Sound Quality Differences?

[wellsjs]

I just switched TH55s. I own two and switch out every six months, keeping the spare one charged monthly. I am now back to my newer one, and as I listen to music everyday during my 3-mile walks, I was amazed at the richness and clarity difference with this one, compared to my older one.

I realize that it is possible that some circuit board components may be different between these, supposedly identical units, due to different manufacturing "batches." Also, even though computerized, not all solder joints are "created equal." Both units are in mint condition. Actually the new one, which sounds best, has been dropped once. The one that sounds worse has never been dropped.

BTW, my headphones are Sony MDR-EX71s. Not the world's best, but pretty decent in sound quality.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced a marked difference in sound quality between two TH55s?

[LupeValenz]

I wish I had two ;_;

[Clie Patra]

I have a European and a US one, but I don't notice any difference in sound quality. They sound exactly the same. Do you use the same equaliser settings or bass boost options on both devices?

[wellsjs]

I am using Pocket Tunes 3.0.9 with the exact same settings on both devices.

[Wytnucls]

What were you chewing on during that last walk?

[blck1jack]

I have never heard anything like that, the quality on my TH55 remains superior to even my ipod mini.

[psau3]

The difference between the two devices is likely due to variations in both 'driver' hardware (mostly final power amp stage & filter network - component tolerance, etc.) and DSP settings. I know almost nothing about the DSP used in this device, so I'd hazard a guess that you might see codec version differences, if different batches or revisions of the BGA part were used.

[wellsjs]

The difference between the two devices is likely due to variations in both 'driver' hardware (mostly final power amp stage & filter network - component tolerance, etc.) and DSP settings. I know almost nothing about the DSP used in this device, so I'd hazard a guess that you might see codec version differences, if different batches or revisions of the BGA part were used.I like this answer . . . it's over my head technically, but it sounds much better than me being delusional from chewing on something! :D

[psau3]

I like this answer . . . it's over my head technically, but it sounds much better than me being delusional from chewing on something! :D

Hehe - being a delusional hardware guy, I can assure you that chewing on something often makes it sound different. ;)

[wellsjs]

I have never heard anything like that, the quality on my TH55 remains superior to even my ipod mini.Don't get me wrong! Both provide good sound quality. It's just that one is noticably richer, sharper, and with better channel separation than the other.

[COmedic04]

What were you chewing on during that last walk?

This actually is a more valid question than you might think! Chewing gum, swallowing, drinking, etc. can change the fluid equilibrium in the eustacian canals of the inner ear and change the pressure feedback on the eardrum, thus changing the frequency and pitch the ear "hears"!! Good point, Wytnucls! :)

[Wytnucls]

That's exactly what I meant...Trust me, I'm a doctor! :D

[wellsjs]

Trust me, I'm a doctor! :DYea . . . right! :eek: :p