iTunes v8.1 and Songbird v1.1

[db.really.loud]

I was just curious if any one else has noticed differences in playback with these two software jukeboxes. I think have double checked every setting that is possible, but these two programs sound slightly different. Songbird is slightly leaner and iTunes slightly richer. Consequently, tracks sound better on one than the other.

Is there a reason for this? Which setting should I again look into (I use MacOS 10.5.6)? Or is this just somehow part of the software.

 

[emw]

I have 3 questions for you.

1. What hardware do you use ?

2. Have you had Songbird v1.0 before and have you heard (sonicly) an improvement/change while you changed to SB v1.1 ?

3. Which player do you like more - itunes or songbird?

 

I have still Songbird v1.0 running and I most times I like the sound better than itunes v8.1.

However, I get a short "tick noise" between songs.

I´m using a MacBookPro with Toslink-out to my DAC and the AIFF files are stored on an firewire connected external harddrive.

I wonder if SB v1.1 may eliminate these "ticks" ?

 

[db.really.loud]

1. I am using an iMac (AIFF on internal harddrive) with USB feeding the Bel Canto 24/96 Link which feeds my Bel Canto DAC3.

2. I actually just started using Songbird v1.1, I have no experience to share about v1.0.

3. I probably favor the lusher sounds of iTunes for most tracks, although every so often I do prefer the leaner sounds of Songbird -- depends on the track.

 

 

No ticks here with Songbird v1.1, but I'm not sure the cause of the ticks between tracks for you. I'm going to do more listening but at this point I'm not sure if one is "wrong" or "right". Just a bit different.

 

[emw]

May have to try SB v1.1

 

[markr]

... db.really.loud and welcome to Computer Audiophile!

 

There are three things to check in iTunes to be sure that you are getting unadulterated sound:

 

In Preferences > Playback:

- Sound Enhancer should be off

- Sound Check should also be off

In the drop-down menu at the top of the screen:

- Equalizer - should be off

 

The same sort of things should of course be off in Song Bird. I'm not familiar with using that program, so cannot help there.

 

If these items all check out, I cannot say what might be the cause of the difference that you are hearing.

 

Hope this helps,

markr