iPod Video (5.5 Gen) In-Depth-Review - 2020

The iPod Classic 5.5 Gen was the best iPod Classic ever made. But is it still usable as an MP3 player today?
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Music:
HOME - On My Way Out (Intro Music)
• HOME - On The Way Out
Kaiolyn - Press Start [Synthwave]
• Kaiolyn - Press Start ...
HOME - Overflow [Synthwave]
• HOME - Overflow [Synth...
[Future Bass] Phaura - Melva
• [Future Bass] Phaura -...
HOME - Resonance
• HOME - Resonance
HOME - Hold
• HOME - Hold

[@KDArchive]

That's the iPod I use every day... except it has a 2200mah battery and 400gb storage

[@RealLockheedMartin]

@@marker3725 I don't know about him, but I've got a the 30GB 5.5th Gen, modded with 256GB and a 3000mAh battery. If you're worried about picking up a 5th Gen iPod and running out of RAM for songs, I can tell you pretty confidently that the 32MB RAM limit has pretty much no practical effects. 30,000 songs is an absolutely insane amount of music and not at all a concern. I have 8200 songs encoded with the Apple AAC codec at 256kbps (probably way overkill) and they take up 67GBs. If they were FLACs or ALACs, they would take up something like 2.5-3x the space. With a transparent lossy encoding and a little under 4 times the amount of music I have, or a lossless encoding and maybe 12,000 songs, I would not reach the song limit before I fill up that SD card. There is a listing RIGHT NOW for a 5th Gen 30GB model on eBay for $40. A high quality 256GB SD card is $30 on Amazon. On the website I bought my parts from an iFlash Solo SD card adapter is $33, and a new original capacity battery is $9. That's actually all you need to get a used iPod and restore it to working condition with a lot of storage, and it's $112 all in. Want to do what I did and make it basically look new with a huge battery? The big boy back with 256GB engraved on it is $12, the buttons and bottom bezel that fit the bigger cover (because you can't use the 30GB stuff on the 60/80GB sized backs) are $20, the big battery is $17, and the front plate in black or white is $12. Instead of $112, the completely refurbished and like new iPod with a stupid big battery (like a month of daily use, seriously) is $168. All you need to do is take like an hour out of your day to watch and follow along with a teardown and put the new parts on. Or, you know, pay Elite Obsolete like $260 for a fully built one with 64MB RAM.

[@xnailsx4742]

I have 1 just like yours but mine is actually the 80gb model with the 64bit ram, I cant tell you much cuz I have to rebuild mine still, because I messed up and put the music as flac media in rockbox rather than ipod software so I need to re rip all my CDs back as lossless audio in iTunes, I have yet to do that because I've been soooo busy with college, but as of right now its a 5.5gen 80gb that I installed a iflash quad and 2, 128gb micro sd cards, I have yet to do any furthers tests but ill get back to you once I continue, btw I also changed the faceplate to clear and installed a 3000mah battery, it last a longgg time and is very enjoyable, also im big time into the whole audiophile thing so I put all the songs at their full quality so I plan on upgrading to 4, 256gb as soon as I start working right after I get my degree so around next year in the summer ill prob have it fully built, I expect to reach about 25,000 songs at lossless quality, Ipod software, while running a dual boot like it is now (and since im a hugeeee gamer) imma use rockbox for all my gaming media lol, like I love hearing video game music so thats where all my video game artist will be, and whatever else thats more obscure and not an actual song, imma put it in rockbox :)

[@peppermintpig974]

@@RealLockheedMartin Yeah. Even 128gb solid state storage is PLENTY for most people. The only reason I would suggest going for a larger storage capacity is if you want to load up on movies. Get Handbrake out, set it up for iPod and convert all your movies/music videos/shows and then grab an rgb cable or similar and the iPod is now a portable home theater content server. I did see a proprietary apple connector to HDMI the other day, but I don't recall if it's compatible with this era of iPod, but I'll see if I can snag it at the thrift store the next time I'm over there. Need to sate my curiosity.

