sinner6
100+ Head-Fier
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- May 24, 2006
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I have noticed a lot of dicussion about unquantifiable sound quality properties that are frankly subjective. We use adjectives like "smooth, rich, tinny, warm, brittle" all the time to describe sounds. In this thread I thought it might be useful to talk about the qualities of equipment we have used with regards to things that don't nescesarilly show up on a spec a sheet and may not nescessary be a problem but nonetheless a quantifiably present. Let's try and keep it as objective as possible and stick with things that are reproducable consistently.
I have experience with:
Sansa E260:
Whether you like the SQ or not the Sansa exhibits significant (audible) interference at the audio output apparently from the units CPU chip.
At idle, simply navigate the interface, a faintly audible squelch is present. While the sound is not present during playback it crops up between EVERY track and is especially unnerving during random play where a pop can be heard between tracks. This is made worse by hooking to a line input or high sensitivity phones. A non issue for some, deal breaker for others.
Sony NWZ-A818:
The unit has a subtle hiss present at all times while on. It's nearly imperceptible on the supplied phones and Sony MDR-7506's but is easily audible on Denon C700's.
When put to the scope my unit gave the following result-
In my case, the Sansa issue was a deal breaker and the Sony's is not.
What experiences have you had?
I have experience with:
Sansa E260:
Whether you like the SQ or not the Sansa exhibits significant (audible) interference at the audio output apparently from the units CPU chip.
At idle, simply navigate the interface, a faintly audible squelch is present. While the sound is not present during playback it crops up between EVERY track and is especially unnerving during random play where a pop can be heard between tracks. This is made worse by hooking to a line input or high sensitivity phones. A non issue for some, deal breaker for others.
Sony NWZ-A818:
The unit has a subtle hiss present at all times while on. It's nearly imperceptible on the supplied phones and Sony MDR-7506's but is easily audible on Denon C700's.
When put to the scope my unit gave the following result-
In my case, the Sansa issue was a deal breaker and the Sony's is not.
What experiences have you had?
