Ipod Audio Signal Quality
 

I am going to feed thru an audio system a playlist of songs for a group gathering. I was going to just use a computer through the Audio out jack into the home receiver input. Someone suggested I use an Ipod instead, which I am reluctant to do, since I like the larger screen of a computer better.

It's all Digital music, Mp3's. but is one a better quality signal out that will result in a better sounding end product? I don't have an ipod or similar so I'm in the dark.


If I do stay with a computer, are the higher end sound cards significantly better in the same scenario?

nope

you are talking about a group gathering
so , let's face it, that's not a studio environment

ipod or pc, audio quality will be limited more by what the input and output is

eg , quality of your mp3 encoding
and quality of your amp/speakers

high end sound cards are all fine and dandy, but it's a waste of money when dealing with mp3's of internet quality, for an audience in a room , with regular audio equipment

The sound quality is more dependent on the original source than the digital output device. Most people rip their mp3's using the standard 128 kbps - which is complete crap. The music sounds awful compared to the original recording.

Don't worry about soundcards at this point. I have not compared a computer out vs the headphone jack on an ipod but I doubt their is much difference given you are using mp3's.

I always rip at the highest quality settings for mp3. Lossless is much better if you can deal with the increased file size.

The signal quality out of the main connector of the iPod has surprised some audiophiles -- pleasantly.

But the prior two posters are right -- lossy sampling rates equal lousy results.

In the end, it doesn't matter. Do what is convenient and it will sound fine. Just make sure the volume of the iPod or the computer isn't cranked if you're using the headphone jack, it might be a little to hot for the receiver and distort a little bit. Won't hurt anything, though.

ok good info! thanks guys