Am I expecting too much of D2's sound quality?

pingy72 · 12-20-2007, 21:08

Hi all, I just got my D2 and I really love all its features so far; when I was looking to buy a pmp, I needed one that almost mimics the versatility of zoomplayer on pc and the sound quality to that of x-fi. However, when I start to play some of my music, be it classic, pop, or rock, it wasn't clear but rather sound like all the sounds are mixed in together. I think it may be the headphones but when I tried it on a home theater amplifier it only sounded slightly better. X-fi with ffdshow audio filters produce the clearest sound I have ever experienced, the notes are crisp and distinctive, and I used this mainly to compare the sq with D2. Hopefully there is a way D2 can also produced the same clarity. I keep reading from other people's post praising how great D2's sq is so can anyone fill me in so I can finally enjoy what I'm missing

?

Mr. Black · 12-20-2007, 21:19

did you switch off the default audio effects dude?

4ki · 12-21-2007, 00:36

If you're using it as a line-out, kill effects > volume at 49, I believe. For headphones, tell us what you're using; the D2 dislikes analytical, sub-flatline bass, and is better off with warmer cans.

pingy72 · 12-21-2007, 16:13

I'm using a cheapo ear buds right now, JVC gummy ones ~$12. I know I need a rather expensive headphone to really hear the quality. But how about sennheiser hd 201? It's pretty cheap but I've read pretty good reviews for it. O, and one question so I don't have to post a new thread for it. Since I just got my D2, the battery doesn't seem to last as long as it promoted to be. For me, it seems to last < 20 hrs which is ridiculously short after a full charge and just listening to music. I've read in another post where someone here also seem to have the same issue but the poster later rma it. I hope I don't have to rma it to escape from the hassle of shipping it long distance. The fw is 2.51.

dman77 · 12-21-2007, 17:14

Perhaps you expecting to much of the D2 as far as the battery goes. You'll always get the less battery time as advertise because they measure it under the conditions that are least strain on the batt.

I just got my D2 and I played it for about a good 8 hours with constantly fiddling with it so the screen was on alot, played flac files, had eq and other sound enhancements on, usually had the vol at about 10, and it only took one bar off the battery. So, I would say I am getting really good battery life.

Mr. Black · 12-21-2007, 17:23

without using the SD slot you should get roughly 40 hours of higher bitrate music playback, that's with out effects and at a moderate volume and a minimum of screen on time...

twit · 12-22-2007, 13:17

x-fi really isn't a measurement of good sound quality

pingy72 · 12-22-2007, 15:16

Hmmm, I don't know exactly how to explain it but when i listened on my pc with x-fi and ffdshow's freeverb, the sound is definitely the best I have ever heard on pc yet. I know that I'm not really a true audiophile but I can tell when something sounds good and I'll use that as my target reference. When I listened to opera for example, the vocals are clear and sharp while maintaining a nice and warm sound in low-end of the spectrum.

I'm not trying to sell x-fi but rather want the almost exact sound produced on the D2.

zorrofox · 12-22-2007, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by twit

x-fi really isn't a measurement of good sound quality

Hallelujah!

4ki · 12-23-2007, 01:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by twit

x-fi really isn't a measurement of good sound quality

But it is a measure of his preference. His ears say that the sound is rich and detailed; for another listener, "experienced" or not, this could very well be the opposite. I know plenty of folk who have listened to better gear that still somehow prefer the vanilla ipod/bud combo. It's like enjoying "good" wine grown and processed in Monterey Bay, or simple grape juice. Truth be told, I'd take the grape juice any day

To the OP: Not a good choice in earbuds. My take is that you need to experience some better/more listening gear, as your choice in phones means that you probably haven't invested a whole lot of money on your setup (I'm talking hundreds, thousands, like Fabio, who's sound system is totally rock...), or at least tested a wide-array of other systems to compare your sound. Granted most of us aren't that crazy (or stupid, take your pick), but you know what I mean.

On HD 201s: Muddy, could be a good balance with the D2 as they're warmer, but I'd personally aim higher. Equation Audio RP-21 ($79), AKG K81DJ ($59), Sennheiser HD555 ($89), and maybe Audio Technica ATH-5000 ($89) are solid 'hi-fi' cans that the D2 can handle without any issues. The D2 was meant to be used with slightly hungrier cans; otherwise it wouldn't have a 74mw amplifier!

