Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Feb 23, 2014 14:47:48 GMT
I took the leap into RockBox today and what a difference.
It's installed onto my Clip Zip and it makes a lot of sense. Why Sansa couldn't have done something similar, I don't know. It convinced me straight away so I downloaded RockBox for my Fuze+. That's less stable and has a bug in it. Still better in that I can change the font and actually read the screen now.
If only there was a version for the Ipod Classic V6. I'd go to it straight away.
Very good interface.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Feb 23, 2014 15:13:27 GMT
The good part of Rockbox for Sansa is that besides the great EQ options and other nifty features the pitch of it is closer to the 'truth'.
a file that has a 1kHz tone is about 3 Hz 'off' with the Sansa Firmware (0.25%) where the rockbox frequency is only 0.04% 'off' I really doubt if that can be heard but technically the Sansa's pitch is more accurate when using Rockbox.
Those that are used to tuning their instrument by ear while using a reference tone (tone-fork) will likely hear a 'warble' of about 1Hz. So get out your 440Hz tonefork, get yourself a 440Hz tone file and check if the tone warbles in a 1 sec interval (stock firmware) vs no warble with Rockbox.
Rockbox is more spartan looking though on something like the Fuze.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Feb 23, 2014 16:34:24 GMT
Wow. It changes the pitch of the music? I'd not guessed. The funny thing is that I thought the Rockbox version 'sounds' better than the non rockboxed but I don't know why or if it's just my head again!! Seems slightly more 'focused' I have the a beta version for the Fuze+ but it is a bit buggy. It has issues with the menu system getting locked into one place leaving you left with no option but to turn off and reboot, so I went back to the Sansa firmware. It's not as good looking though, Frans. I lke the idea of enlarging text so I can actually read it without glasses. I can feel a Fiio coming on soon though, in my attempt to escape awful Itunes. I love the Ipods but hate Itunes and Ipods are useless without it unless Rockbox has got something sorted, which hasn't happened yet. great pity. In the digital area, it might be nice to get the links posted for different daps so people can access directly actually. (At least to the stable versions) It's a great resource and I must admit now, if I was looking for a new cheap dap, I think I'd check the Rockbox list in order to help make my choice. I found it awkward to find the original firmware for the Sansas and the correct download for the Rockbox, which won't load if you don't have a copy of the original firmware on your computer. It's a bit of a search stunt tbh and if it was all stashed in one place, it would be a damned site easier. The site itself isn't set out too well for quick access: www.rockbox.org/
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 17:37:29 GMT
Ian, how difficult is it to do? I am a bit scared I'd brick my dap. Where did you find the original firmware? Any links?
Cheers,
Jeff
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Feb 23, 2014 18:00:36 GMT
Which DAP are you using, Jeff? If it's a Clip, it's not too bad to restore and even if you 'bricked' it which is unlikely, it's cheap. I must admit that I was worried about installing it for a while beforre I took the leap today. If you have a zip, I have the file here. Perhaps I need to work out where I got them and post links. It would be usful for other DAPS too though since it would be a resource that could be updated as they come out. That's what I was saying, Jeff. It's not as obvious as some say on the web site. Once you have all the bits, it's fairly easy to do. First of all, what isn't so clear is that you need to have a copy of the original firmware that comes on your dap. The programme (for legal reasons) needs to know that you have a copy. So for mine, I went to the Sansa site and downloaded a copy of the Sanza Zip to my computer and unzipped it in the download folder. Then I went to the Rockbox site and downloaded the 'Rockbox utiity, which acts as a link between your device and computer. Run the utility and plug your device in via usb. The device needs to be found by the utility programme. Then click 'install Rockbox'. A box appears asking for the original firmware, so you point it at your firmware download and the programme does everything automatically for you. TBH, that's the easiest way of doing it. You can then select themes before going ahead with the installation. Disconnect your device and when you switch on, Rockbox boots up. At first, it's a bit strange finding stuff and you need to update the database. It reads cards way faster than the Clip does on its own. Seconds instead of 10 minutes. For some reason, I found the sound more focused, but that could be me just imagining things via my 'subjective' ears. Perhaps it's what Frans is talking about in the timing or pitch of the sounds, I don't know. it's tempting to look through everything, but if you do, it looks a bit complex but once you have the basics of how it works, it's fine. The programme also allows an uninstall so that you can revert if you don't like it. However, you have to go through a strange process in order to get rid of the boot up file and reload the original firmware. I did that with my Fuze, since I found it a bit flaky. I may give it another go though because I like the programme a lot. I found a new exit procedure accidentally. There is the 'back' button on the sanza, but if this doesn't work, I found flicking the on/off button took the menu back. Now I've found that, I think I'll go again with the Fuze. The software is worth a try even if it's a bit flaky. (They say as much on the site actually) The breath taking moment is when it's stopped installing and the DAP gives you the meassge .... 'Updating Fuze'. That's the moment where you think, 'Did I get this right?' It's reversible though.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Feb 23, 2014 18:32:50 GMT
Here's another weird thing - I 'think' the Fuze sounds better than the Zip. It seems to have more in the mids and is slightly more 'mellow' sounding. Just a quick observation so might not be entirely correct. Just a feeling. For sound, I prefer the Fuze. However, Rockbox is possibly better for the Zip as a face to control it, since it's such a small device. It's not so drastic for the Fuze+. I don't particularly care for the Fuz+ smooth front to control it. I'd rather have buttons which feel more positive to me.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Feb 23, 2014 19:43:03 GMT
I changed the card ....... can't get the database to update!! Will have to look at this.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 20:45:44 GMT
Right Ian, thanks very much for the info. I'll give it a go and get back . . .
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Feb 23, 2014 21:53:17 GMT
Jeff, be careful. I can't understand what the problem is concerning the updating of the card info.
I took my card out and inserted another. tried to update, but the details wouldn't change. I've reverted for the time being!!! (But I like the interface)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2014 22:42:59 GMT
Ian, is it the Fuze or the Clip that's giving you problems? I have the Clip
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Feb 24, 2014 5:45:42 GMT
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Feb 24, 2014 6:06:09 GMT
Mine are tagged Frans, I just can't get them both to read them again. I go into settings/database and click the option to read the card but nothing is happening.
It's me because it happens on both.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Feb 24, 2014 7:04:27 GMT
Maybe look into the FAQ on the Rockbox site.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Feb 24, 2014 7:57:49 GMT
At the moment I have gone back to stock daps. It could be that it takes a very long time to update.
Sent from my ZTE Blade V using proboards
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