Audio quality on apple TV

Audio quality when playing songs thru apple tv is poor (too much bass) when those songs originated from download sites other than itunes......Is this normal??? If not any ideas to fix this???

I use appleTV for 90% of my audio listening. I output via the digital on the ATV into my naim hifi and have to say that at the price point it beats without doubt hifi well over ten times the price.
However the analogue audio out is mediocre to say the least. The issues you are having with too much bass in fact is a lack of definition caused by a number of factors.
1. 'Downloaded from other than iTunes' I will assume means you to-rent-ed them. Invariably these are at very low bit rates converted by muppets and therefore will sound dire.
2. Rubbish hifi or worse out of the TV. For the best playback use a dedicated hifi, your TV speakers are not up to the task of TV sound playback let alone music.

Similar Messages

Audio quality on Apple TV G2.

I bought my Apple TV (G2) with the goal to no longer put my CDs and DVDs in a CD/DVD player and so have my audio library, concerts and movies cataloged into iTunes.
I've converted all my CDs (which are originally stereo) to MP3 but now I need convert my DVDs. The big question is regarding the audio quality, because most
of my DVDs has original sound in DTS. How do I convert the DVDs to make sure the Apple TV will play the 6 channel (5.1) with the same quality as the original DVD?

For audio, I did two tests:
FIRST TEST:
In this first test the file was played perfectly in iTunes (MacBook) and AppleTV2. Theoretically, I've got a 5.1 audio in AppleTV2.
SECOND TEST:
In this second test, iTunes perfectly played the file but AppleTV2 had an error and didn't played it.
You are still creating single track audio files. What nightstorm and I were suggesting is that you use the default audio pre-set also. This should ensure compatibility across both systems and devices. Some users have complained that movies containing only the AC3 audio track won't play on their TV devices. Others state that they do play. On my system the ones I've tested with only AC3 audio do play, but since this represents only a few random tests, I cannot say that all such files made this way will play. On the other hand, all of the files I've made with AAC only and AAC + AC3 audio tracks have played correctly (other than my initial 640 Kbps AC3 passthrough test made a year or so ago).
Once again, as you can see, the default Audio preset creates two audio tracks. The first, a stereo AAC track is encoded as Pro Logic II audio using a target data rate of 160 Kbps with a 48.0 KHz sampling rate. This track is the "default" audio used by systems and/or devices not capable of playing AC3 DD5.1 audio. In addition, if connected to a "active" PL II decoder, it will play surround sound. While not true "discrete" surround audio, it is generally audibly better than "passive" PL decoding. As to the AC3 DD5.1 track, it is normally played by "default" when played through an TV device connected to a AC3 DD5.1 decoder equipped TV, receiver, or amplifier and the user has not turned off the passthrough capability.
Here are the statistics for two test clip snippets taken from the same file encoded using my TV preset. As you can see, the audio and video data rates can vary by quite a degree during encoding. This will give you some idea as to how movie content can "drive" the encoder during the compression process. In the first snippet, there is a rapid close-up pan (very difficult to encode) and frequent loud noises in the background that help to drive up the data rates. The other snippet is what I tend to think of as a typical average indoor scene. In any event, I have uploaded both test files so you can download and test then on your system and/or TV device if you wish. I would be interested to know if they play correctly in both iTunes and on your TV2.
Test
Test2
Now I have the following questions:
- Will I get the best (same as the original AC3 5.1 source) audio quality with AAC?
- Why my AppleTV2 couldn't play the content with AC3?
Apple recommended preset is 64 Kbps data rate at 44.1 KHz sampling rate per channel. (I.e., 128 Kbps at 44.1 KHz for stereo.) When listening to things like piano overtones or rain falling on an empty street, I can hear a difference between these settings and stereo 160 Kbps at 48.0 KHz. So I admit I do use the latter for may AAC track. However, as I am on the "high side of 65" and my hearing is not as good as it could be, I really do not hear any differences above these settings. If you want you can try using stereo 320 Kbps at 48.0 KHz and see if you can hear any differences in the quality. Frankly, your target data rate of 448 Kbps seemed higher than necessary for stereo.
As to a comparison of AAC with AC3, a stereo 160 Kbps/48.0 KHz audio track is supposed to equal a stereo AC3 track at 192 Kbps/48.0 KHz which is the standard for DVD. As to AC3 DD5.1 the standard for a DVD is 448 Kbps at 48.0 KHz. As you can see if the data rate were divided equally between all 6 channels, the the allocation would only be about 75 Kbps per channel. Luckily, sounds allocated to each of the 6 channels rarely, if ever, require to push the full amount of data through all channels simultaneously. It might be more appropriate to say that each AAC channel has a higher sustained quality potential than each standard AC3 track, but that the increased number of AC3 channels provides a potential for more natural, directional sounds.
As to your not being able to play your AC3 only files, there simply is not enough information to evaluate at the moment. For instance, your system may be one that wants/requires/expects an AAC track be included in the file. Or, as previously mentioned, the audio data rate for your output files may exceed the limits allowed for streaming to the TV2 device. For that matter, while all of my tests were made using the "Auto" setting to output audio at 48.0 KHz, your screen shots of target settings do not confirm that your file output is, in fact, using a 48.0 KHz sampling rate. (I.e., some TVs/receivers may not accept other sampling rates which may be why Apple added the new "16-bit" audio preference setting.)
In any case, see if you can play the files I posted let us know the test results.

