EQ presets are for sissies

The X-Fi sound enhancement in the Creative Zen X-Fi is so good they named the player after it.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

That's right, I said it. You want to know why Steve Jobs doesn't include advanced EQ settings on the iPod? It's because he thinks you're a drooling baby who can't be trusted not to mangle your own music. Considering how few of you care enough to slap a decent pair of earbuds on your MP3 player, he may have the right idea.

Truth is, in this iPod-dominated world, most listeners aren't aware of all the cool sound-enhancement technology being developed for non-iPod MP3 players. For those who yearn to take your music to new heights with custom EQ settings, we've got some MP3 players for you that will rot your ears with their artificial sweetness.

Check out our top five MP3 players with killer EQ settings.

[dude7895]

I have a Walkman and it is much better - and cheaper - than the ipod. It also comes with better quality earbuds. I don't know who is dumb enough to actually buy and ipod.

[scottpee]

i'd even be happy with a gain control (preamp) for the EQ presets that are already part of the iPod. it's really frustrating that most music that's EQ'd on the iPod sounds distorted. a preamp control is included with the itunes EQ, so it seems logical that the iPod should have the same functionality.