ipod sound quality degradation?

[redrich2000]

This is probably not a new question but I didn't think I'd easily be able to dig it up with a search (plus I am lazy)...

Does iPod sound quality degrade with age? If so, in what ways and when does it usually occurr?

Thanks

 

[Aevum]

aslong as the battery is well kept, power flactuation is a killer for good audio, and you use a swap to clean the inside of the jack once in a while to make sure the contact is clean, or the ipod dock connector in case you use the line out,
it shouldnt degrade...

but then again, ipods arent built to last, even jobs himself said that the ipods are ment to be replaced on a yearly basis,
Jobs: "you have to buy a new iPod at least once a year" - Engadget
but ipod build quality is another discussion for another time,

 

[aluren]

well he didn't say it was meant to be replaced every year, he just said that if you want the latest and greatest (and keep him employed), then you should buy it every year...

 

[Dyoel182]

Haha, I should have replaced my 3rd gen years ago!

 

[Amblin]

Its possible. With the 5th generation, the audio signal goes through capacitors and then to your earphones. After time, capacitors degrade, and along with it, the signal's quality. Whether there is a big difference between a brand new and year old, or older, 5th gen's audio signature, is a whole other topic.

 

[Illidan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyoel182 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Haha, I should have replaced my 3rd gen years ago!

I still love my 3G iPod

 

[bigshot]

A hard drive is going to die long before a capacitor.

See ya
Steve

 

[VolkswagenFox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illidan /img/forum/go_quote.gif I still love my 3G iPod

I love both of my 3G iPods .

Funny thing is I bought them both after my 5th gen iPod.

 

[noseallinit]

does iPod quality at least improve after burn in?

 

[shigzeo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illidan /img/forum/go_quote.gif I still love my 3G iPod

if you do burn-in, sound degrades faster. i would suggest never leaving the ipod or other pmp out of your sight - at least whilst music is playing

 

[Amblin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by noseallinit /img/forum/go_quote.gif does iPod quality at least improve after burn in?

No. In this case its not called burn in, its called burn out.

 

[bigshot]

iPods do not burn in. They only wear out. It's the hard drive that wears out. Always back up your music.

See ya
Steve

 

[wnewport]

I thought my sound degraded horribly one day. Then I realized the loudness EQ was on for some reason (I don't even use EQ). I felt like a n00b.