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iPod: Lossless vs 320 vs 192

I'd like to hear from folks that have compared lossless on an iPod to some of the higher lossy bit rates like 320 or 192. Now that iPod comes in 160gig, this reopens the question for me: Should I bother carrying the heavier unit (rather than a nano) in order to hear lossless (vs my current 192).

Target application is an iPod, not a high end stereo, BUT, I use the best in-ear phones (currently Westone UM2, soon either Westone 3 or Shure SE530). So subtle difference are audible, but soundstaging is not such a big deal.

So, do any of you have experiences to share on this front?

Of course, stories of your experimentation playing on higher end systems are interesting as well, but my own inquiry right now is:

Will I hear a marked difference playing my iPod on high end earphones, between, 192-320 formats and the lossless format?

Thanks!
Art

ps: Another complicating factor is that I think the larger iPods generally have somewhat better sound quality, richer, stronger, than the tiny second generation nano. Sigh. Decisions.....
artmaltman
nikturner920
144 posts
 
hometheaterhifiDOTcom did a review of ipods recently, I can send you the link if you want. One of the interesting things in a side link there was how horrible the ipods measure when you apply a load (ie headphones) to the output. Funny thing was the ipod shuffle turned out to sound the best, with the nano second.

Headphone amp is the way to go to improve sound. On my ipod without an amp there was no real difference between lossless and 320mp3. With a small headroom amp the difference is there but still smaller than you think. I am only using the lower level eytmotics though. Easy to try for yourself, just rip something at both rates.
bobparish's avatar
bobparish
1 posts
 
Art,
The day you listen to Apple Lossless you'll never go back to MP3 even the Lame 320.
Think about also get a iMod iPod from Vinnie Rossie from www.redwineaudio.com.
Anither great optio is using FLAC via Rockbox, not iTunes !!!
Bob from Brasil

P.S.: Let's exchange experience about Shure E5-C X Westone 2?
kevinc
20 posts
 
Have compared AIFF vs lossless and AIFF is slightly better in terms of dynamics and overall soundstage. Also, coupled with a portable amp, currently using portaphile with great success. Makes an even greater improvement ie. better separation & bass.
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