How is the Apple TVs analog audio quality?

I am thinking about buying an Apple Tv to stream music to my home theater system. Currently I have an airport express, but it's audio quality is not very good, even while streaming 320kbps AAC. I can not hook it up via the Optical port as my receiver doesn't have an optical in. Does the Apple TV's quality surpass that of the airport express, or is the same audio chip in both of them?
Thank you in advance.

If you have a set of earphones/headphones that are of very high quality, they might be able to pull out the static sounds and the compression artefacts of especially mp3 songs, that is for sure. In my opinion, the Zen outputs a rich spectrum of sounds quite well, although not nearly as well as with my PC (but I use all sorts of sound enriching programs on my PC..). The bass could be better, but I've heared worse from an mp3 player like this. I have a set of Koss PortaPro, which are able to get the bass frequencies out of the music fairly well. I use the custom EQ to up the bass, but the "Bass Boost" feature I don't like; it distorts the bass for quite a lots of my songs. The amount of features are outstanding for a music player in this price category, with a good video player, a large screen, SD-card slot, a dictaphone, radio and photo album ?(you can choose a custom background for the Zen from the photo album). Other neat features include customising the meny (rearrange stuff, add and remove things you don't like or want) and changing GUI theme.Message Edited by de_zwaluw on 2-3-20070:44 AM

When playing any audio the audio quality on my Thunderbolt display steadily worsens over an hour period and becomes garbled. Restarting the media player fixes it. Does not occur when MacBook Pro is undocked.

When playing audio/video on my MacBook Pro docked to Thunderbolt display the audio quality steadily worsens until it is garbled beyond understanding. I don't know if it occurs when using the MacBook undocked. It takes about an hour to become noticeable and steadily worsens. Simultaneously when the computer speaks the time this is also gargled. As the problem develops it sounds like there is a static halo around each spoken word.

Hi GeoChester,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
I understand that you are experiencing some sound issues on your Mac that worsens over time. In this situation, the first troubleshooting step that I would recommend would be to reset your computer’s PRAM. To do this, please follow the instructions in the following attached article.
OS X Yosemite: Reset your computer’s PRAM
Best regards,
Joe

Audio sounds horrible after installing iTunes vers 10.5. How do I restore the audio quality?

How do I restore audio quality after installing iTunes version 10.5? The audio is high-pitched and metallic.

