iTunes playback

Posted by: Lark on 09 January 2009

Hi

I have a good number of CDs ripped into my MAC now and love its ability to act as a jukebox etc. However it seems that the differences in the output volume of albums is more noticeable than through my old CD player. I might be imagining it's worse, but the differences are quite large. Any way I was messing around in iTunes preferences and there is a Sound Check option that automatically adjusts play back volumes to the same levels.

Anyone using this function? Any thoughts on its effects on quality?

I will try it my self, but the kids are in bed so not tonight. No more music until Sunday!

Cheers
Karl

Posted on: 09 January 2009 by winkyincanada

It is generally thought that any volume control should be done outside of iTunes. Digital signal control in iTunes is thought (known?) to degrade the sound and things like EQ, SoundCheck etc should all be disabled, and volume set at maximum.

I too, notice the difference in volume between albums ripped to iTunes, but I tend to listen to whole albums, rather than playlists, so it isn't a big deal at all.

My CDs are at different volumes, too. That never bothered me either. Overly "loud", compressed stuff notwithstanding.

Cheers,

Winky

Posted on: 09 January 2009 by Naijeru

I second that. It's best to turn off any post processing effects in iTunes like EQ. I've used Sound Check before and it's a total waste of time.

Posted on: 09 January 2009 by pcstockton

thirdeded... Use the VERY high quality volume pot on your preamp.

Although it has been tested that using the volume control in Itunes does not prevent bit-perfect playback.... grain of salt right??

The albums have always been as different in volume as you are now experiencing.

Previously, when playing CDs, you did not switch between them so rapidly, and therefor did not notice the volume difference.

2cents

Posted on: 10 January 2009 by Lark

Cheers all. As I suspected.

Karl