[@MOSCA487]

Just bought one in mint condition for 25 bucks!!! Awesome little device and far better than using my phone.

[@peppermintpig974]

At the bare minimum you could swap out the battery and be good for another couple of years, but if you're intent on cracking it open a hard drive upgrade comes highly recommended and has the added benefit of shoring up the room you need to install a larger capacity battery.

[@sanchitvarma1282]

I just love the smooth and almost analogue sound signature of the Wolfson DAC in the 5th gen iPod. It may not have the resolution and detail of say the new Cirrus Logic DACs Apple uses now, but the warm musical quality of this is just addictive.

[@pgaven9396]

Yep...I am rockin out to one today on a walk. Added music from my laptop....

[@pgaven9396]

@Idonthaveaferrari pirated songs? No brah...I ripped my cd collection. I still have the CDs as well. You are trippin

[@Comrade.Question]

Music Quiz was the weirdest experience - listening to songs you've heard dozens of times but starting at a random point in the middle made some really difficult to identify. It was like losing your memory. I should find where my old one ended up 😁

[@SpikerDragon95]

Couple days ago I order a 5th gen and thanks to Dankpods, theres no point back

[@Vladimir-bu5gg]

I know dude; ordered a 5.5 due to him rn :)))

[@EpicB]

@@Vladimir-bu5gg Thanks to him I got my hands on a mini and I'm planning to flash mod it. I just need to wait for the battery; I already have the other parts. And I just won an 80 gig 5.5 gen from an eBay for just 70 dollars.

[@sybsygstgstsgysg5330]

@@EpicB I was going to get a mini because of him but ended up just getting a 5th gen for the customization

[@EpicB]

Just won one of these from an eBay auction. I'm really excited to get it.

[@Jano1998]

I just bought a completely new and sealed one from ebay. The 80GB Version. For $300. Adjusted for inflation, that's actually cheaper as it cost when it was new. I am actually getting rid of my iPhone for good (using a Motorola Razr now) and just keeping the phone for the music. And when it arrives, I can get rid of my iPhone. 😁

[@peppermintpig974]

It's sad that phones quickly become outdated and unsupported, but the 5th Generation iPod will always be a viable music player. I never bought into iPhones. I lament the end of motorola moto line of phones as it was sold to Google who stripped the patents out of it and sold the name to Lenovo. That Moto G 3rd gen phone was a fantastic bit of hardware. When I upgraded to the 7th generation G I realized it was a devolution since all the build quality and interface was a considerable downgrade, and for the reasons I stated above. I really don't like anything on the market now. There's an untapped market for a pro-privacy/security phone but the barrier to entry seems so high right now.

[@user-rz7hg9my6h]

​@@peppermintpig974 I personally miss the Motorola Droid line myself. Would love for the Droid 5 to release.

[@bibasik7]

The best iPod is the 5.5 gen 80GB. The difference is the the 80GB version has 64MB of RAM as opposed to 32MB in the 30GB iPod. This allows you to put more songs on the iPod. Normally, you wouldn't encounter this limitation, but with all the various flash adapters you can get, you can easily get enough storage to encounter this limitation.

[@happuhkilling9476]

Is there a difference in performance wise?

[@onecleangti]

No, no difference, it just can’t open the file used to read your music library when you go too large

[@datznasty1475]

What about the 60 GB version

[@PeterPangea]

@@datznasty1475also has more ram

[@escapetherace1943]

@@datznasty1475 it also has 64mb but even modded most people will never need it, most people don't have music libraries exceeding 30,0000 ish songs

[@frank234561]

I got one of these things at a pawn shop some time in 2008. It was scratched up, and dinged up and overall just looked like trash when I got it. But the screen itself was perfect and the click wheel worked. I ended up getting a new battery and faceplate for it and it looked brand new. I used it for about 3 years till I switched jobs and wasn't able to use it at work anymore. Not sure what ever ended up happening with that thing. I've move a few times since so it was most likely tossed. I wish I had saved it. I played hours and hours of Tetris, billiards and golf on that thing.