I wish i knew, no feedback or help forthcoming from apple yet

What settings give the BEST audio quality (original audio CD to iTunes)

Further to my last post, can ya'll PLEASE help me get the bottom of this? I have heard so many different opinions & need to resolve ASAP....
What pref' settings will give me the VERY BEST audio quality, when importing original audio CD's into iTunes 4?
File size is of no issue (I have TONS of storage). I aim to import all at the highest quality possible (files need to be "broadcast quality" - for playing through a big PA system). I have been advised to either.....
1. Import using the AAC encoder at a stereo bit rate of 320 kbps with a sample rate of 48.000 kHz.
2. Import using AIFF (lossless uncompressed).
3. Import using Apple Lossless (lossless compressed).
WHICH ONE SHOULD I USE? Bearing in mind that the files will be played LOUD through a professional PA system & I'd prefer the crowd not to notice a significant diference between iTune files & orginal audio CD's (I will be spining both, side by side).
Cheers - Sweetamix.

You are finding out that the answer to this question tough. Everyone has their own opinion on this one.
I saved the responses to a topic I opened six months ago on this same subject. I saved them and cut and pasted them into one document. Here were the answers I received. Good luck. bob
Subject: Re: Classical Music & Bitrate
Date: Sunday, June 26, 2005 11:12 PM
To: <[email protected]>
RE: Classical Music & Bitrate
My experience with classical music (and music in general) is that the higher the bitrate, the better the quality and richness of the music. On the other hand, there is a limit to how much distinction your ears can make, and I think that anything above 192 kbps (mp3 format) is not significantly better (and not worth the larger file size). And in terms of volume adjustment, I personally have not found any need for it.
RE: Classical Music & Bitrate
I copied the same CD to my computer in 128, 160, 192, and 320 bitrates, and I couldn't tell a difference between any of 'em. I was listening to them with Grado SR60 headphones too.
RE: Classical Music & Bitrate
I’m sure you will get several if not many responses. You may also find they vary with the preference of the individual. However there are some rules of thumb. Generally speaking I think you will indeed find the higher the bit rate brings you closer to the CD sound.
Certainly, 32-bit rate does not offer very good sound quality. Actually going from 32 to 320 should have been noticeably better, if not…. Then you’re in good shape. Because what you don’t know is there, can’t be missed.
Also, the bit rate is only part of the equation. What format codec <http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=51910> are your songs ripped to.
Consider the following - iPod: About compatible song formats
<http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61476>
MP3 (from 32 Kbps to 320 Kbps)
MP3 Variable Bit Rate (VBR)
AIFF
WAV
M4A AAC
Apple Lossless Encoder
It sounds to me as though your songs may be in MP3 format. As a suggestion you might try ripping your CD’s to 128 AAC format. The general consensus is that AAC is better than MP3. Give it a shot…for the heck of it, and see what you think.
Finally in the end…..it matters little what we all might think….If you think your sounds are better ripped at a MP3 320 bit rate……Great. If not…experiment, and play around till you find what sounds wonderful to you!
RE: Classical Music & Bitrate
Sorry for taking so long to get back to this thread: had two twelve-hour work days in a row.
I did a Get Info on a typical piece in my iTunes and got this
Kind: AAC Audio File
Bit Rate: 128kb (have some at 192 & 2 or 3 at 320)
Sample Rate: 44.100 kHz
Profile: Low Complexity
Channels: Stereo
Volume: +2.3
I was troubled that one responder couldn't tell the difference among 128, 160, 192, and 320 bitrates even using Grado SR60 headphones!
And another seems to be of a similar opinion when he says that I think that anything above 192 kbps (mp3 format) is not significantly better (and not worth the larger file size). Does this apply to AAC format, too?
However, I am going to continue to add tunes at the 320 bitrate - for a while - because I swear that I can tell a difference when I play them over my car radio via the cassette adapter.

