Ipod sounds very different without Rockbox???

[jj69]

I’ve been listening to my Gen 5.5 Ipod Video (80gb) with the Rockbox software since I bought it two years ago.  I recently picked up another identical Ipod (same 80gb model, right down to the serial number) and decided to try it out with the stock Ipod software.  I was amazed to find that it sounded completely different!  So I set up a test. I loaded the exact same music to both the Rockbox Ipod and the stock Ipod (mp3s at 320kbps).  I compared them listening through the dock connector (line out) with the same equipment. 

The difference is night and day.  The stock Ipod puts out a slightly louder signal, the sound is brighter and more immediate (for lack of a better word), and the bass is more pronounced and well defined.  In comparison, through Rockbox, the sound is more polite and laid back, and the bass is less defined.  Note that I’m not saying one necessarily sounds better than the other – they’re just very, very different. 

Is this normal?  What is going on here?  Does the Ipod software have some kind of built in processing that adds EQ, boosts bass, etc.?  Keep in mind that this is through the dock/lineout and not the headphone jack.

[saratoga]

Probably different EQ settings, volume, etc.

[jj69]

Probably different EQ settings, volume, etc.

This may be a dumb question, but does Rockbox have EQ settings?  If so, where are they?  I certainly never changed them upon installation. 

The second Ipod I just picked up used, so it's entirely possible it does have some EQ settings.  I'll have to check.  I never even realized Ipods had an EQ menu. 

[gbl08ma]

For me (and for the majority of people I think) it's exactly the opposite, the OF sound much worse than Rockbox. On Apple's firmware, I can't even put the volume to the maximum (this thing of hearing protection makes sense if I'm using headphones, not when connected to speakers!).

[saratoga]

Probably different EQ settings, volume, etc.

This may be a dumb question, but does Rockbox have EQ settings?  If so, where are they?  I certainly never changed them upon installation. 

They're under settings.  Check the manual.  And yes, both firmwares have EQ, volume, etc.  If they sound different then one or both has additional sound processing options enabled.

[jj69]

I'm sure you guys are right.  It never even crossed my mind that someone might have messed with the EQ. 

I'm such an idiot.