[@dkidl2000]

I felt in love with the Ipod when it came out and my Ipod 5th gen us still my favorite way to listen to my cd collection, just keep buying new batteries for it every couple of years. Thinking about putting a flash drive conversion in the future.

[@TurtlesAndTortoises302]

They're just so perfect! The old ipods were so adorable and worked perfectly ❤️ Then the basicallyjustanonfunctioningiphone ipods came along 🙄

[@dm95422]

I wish Apple would bring this back into production with updated chipset, improved battery life & a USB-C plug in !!!

[@gcanaday1]

But the old Wolfson DAC!

[@omgkittenspewpewpew]

Still using my 30gb 5th gen since release date! Hard drive still works just needed a new battery installed!

[@chevymusclecar1970]

I just bought all the parts to make a 5.5 version for less than $200. Can’t wait to put it together ❤

[@koyzumie]

Great video man 👍 the reason it won’t sync video is because the 5.5 has very specific video format requirements. It can’t exceed 4mbps or 640x480px in resolution.

[@MacinDude]

Oh! Thanks Quill. 😂😂😂

[@ocsean22]

I was able to add movies last week you just have to go into the iTunes download settings turn off hd and high quality sd off then just got to your iTunes movies purchase page and uncheck download hd when available. Took me over a week ton figure out couldn’t find any online resources

[@jasperfossils4747]

@@MacinDude In iTunes, convert the video to "Convert to iPod or iPhone". then you are good to go.

[@ethanlittle776]

I’ve got a classic 3rd gen. best thing I ever bought. Just got my sister a 5th gen like she had back in the day

[@CR-ng5cl]

My iPod classic still works with all its original parts, even charges and runs off the original battery. The HDD is well over 10 years old at this point I dont want to switch it to an SSD because it has all my original music and since that was several macs ago I no longer have those songs. Also I have the 60GB version.

[@MVPAintgottime]

Solution to sync videos failure. In iTunes, select video by dragging your mouse over it. Go to: File -> Convert -> Create iPod or iPhone version. It should be able to sync the new version.

[@peppermintpig974]

That or batch convert all the videos with Handbrake using the built-in iPod preset. This is also useful if you use a third party app to manage the iPod, such as Floola.

[@Daizydayz]

The iPod being on so many rough surfaces is killing me!😂

[@PAPITOFLOW6969]

ipod classics rule they should had never been discontinued

[@roninstormYT]

by the way if you get a 2in1 Bluetooth transmitter and receiver you could use any blue tooth head phones i did a blue tooth mod on my iPod and the sd card mod and a new housing mod i got tired off looking at my broken face plate so i wanted a black version instead.i use my iPod classic 5.5 gen myself. over my phone not only that about it interrupts but also it is heavy i like my iPod because it is lighter.

[@TheJumpChronicle]

You'll have sync issues with video if it isn't a resolution lower than 640X480 and it HAS to be at a framerate of 29.97fps. Anything at 23.98, 24, 30 or 60 won't do. Not sure why.

[@TheJumpChronicle]

*at 640X480 or lower

[@joshherington4686]

You can turn the music sound up or down with the click wheel

[@CyberPunkSimms]

How? I'm going to invest into this ipod, trying to find the 80gb model though. But ebay has soooo many modded ipods :/

[@joshherington4686]

@@CyberPunkSimms just like any other iPod. If you didnt know already, the iPod click wheel (circle in the centre) can be rotated while playing music to turn the sound up or down. You also use it to search things on the iPod.

[@CyberPunkSimms]

@@joshherington4686 gotcha, thanks so much. The search option is only on the enhanced model ipod isn't it?