Horrible Audio Quality from Airport Express

Last night, I purchased an Airport Express for the sole purpose of using it as a client on my already exsiting 802.11g wireless network to play my iTunes on my living room stero. It took me a while to get the configuration set up correctly, but I finally have it so that it is communicating with the network and sending information and iTunes to the AirPort.
My problem is that the audio quality on my stero system is horrendous (i.e. unlistenable). It sounds like I'm listening to a radio broadcast from way out of range.
Here's the odd part - the connector cable to my stereo works fine with other audio devices (i.e. my iPod) - and the Airport Express works fine with just my headphones. So, there is no problem hooking into the stereo and no problem with range or communication between my iTunes, network and the Airport.
I think this issue problably has something to do with the levels from the Airport unit into my stereo, but I don't know exactly what my next move should be. The only thing I'm quite convinced about is there must be a very simple answer to this problem which has had me pulling my hair out for hours now.
If anyone could suggest something that could help, it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
--Cozmo
Dell Windows XP Pro

Hi cozmocramernyc,
I am glad it works.
I use the Digital Optical cable instead the standard cable and the audio is Awesome.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/3.RSLID?mco=C B298EB6&nplm=M9573LL%2FA

How Do I Improve Audio Quality on Face Time

Can anyone advise how I can improve the audio quality on Face Time?
Video is acceptable, but audio sounds like a long distance phone call back in the bad old days, lots of background noise and voices barely audible.
I don't think its my internet connection, currently ADSL2+, Line speed 4.9Mbps, download speed 617KB/s

Little Eddy wrote:
Can anyone advise how I can improve the audio quality on Face Time?
Video is acceptable, but audio sounds like a long distance phone call back in the bad old days, lots of background noise and voices barely audible.
I don't think its my internet connection, currently ADSL2+, Line speed 4.9Mbps, download speed 617KB/s
Welcome to Discussions, Little Eddy
Depending on whether you mean sound you hear or how you sound to others, here are some ideas for your consideration:
(1) Call from an area with less background noise.
(2) Use an iPhone. Its sound quality is superior to iPod touch.
(3) Try http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB770G/B It sounds better in my tests than internal mic.
(4) For FaceTime on your iMac, sit closer to the Mac's mic. Also test speaking louder.
(5) For FaceTime on your Mac, try a USB mic like http://store.apple.com/us/product/T6831LL/A
(6) Both you and your connection should test with other users to determine who has the problem.
(7) If sound you hear from other end, ask your contact to double check that his mic is not obstructed by a case, fingers, etc.
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz Mac OS X (10.6.5); MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.5)
LED Cinema Display; G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11); iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9); External iSight; iPod4touch4.2.1

How do I fix the audio quality on my iTunes? It sounds very distorted.

How do I fix the audio quality on my iTunes? It sounds very distorted.When listening to audio from other websites or programs, it sounds absolutely fine. Only when listening to music on my itunes is when it sounds awful and distorted. Please help.

Artwork doesn't sync with music in ipod...: Apple Support Communities
next try
- Unsync all music and resync
- Restore from backup. See:
iOS: How to back up
- Restore to factory settings/new iOS device.

Audio Quality with 2.1 update - GONE!

Has anyone else noticed that the audio quality with the iPhone after the 2.1 update has gone downhill. On several calls today I have had people on other iPhones asking for me to repeat myself, and me to them. We all got together today and it seems everyone in our little group has the same problem.
The calls I have made in the last day after the update to 2.1 are in the same area and places. Everything sounds bassy like the highs are gone. The quality is gone! When people talk I can hear a break-up (distortion) where the quality is lacking. What did Apple do to the awesome sound the iPhone 3G once had?
I would rather have a program crashing phone with great sound then what this has become.. Anyone else having the same problem? Is there something new under a secret icon on the phone that lets one fiddle with highs and lows?? Help my sound quality is gone...

I also got the same problem with voice quality. My friends cannot hear my voice clearly and always ask me repeat and repeat. One more thing, iPhone3G always pick up a lot of background noise. Because I used Motorola V9 which voice quality is better iPhone3G. I hope Apple can improve the voice quality soon, otherwise I need throw it away and use V9 again...

ITunes 10 poor audio quality

After upgrading to iTunes 10, I noticed when playing music from my library that the audio quality is significantly lower than previously with iTunes 9.x. The audio quality sounds muffled and distorted.
I found this thread in the Windows section, but wondered if other Mac users were experiencing the problem as well.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2571907&start=0&tstart=0
I ended up downgrading back to iTunes 9.x and the problem was resolved. Any ideas? I'm going to end up needing to use iTunes 10 for my new Nano I think ...

