Q: Is there any difference in sound quality between the iPod touch and the iPod classic models? Do they both use the same sound chip and process? I own a first-generation 80GB iPod classic with upgraded IEMs and I have a large library of music at 192kbps AAC, all of which sounds terrific. I like the new iPod touch a lot but have never switched since its storage size was always too small.
However, now that a 64GB version exists I’m seriously considering one. Will I lose anything in audio performance in going to the iPod touch?
– George
A: From our testing and comparisons, the audio quality of the second and third-generation iPod touch models is essentially the same as the 2007 iPod classic models.
As we noted in our review of the second-generation iPod touch in the fall of 2008:
There is one big audio change, and that’s the iPod touch’s sound chip. Months ago, long-time iPod audio chip supplier Wolfson Micro made clear—with minimal discretion—that its chips were not going to be included in either the upcoming iPod nano or iPod touch refreshes, which were then unknown.
