Quote Originally Posted by nightflier
That said, this is still hype. In addition to the lower quality of compressed files, there are a number of other factors that will make an iPod sound average compared to a decent 2-channel setup, most of which have to do with the size of the electronics and the quality of mass-produced components in iPods. They just can't compare. I know that Von Schweikert and McIntosh like to show off their gear with iPods at shows, but I'm certain that this is more because of convenience, and perhaps the fact that most consumers don't know good sound anymore.
Keep in mind, a few years back at CES, Wilson Audio played a trick on attendees by using an iPod. They had a competitors speaker set up next to their Sophia's, both seemingly being driving by a high end amp and cdp (can't remember what kind). According to TAS, the difference in the speakers was not subtle. However, the trick was that while the competitor's speaker was in fact being driven by the hi-end front end, the Sophia's were being driven by an iPod and a modest Parasound amplifier (not JC1's) connected by Radio Shack IC's! The demo was not to prove how bad the other speakers were, but rather to reiterate that while dealers like to push expensive cables, conditioners, and other frau-frau, the most important part in any audio chain is the speakers. An iPod burned lossless should, for all intensive purposes, sound just like a cd.