firefox for example onto the ipod can i plug it into a computer and run it straight off the ipod, instead of using a flash drive?


thanks

 

[germanjulian]

dam it decide..
I am looking to get a HD based player.. somebody test the X5 and ipodG5 and the shuffle with some headphones no amp and just say which one sounds best and if the G5 has a nice bass, deep and rolled off... like the shuffle... cause I tried with the G4 and it has awful bass quality!

 

[germanjulian]

you know what! you wait I get it test it and if I dont like the sound quality get an amp early next year when my parents arent looking. I have the money but my parents are moaning at the moment that I spend to much (just got my first real job.. living at home)

 

[wolfen68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnev so do data files count as part of that 9999? and is it 9999 per folder, or 9999 total for the whole device (including or excluding data depending on whether data counts a spart of the 9999). thanks

According to the link I posted (and from what I've heard in the past), you are fine with the X5. Put on quadzillions of files....but you will only be able to play the the first 9999 songs.

I've used ipods and the X5. They are both great devices in different ways, but I really like simplicity (easy use, no DRM or extra software) and the X5 satisfies all of this for me.

My only complaint is the subpack...but since I've learned that the headphone out is an adequate source for amping, I can live with it.

 

[jnev]

Quote:

Originally Posted by germanjulian you know what! you wait I get it test it and if I dont like the sound quality get an amp early next year when my parents arent looking. I have the money but my parents are moaning at the moment that I spend to much (just got my first real job.. living at home)

i know the feeling... i've had a job for a damn long time now, i pay for everything myself, and my parents still complain that i spend too much money.

i think i'm probably gonna go with the x5... but i'm still gonna go to the apple store either today or tomorrow.

 

[wolfen68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnev i think i'm probably gonna go with the x5... but i'm still gonna go to the apple store either today or tomorrow.

Beware.....ipods are fuzzy and cute (like puppys) the apple store magic (aka marketing) will make you come home with one....Beware

 

[jnev]

that's what i'm afraid of lol. i just won't bring my credit card to the store so i won't be able to buy...

 

[germanjulian]

GOT IT TESTED IT!

Ok, the G4 does not compare to either to the shuffle at all. the G5 has better rounder and more defined bass, however when its not BASSY songs there is a difference. You can hear it when switching output while playing the song, and for trained ears you could tell by listing to songs you know well.

The G5's bass quality is not the same as the shuffle. There is a noticable difference with a few songs = when it comes to overall loudness by a bit but diffinatly the rolling off of the bass is different by a bit. Its not BAD per say!
I think if you use any cheapish headphones you wont hear, if you can acctually listen to music and have good phones you will notice if you swap between the shuffle and G5. If you just listen to some songs then wait 5 minutes and swap player you wont be able to tell. (OK I wont be able to tell)

I think if you forget about the suffle and just listen you be fine. I keep the G5 now, I think its enough base and the sound quality with my shure e4c is still outstanding.
By the way I have exellent hearing my doctor says and when it comes to listening to music I think I am pretty good too.


Shame I dont have an X5 to compare

PS: Oh and the new scroll wheel does feel cheaper then the old one ... mhhh

 

[jnev]

DAMN YOU!! lol

just as i was pretty much decided on the x5 you have to come in and say how nice the ipod is. haha, any chance of you getting a x5 to compare?

i'm not an audiophile, persay, but i do appreciate good sound quality. i'm not (yet

) at the level of spending thousands of dollars on audio equipement like some of you are, but i will pay for quality (just not that much

). i'm fairly happy with my md33's at the moment, though i may upgrade to some shures at a later point in life (read: when i have more money

). i'm still leaning to the x5, but meh, i still haven't yet gone to the apple store (i know i know i'm a lazy ass), i may go today (though knowing me, probably not).

 

[max-9]

Let me help confuse you.
The X5L has the user adjustable equalizer.That in itself is a major plus .On top of that it has BBE.....Mach 3 bass....MP Enhance....3D Surround and pan (thats balance). Now that may sound like a bunch of stuff you dont need but it makes a huge difference in sound quality and tailoring your music to fit your exact taste.
The ipods ....and I own a few .....have preset equlizer choices..and they all really do nothing that makes it sound better. The X5L also has a 35 hr battery ...a major plus. The X5L also has an indestructable metal ...powder coated body , as opposed to the very fancy ipods shiny plastic chrome back almost jewelry like housing.
The ipods screen is much better and its looks / packaging / presentation / marketing is almost magically addictive.....but the X5 is the musicmonster.

 

[titaniumx3]

Does anyone know how bad or good the battery life is on the standard X5 (not the X5L)?

I know its stated as 14 hours but, stated figures can vary quite dramatically.

 

[DigDub]

Quote:

Originally Posted by max-9 Let me help confuse you. The X5L has the user adjustable equalizer.That in itself is a major plus .On top of that it has BBE.....Mach 3 bass....MP Enhance....3D Surround and pan (thats balance). Now that may sound like a bunch of stuff you dont need but it makes a huge difference in sound quality and tailoring your music to fit your exact taste. The ipods ....and I own a few .....have preset equlizer choices..and they all really do nothing that makes it sound better. The X5L also has a 35 hr battery ...a major plus. The X5L also has an indestructable metal ...powder coated body , as opposed to the very fancy ipods shiny plastic chrome back almost jewelry like housing. The ipods screen is much better and its looks / packaging / presentation / marketing is almost magically addictive.....but the X5 is the musicmonster.

agree with you. i have the m3 and the 5G.

 

[wolfen68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by titaniumx3 Does anyone know how bad or good the battery life is on the standard X5 (not the X5L)? I know its stated as 14 hours but, stated figures can vary quite dramatically.

The X5 reviews I've read put the actual battery performance very close to the promised battery life from Cowon. My X5L is right on the money at 32-35 hours.

 

[jnev]

ok, i've more or less decided on the 60gb x5. i talked to a friend of mine that has a 20gb x5, and he said that he can sync his x5 with itunes using badapple, and thats pretty much the major reason why i was considering the ipod.

to make this harder though, i heard something about a open-source neuros player coming out sometime soon. anybody know anything about it?