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Rockbox Audio Quality versus Original Firmware (RMAA comparison)

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omendelovitz:
Science overall.  I have embraced my inner scientist and resigned from audiophiledom, possibly permanently.  

Just a few quips here before I move on to my results:

1 - Foobar's ABX is an absolute wonder!  I love this program.  It is the cream of software, forget the fact that it is freeware...

2 - There is truly nothing better than being able to test one's own biases and perceptions in this manner;

3 - I can't wait for Rockbox to come out in full release for the iPod.  As a FW overall, it really trumps Apple.

Now for my results [drum roll please] - with my soundcard, high end headphones and crystal clear and very transparent amp I...

can tell no difference b/w the two wav files febs so graciously posted online for me.  Now, before you start triumphonolizing, Xavier, I must add a "scientist's" warning to my findings - I would personally claim that therefore there is no audible difference b/w the two firmwares, using Febs' readings in conjunction with my observations, but in reality, my soundcard is internal and therefore isn't all that great.  I will also add that when comparing lossless to mp3 alt insane, I could hear no difference on the same setup.  Take that for what you will.  

What I will say [finally] are two last things - 1) kudos to Febs for his work and perseverance; 2) if anyone wants to make any claims re: RB SQ to AFW, just point them to this thread and tell them to put out or shut up! And then ignore those people, b/c they're going to see what they want to see (and disregard the rest... thx for the quote, Paul Simon!).

Over and Out - Omendelovitz

Atheistic Freedom:
Yeah, but turn on Hardware EQ and Software EQ Precut to -12 dB...  ;)

Worlds better.

XavierGr:
Omendelovitz, thanks for taking the test. You are the first one to take it, that is admirable.

Of course I didn't mean any direct offence at you. You said that finally, it was a weird EQ setup that made you believe Rockbox sounded different.

Anyway, I am a happy man now!

P.S: I am so happy that I will sticky this.

Llorean:
Stickying should be reserved for forum business. If sound quality comparison needs to be put in a permanent place, it should be made into a wiki page.

A link to that wiki page could be incorporated into a playback FAQ, but this isn't really something that belongs stickied on its own, as it'd be best if there were a minimum of stickies.

wolfB:
I'd agree the soundquality of the dock output from a 5G iPod can be considered equal. But I can definitely recognize a difference from the headphone out, at least with my sensetive IEMs (UE-10Pro and super.fi 5Pro). Quite possibly an impedance issue, as it might be related to the different hissing noise floor, which is significantly lower in Rockbox.

So I'd like to know two things:

1. Why is there apparently much less hiss noise floor on the 5G Ipod's headphone out with low impedance IEMs?

2. Would it be possible to ABX  two files, recorded from the iPod's headphone jack?

Maybe Febs could provide those two files???

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