[David Tucker]

I will do that comparison...though it may take me a bit before I manage it.

[David Tucker]

I will do that comparison...though it may take me a bit before I manage it.

[doogald]

That actually is something else that I do: my main library is (mostly) 320 kbps MP3 files (the files that I ripped from my CDs), plus the 256 kbps MP3s and AACs bought from Amazon and iTunes (not really many of those), but nearly everything on my iPod library has been transcoded down to 128 kbps AAC files. I have done those listening tests, and with all but classical music with a lot of dynamic range, there is really no noticeable difference when wearing any sort of earbuds or headphones. And, considering the fact that I do a majority of listening to my iPod while I'm doing something else - running, cutting the grass, doing other outdoor chores - it really doesn't make that much of a difference. YMMV, of course.

And, by the way, when I say to somebody with 30 GB of music who also wants to carry a handful of video and numerous podcasts on their device that my argument to him that a 32 GB Zune should be ok, I think that is a reasonable suggestion. Please don't tell me that I shouldn't make that argument. You may certainly disagree, but I think I'm entitled to at least throw that out there in this particular case, yes?

[David Tucker]

Please tell me that the 32 kbps is a typo for 320 kbps!

[doogald]

Originally Posted by David Tucker

Please tell me that the 32 kbps is a typo for 320 kbps!

'Tis. (message must be ten characters, so I have added this parenthetical message.)

[Kacey Green]

Jason, two things: I'm already doing that with my full 120, I left it to sync this morning after de-selecting some more artists to make everything fit, and it added over 160 new items to the device, (despite my not adding any new content and only de-rating stuff I wanted to take off) I may drop the quality another notch .

Point two: I see the kinds of crazy comments you get on YouTube, yikes.

[Jason Dunn]

Originally Posted by Kacey Green

Point two: I see the kinds of crazy comments you get on YouTube, yikes.

Hehe...you have no idea! I delete all the really bad ones.

[stlbud]

Originally Posted by doogald

...Please don't tell me that I shouldn't make that argument. You may certainly disagree, but I think I'm entitled to at least throw that out there in this particular case, yes?

I suppose that is an alternative. At first I was thinking the time to transcode would be prohibitive but then I remember that I sync and charge my Zune overnight. I wouldn't even be conscious 8-) I'd still have to see if it shrinks down enough.

Even still, it kind of takes the value of "HD" out of the equation. Specially when you have HDMI and Optical SPDIF out.

From the Wizard of Oz ... "My world! My Beautiful World! Shrinking! Shrinking..."

[SoundMix]

Originally Posted by doogald

And, by the way, when I say to somebody with 30 GB of music who also wants to carry a handful of video and numerous podcasts on their device that my argument to him that a 32 GB Zune should be ok, I think that is a reasonable suggestion. Please don't tell me that I shouldn't make that argument. You may certainly disagree, but I think I'm entitled to at least throw that out there in this particular case, yes?

I disagree!

[SoundMix]

Originally Posted by Jason Dunn

Do a test: transcode to 160 kbps WMA or even 128 kbps WMA and see how much (if any) of a difference that you notice...

I did that test ages ago. I can easily hear the differences. Of course each persons hearing can vary. And it depends on how well you've take care of your ears, ie. loud levels. Plus it depends on how you listen to music. A professional recording engineer/producer or musician probably listens differently and more critically. All my music except that from Amazon is recorded at the highest bitrates. If I had room on my Zune, I'd probably use lossless or at least OGG if it were an option. Yes, I use professional earphones.

Paul

[blueboy75]

I don't know what the problem is. Microsoft is going full tilt with HD. It doesn't make sense to maintain the other models. You have a good sized unit that can play music, video and hopefully games in the future. The other models are no longer relevant and I certainly wouldn't recommend them since the the new HD is on its way.

For those of you hoping for more space, just wait. Obviously larger drives will be on there way. You already know that a 64 gb is in the works and they'll probably double that by the end of 2010 if not earlier.