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Nano sound: 1G vs 2G

I've long enjoyed my first generation black nano and just purchased a second generation black nano for the increased space, increased battery life and even smaller size.

After trying it out for an hour or so, I can't help but feel that the sound quality is worse than the first generation - contrary to some of the reviews. It does seem to offer more high end sparkle, for sure, but there seems to be a substanial mid-range suckout. There are specific pieces of music that I listen to on the cardio machine very often, and I can tell that certain instruments are MIA or substantially de-emphasized.

Worse, the the overall sound seems shrill compared to the original.

Have any of you had a chance to compare 1G vs 2G nano sound?

Thanks,
Art

ps: When I migrated from the old hard drive based "mini" to the 1G nano, I felt the nano sound was far more grain-free and overall a substantial improvement. My apriori expectation was a further improvement in 2G nano.

pps: I don't use the ear buds that come with the unit. I use a sports headset from Sony for exercise and Shure 3c for quality.
artmaltman

Showing 2 responses by seandtaylor99

seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Art, it wouldn't be entirely surprising if the new nano sounded worse (I've read reviews that say the new shuffle sounds worse than the old one).

The new ipod nano could have been one of three exercises for apple:

1) A simple recasing because of complaints about how easily the original scratched. No sound change.

2) An improved design, giving better sound to the user.

3) A cost reduction exercise to maintain profit margins. Sound quality might deteriorate, but since most users listen to 128kbps through earbuds they will not notice.

I must admit that I listened to a new nano 2Gb running 192AAC files through Sennheiser HD280 headphones and thought the sound was pretty decent, comparable to an old panasonic portable CD I have.

I've found that 192AAC sounds substantially better than 128AAC or 128MP3, but going to higher bit rates is not noticable unless you're using expensive cans in a quiet environment.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
"NOW, where can I get some "new old stock" or refurbished 1G nanos? A second one for me and one for my nephew."

On the apple online store, under refurbished ipods.

The refurbs are guaranteed for 1 year same as a new ipod. I got a refurb shuffle and I couldn't tell it wasn't new.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=32DAAC51&nclm=Certified
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