The iPod (sorry again, xEMGx, I don't do this on purpose ;D) is in my opinion, along with the Sony ATRAC players, the worst sounding 'serious' (read: 50 dollars and up) Mp3 player.
They sound thin and sharp. They work brilliantly, but there's a little apple on it so they're really very expensive.
I wouldn't buy an iPod myself. Love playing with them, but I prefer other brands. Pretty much any other brand.
The best sounding mp3 player I've heard is an old Rio Karma. But you can't get those anymore