Personally, I use what's in my sig; my personal favorite phone is actually the PK3 listed at $59 now (though you can find used pairs for less). A similar phone that's cheaper than everything mentioned so far are koss KSC75s, at less than $20. For IEMs, anything with bass and near-zero sibilance is a must imo since the D2's high-end is so darn...high.

12-20-2007, 21:08	#1
pingy72 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 41	Am I expecting too much of D2's sound quality? Hi all, I just got my D2 and I really love all its features so far; when I was looking to buy a pmp, I needed one that almost mimics the versatility of zoomplayer on pc and the sound quality to that of x-fi. However, when I start to play some of my music, be it classic, pop, or rock, it wasn't clear but rather sound like all the sounds are mixed in together. I think it may be the headphones but when I tried it on a home theater amplifier it only sounded slightly better. X-fi with ffdshow audio filters produce the clearest sound I have ever experienced, the notes are crisp and distinctive, and I used this mainly to compare the sq with D2. Hopefully there is a way D2 can also produced the same clarity. I keep reading from other people's post praising how great D2's sq is so can anyone fill me in so I can finally enjoy what I'm missing?

12-20-2007, 21:19	#2
Mr. Black ~~Title~~ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: 404 Posts: 4,067	did you switch off the default audio effects dude? __________________ Gone! Just like that!

12-21-2007, 00:36	#3
4ki .DIGIANALOGUOUS._. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 1,156	If you're using it as a line-out, kill effects > volume at 49, I believe. For headphones, tell us what you're using; the D2 dislikes analytical, sub-flatline bass, and is better off with warmer cans. __________________ //COWON D2 > :: Denon D1001 (pending cable mod) :: YUIN PK3 :: Sound Magic PL50 :: Panasonic RP-HTX7 (Pad Mod) :: Koss KSC-75 (Kramer Mod) :: Sony MDR-EX56LP :: Kramer-Modded JVC HA-FX33 //OWNED > :: Nuforce NE-7m:: Alessandro MS-1 :: Shure E4C :: Ultimate Ears super.fi 3 Studio :: Atrio M5 :: Creative EP630 _//LAST.FM _//FLICKR _//DEVART

12-21-2007, 17:23	#6
Mr. Black ~~Title~~ Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: 404 Posts: 4,067	without using the SD slot you should get roughly 40 hours of higher bitrate music playback, that's with out effects and at a moderate volume and a minimum of screen on time... __________________ Gone! Just like that!

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12-21-2007, 16:13	#4
pingy72 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 41	I'm using a cheapo ear buds right now, JVC gummy ones ~$12. I know I need a rather expensive headphone to really hear the quality. But how about sennheiser hd 201? It's pretty cheap but I've read pretty good reviews for it. O, and one question so I don't have to post a new thread for it. Since I just got my D2, the battery doesn't seem to last as long as it promoted to be. For me, it seems to last < 20 hrs which is ridiculously short after a full charge and just listening to music. I've read in another post where someone here also seem to have the same issue but the poster later rma it. I hope I don't have to rma it to escape from the hassle of shipping it long distance. The fw is 2.51.

12-21-2007, 17:14	#5
dman77 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 114	Perhaps you expecting to much of the D2 as far as the battery goes. You'll always get the less battery time as advertise because they measure it under the conditions that are least strain on the batt. I just got my D2 and I played it for about a good 8 hours with constantly fiddling with it so the screen was on alot, played flac files, had eq and other sound enhancements on, usually had the vol at about 10, and it only took one bar off the battery. So, I would say I am getting really good battery life.

12-22-2007, 13:17	#7
twit Audio hobo Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 62	x-fi really isn't a measurement of good sound quality

12-22-2007, 15:16	#8
pingy72 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 41	Hmmm, I don't know exactly how to explain it but when i listened on my pc with x-fi and ffdshow's freeverb, the sound is definitely the best I have ever heard on pc yet. I know that I'm not really a true audiophile but I can tell when something sounds good and I'll use that as my target reference. When I listened to opera for example, the vocals are clear and sharp while maintaining a nice and warm sound in low-end of the spectrum. I'm not trying to sell x-fi but rather want the almost exact sound produced on the D2.