There is considerable discussion on Apple’s iPods discussion boards from European owners of new iPods regarding volume limitors that are present in the European models—but not in US models.
Because of EU health regulations, European models are not capable of producing the same volume levels as their US brethern, causing considerable indignation from buyers who were not made aware of these limits.
Apple has not responded to any user feedback or comment on the subject, nor have any fixes been offered by the company or users.
iPod advertising, packaging and user information makes no note of these limits.