So I'm getting some clipping with a song (Clip+/RockBox)

[Cykull]

I've been using RockBox (LOVE IT!) with my Clip+ and I've gotten the sound to my personal preference. But, there are one or two songs that I can hear clipping on. I think one has it purposely, but the other I know for sure is clipping. I know because I downloaded it from Amazon and it sounded horrible compared to the one I later bought from iTunes. The one from iTunes is barely noticeable, but it's really annoying when I want to hear my music clear and crisp.

Song: Medina - You And I (deadmau5 remix)
Bitrate: 259 kbps (VBR)
Frequency: 44100 Hz

Any idea on what settings I can mess with to get rid of the clipping?

Thanks, Cykull

P.S. I just messed with the basic stuff in the sound settings and playback settings. I also have "prevent clipping" on.

[saratoga]

Use replaygain, if you're using the EQ, make sure you've got preamp, etc.

[Chronon]

If you use EQ make sure you have enough pre-cut to account for any boost you have applied (i.e. equal to or greater than the largest boost applied to an EQ band).

[Cykull]

I have the replay gain off because it was lowering the volume too much for my liking and I have EQ off because it had the same effect. I haven't messed with the EQ (at least not the more advanced settings), but I do have a pre-cut of -4.0db. Anything wrong here that you guys notice? Any tips for the more advanced settings? Thanks for the fast replies.

[saratoga]

I have the replay gain off because it was lowering the volume too much for my liking and I have EQ off because it had the same effect. I haven't messed with the EQ (at least not the more advanced settings), but I do have a pre-cut of -4.0db. Anything wrong here that you guys notice? Any tips for the more advanced settings? Thanks for the fast replies.

Does the file clip if you use replaygain?

[Cykull]

It does, but I can still hear where it's clipping just a little. Amazon messed it for me with their crappy MP3s. Now I pay attention to every little detail. I'll leave replay gain on and see what else I can do. Thanks.

[gbl08ma]

Is it possible that the file from Amazon has some kind of DRM system that makes the sound have distortions (or simply lower quality) on non-DRM (or invalid DRM certificate) players (like Rockbox), and only play correctly with the DRM things are correct?
Did the file ever play correctly (without clipping) on any player? (did the one you bought from iTunes play correctly on iTunes?)

I'm just wondering, I have seen nothing like the "protection" (distorted sound) I described here before, but as "they" invent so many DRM protections that wouldn't fit in a normal person's head who knows?

[Cykull]

The song plays perfectly through iTunes. I know the MP3s from Amazon are crap because a lot of the songs I bought from there had a lot of distortion and the same exact songs from Beatport or iTunes play nicely. I think Amazon MP3s are supposed to be free of DRM, which is why I started buying from them in the first place.

[saratoga]

The song plays perfectly through iTunes. I know the MP3s from Amazon are crap because a lot of the songs I bought from there had a lot of distortion and the same exact songs from Beatport or iTunes play nicely. I think Amazon MP3s are supposed to be free of DRM, which is why I started buying from them in the first place.

I've never had an issue with amazon.  If you're getting distortion (beyond the usual clipping present in modern mastering), its likely a problem at your end. 

[Llorean]

Alright, with all other settings default, the file replaygained, replaygain on, and volume at 0db or less, does it clip?

From the fact that you're saying replaygain makes it too quiet, I'm wondering if you're turning volume above 0dB as well.

[Cykull]

Well, I don't know but a lot of the songs I bought from there were distorted. I don't what the problem would be on my end. Also, my volume is at -16 db. I'll try those settings.

[BigPapi]

Every mp3 I've bought from Amazon has been quite good quality-wise.....I use replaygain and enable prevent clipping and I've never heard any distortion.

[Cykull]

Random Album Title - deadmau5

Downloaded from Amazon had distortion on almost every song.

Downloaded from iTunes... Nice and clear.

I just quit buying from Amazon because I don't know what the problem is. Could be from my end, but why does everything else that I download sound great? Oh well.