Just found the solution! At least for my case. I also had muffled sound and restricted frequency range as it seemed to my ears. And yes, it was the frequency range indeed...
I usually listen through my Sound Sticks but this could also be the solution for other audio interfaces.
Open Apples AudioMidi-Application and check frequency and bit rate for your interfaces' output!
In my case the frequency range was set to 8000kHz for the sound sticks, put it back to 44.1kHz and Tatatataaaa: crisp sound again! (you may have to restart iTunes to have it respect this setting).
I don't know what caused this setting, never messed around in AudioMidi. Something probably went wrong during the installation of iTunes10.
But now have back again the sound quality of iTunes 9.x
Hope this helps you all, it saved me from having to downgrade my iTunes installation.

Audio Quality and loudness

Apple please fix the slight hitch in the Audio Quality.
My main problem is that the ipod classic is too loud with my er-4p's. This headphone is low independence for portable products, but even on the lowest volume, turning it to zero (well what should be no volume), produces sound output to loud for listening. Could you explain to me how I fix this (perhaps use european firmware) or apple can fix this in the the next firmware upgrade. Otherwise I will return my product. I cannot use it at this volume.

I've noticed this too - what an unusual problem.
Typically when I listen at work, I keep the volume low - but now turn it all the way down - to 0 - and it's just a touch loud. I imagine with Really Good headphones - it would be too loud.
Have you thought of just using the apple buds? You lose the sound. . . but it's not as loud I expect.
I only use my good phones in my car. . . with the windows down - or on airplanes or travelling, etc.

Bad audio quality - USB to headphones adaptor?

Hello,
I've had my MBP for nearly a year now, and have had a problem with the audio quality ever since I got it. The problem occurs when the music is quiet or there is silence - there is a lot of white noise, and occasional beeps and pops. It seems that this is a common problem with MBPs? This isn't a problem I have with any other device, and is not due to the encoding of the music (the same music library produced excellent sound on my old 12" powerbook).
I was wondering whether there exist any good quality (and small) USB adaptors for headphones? I presume this would solve the problem by bypassing the audio card altogether? If so, could anyone recommend such an adaptor that would be mac-compatible?
Thanks!
Message was edited by: melkor445

Not an answer to your question. But I got confirmation last week that this is a known issue. See my earlier thread. http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=7831115
I'd be interested to know about any headphone adaptor you find. You should send the bill to Apple though.

Sound Check Audio Quality

Hi,
I have many CD's ripped in apple lossless encoding stored on my Apple TV. I use the optical output for optimum audio quality. Does anyone know how Sound Check actually works and does it affect the sound quality.
Thanks,
Paul.

No idea how it works, but I assume it reduces dynamic range.
Whatever it does it sounds awful.
AC

Audio quality - also, return policy

The screen issue may be an issue of a defect, so I can hold out hope for that to be right by the time mine ships, but what about the audio quality? Do others find that the sound quality is worse than a 5g iPod? I would hate to find that I disliked the sound of the iPod touch.
In that regard, what is Apple's return policy when the issue is only that you don't like a product? Will they give a full refund in that case? I'd like to keep my preorder in, but if I found the sound quality bothersome I would definitely want to return it for a refund.

regardless of store policy, you my friend are protected by Consumer Law, which supercedes any store policy. Policy is just that, policy... law trumps policy.
Also, a policy is referred (legally) to as "to offer a replacement, refund..." - notice the wording - "offer". Just because they offer it to you, you do not have any legal obligation to accept such a policy/offer.
Trust me, I took my iPod Touch to the 5th Avenue store in NYC this morning, and "their policy" is to not refund when bought with a debit card, as it's similar to cash, and on the back of the receipt it states no refunds over $250.
I referred her to my consumer rights protected by Consumer Law, and hey presto, I got a full refund to my debit card (over $400, the cost of the Touch + taxes).
So, if you're knowledgable, and of course courteous, you'll get back what you want.
The law protects you.

Audio quality on apple TV

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