Don't want to open another wound, but not everything about MAC is closed apparently. (macosforge.org) Interestingly, all Apple devices use ALAC which is a lossless audio codec. I remember reading the argument that an iPod's sound is better compared to other vendor's counterparts. Well, there are not many lossless audio codecs around and that might make the difference with Apple devices. The more common audio codec MP3 is a lossy format. Resulting to a change of the actual audio such as cutting of frequencies (above 18kHz or 16kHz depending on the bit rate). While for some people that might not make a big difference, but if you know a few audio enthusiasts they will adhere that mp3 is not a preferred format for storing audio if you look at quality. It is said that the human ear perceives frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz, in some cases even wider ranges. So, what for one sounds flat listening to an MP3 compared to an uncompressed high fidelity CD will also sound flat comparing Apples and other MP3ers. For someone else it might not make a difference because of his hearing range. My theory is, if some people can hear the difference between a compact disk (20Hz to 20kHz) and an LP (up to 50kHz) then even more people will notice a difference between MP3 players and an Apple devices. To be fair, the original Sony Walkman NWZ-A and NWZ-S series supported the WMA Lossless format. Although, mostly we'll find the standard WMA format which is also lossy (WMA comes in different flavours). So, going by audio quality I guess that this round goes to MAC. Btw, I am not a MAC fan. I don't even have an iPod, just going by facts. Cheers, Rocco _______________________________________________ The Uganda Linux User Group: http://linux.or.ug
Send messages to this mailing list by addressing e-mails to: [email protected] Mailing list archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Mailing list settings: http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug To unsubscribe: http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug The Uganda LUG mailing list is generously hosted by INFOCOM: http://www.infocom.co.ug/ The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including attachments if any). The mailing list host is not responsible for them in any way.
