IPOD "Near CD quality"

I am new to this Ipod business, I was looking the different models over and I se this "near CD quality" and all the sudden the Ipod deal does not seem so cool...

Can anyone tell me if you can tell the difference when playing an IPOD through the head unit of your system or is it not an issue??

 

I carry a 30GB iPod with me everywhere instead of carrying a case of CDs.

Comparison in worst case scenario:

30GB Video iPod ($250) + Upgraded Deck ($150) + iPod adapter ($25) = $450

entire collection of my CDs (~$9000) + Stock Deck = ~$9000

So, if I get robbed and my Tacoma and my iPod (if I happen to leave it in there) get stolen, then I just buy a new iPod (and a new truck ). I still have ALL of my music at home.

Comparison in quality:

CD quality = 192 to 256 bitrate

MP3s usually ~ 128 to 160 bitrate

I use my iPod in my truck, at my desk, at home, working out, etc... I wouldn't be able to do that with a CD player and all my CDs. That would take up an entire backpack. Instead, I copy my CDs into my computer at home (@ 192 bitrate which is selectable in iTunes) and store my CDs on a shelf. Then I use iTunes to put all my CDs on my iPod. So, look at it this way I have 3 copys of my ENTIRE CD COLLECTION!

Plus, I can listen to them without taking them out and possibly scratching them. Which makes me really happy.

 

Now, I will be giving my deck to my brother soon. I am going to be getting a Pioneer deck that has the iPod adapter built in and a TON more power. This deck will also mimic the iPod's actual controls more accurately.

 

Want to see my setup... Check this out.

 

But can you tell a difference in sound quality?

I see the bitrate #'s you posted but whats the real world difference in sound quality?

 

BTW your How-To post is great I will be refrencing it as I go..

ANy tips on removing the door panels?

 

I have an ALpine 9885 head w/full speed Ipod Cable, I was thinking about the Ipod Nano 8G.

 

I can't, but that is because ALL of my music is at least 192 bitrate. I like the extra sound quality. The drawback is that each song file is bigger than a 128 or 160 would be.

I haven't takled that yet. I am okay with my speakers for now. I will be replacing them after I do tint, Pioneer deck w/ iPod interface, Detroit TrueTrac rear differential, and a tonneau cover...

Just a personal thought here... The nano is great if you want small size and ease of use, but if you have a ton of music like I do (~28 GB) the larger iPods will last you much longer.

Don't let me discourage you. My first iPod was a 4GB mini. It was absolutely wonderful and durable (read: No, honey, don't throw that!!!). I gave to my little brother, and he uses it everyday. I had to upgrade because I didn't want to keep going back to my computer to change out the music. I wanted it all right there... 21 hour drive to Colorado or North Carolina = no problem.

 

Wont an 8 gig hold about a hundred cd's ??? Like I said I am new to this stuff, so forgive my ignorance...

 

Well, that is a good question. Here are the stats on my iPod from the "about" section on the screen (I apologize. I was incorrect - my iPod is a 40GB.)

I have 1678 songs, 13 videos (TV shows and 1 movie), and 811 photos (My wife and I like photography).

I have 13.7 GB free space still...

See if this helps...

 

Mark on the ipod if i get the ipod nano this does not play any videos? just wanted to know also the ipod video does this play videos? i have an ipod connector and just wanted to know which one to purchase...

 

The iPod Nano will not play videos. You can store them on there, but it will take a bit of doing...

The iPod Video plays videos, AND if you have a deck that is video compatible to the iPod (see Alpine, Pioneer, and Kenwood) then you can play the videos on your deck. ...I wish my deck would do that. I would live in my truck more than I already do.

 

Sorry but where did you get 40gig. As far as I know the Ipod video only came in 30, 60, and 80 gig, and the 60 was discontinued. I have the 30gig with about 2500 songs and 18gig left, it would be full but my home computer died on me and I need a new hard drive.

 

Ok, Rules for Mark posting:

Rule #1: Don't post answers to thread questions without at least 1 hour of sleep in 24.

Rule #2: Look up the friggin info, because my memory stinks.

...You are correct. It is a 30GB. I was correct the first time, but I read the information screen incorrectly. My bad.

 

after playing with my new ipod set up for a few days, i can tell you it's VERY good quality sound...exactly like CD quality. i LOVE it!

 

Thanks for the info. I am excited to be able to have my entire CD collection in the truck ready to roll.

 

The mp3 compression seems to have been left in the dust--the AAC is supposedly "CD quality" at a smaller file size. I just bought a Nano at a pawn shop, and researched the different compression schemes, as I had zero prior experience with the iPod scene. Various sources say an AAC at 128kb is just as good as an MP3 at 192kbs...and much smaller.

 

Does the AAC files that you create on your own with your own CDs have the same file protection as the ones that you buy from iTunes? The only reason that I use MP3 still is that it does not require any kind of "copyright certification". I would be curious if AAC can operate without Copyright protection...

 

I don't think the AAC schema--in and of itself--is anything more than an improvement in compression and sampling. There is a pretty technical description on wikipedia which quickly exceeded my capacity , but I don't recall any mention of any copy-protection aspect.

Where would you run into file/copyright protection, if it was present? I just converted a bunch of CD & mp3 titles to AAC. I'll check `em if ya tell me what to look for!

 

Thanks! Depending on what you find - I will start using this compression format to get my new CDs on my iPod and computer... Thanks for keeping us up-to-date.