[@joshherington4686]

@@CyberPunkSimms yeah from what I believe only the gen 5.5 and up. I may be wrong though check it out yourself but search function definitely isnt on the older models. If you ask me, it isnt all that important...if you have all your music organised i would say its easier without the search function, but each to their own!

[@CyberPunkSimms]

@@joshherington4686 its just a way to differeniate the 5th gen to the 5.5 gen, not bothered about the actual search function haha, does the 5th gen have the 80gb option or is that only the 5.5? (To help differentiate)

[@FormulaBoy160]

The best feature was the scrool wheel

[@guitarboyjeff]

Where and who sells custom made backs with your iPod’s correct serial number? 🤔 Haven’t found one!!

[@peppermintpig974]

Floola, if you can find it, is also a nice third party content manager app for this era of iPods.

[@moose583]

like the vaporwave intro

[@clivejoannides3559]

Hey I have the ipod 5.5 I have upgraded it too 256 flash it works brilliant with my teac headphone amplifier ❤️

[@kakep0p92]

Just got one from a garage sale today for $20. All I need is a charger.

[@goodnightmoon]

i currently own the m3 pro from fiio but i still want an ipod 5.5 gen

[@youraveragehuman9862]

I just ordered a iPod classing 5th gen off eBay, hopefully it’s good!

[@LostStylus]

I didn't get the part about adjusting the volume while listening to the music, can't you adjust volume while listening on the 5th gen?

[@SKYZO4]

i see you got a bit of 91tech inspo right?

[@mitz-112]

❣❣❣ I LOVE YOU, THANKS FOR UPLOADING THIS VIDEO, FINALLY SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH MY HEART & SOUL, I FEEL LIKE CRYING NOW 😭. AND YES WE WANT APPLE TO MAKE SUCH IPOD CLASSIC AGAIN❣❣❣

[@JordanCrowderFilms]

Where can you send it in for mods? I need my headphone jack replaced but would love an SSD and Bluetooth module.

[@opp4idrgn]

Depending on your location, there are eBay sellers offering such services, as well as sites like “eoe.works” for the US, and ipodparts.co.uk for the UK and EU. Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with any of the above, just spent a lot of time figuring this out, as well as or Reddit forums trying to find decent guys to do this. The above two sites might be able to do a Bluetooth mod for you, but you’ll have to contact them for further info. Personally I wasn’t interested in bluetooth, so I haven’t tried the mod or to find someone to do it for me. Best of luck!

[@TheGelatinousSnake]

Wolfson DAC isnt “the best” but it absolutely is my favorite. iPod Video (Gen 5 and 5.5) and the original PSP both use Wolfson DACs and just make music sound how I remember my music sounding.

[@sneakysnail9225]

Woah psp used the same DAC? 🤯That's pretty cool PSPs were the shit

[@TheGelatinousSnake]

@@sneakysnail9225 they went all out as general media device. Movies and music sounded great, especially if you had good headphones. Almost anything bigger than the tiny earbuds that go into the ear was noticeably better. As a kid, even $20 sony headset was great. Hubby repaired my PSP and gave me a bose headset, I cried. He told me these old DACs weren’t exactly perfectly accurate, modern DACs will give you better accuracy.. but since I grew up listening with a iPod Video and PSP… these devices will sound more “right for me”

[@akuma4u]

I got a ipod touch 5th gen, is it worth getting the 5.5 classic version just for the wolfson chip ?

[@Cheffromeouthpark123]

I have this exact iPod! Great video

[@kimjongoof5000]

“They sell for just 40$ on eBay” 30$ shipping to Canada and import charges: Bonjour

[@HerotsLament]

How tf do you put music in it now? I just wasted hours trying to get itunes to work but it will not recognize it or my computer at all.

[@peppermintpig974]

Floola, Waltr2 ?

[@TXCherokee]

I actually have been using the older A1320 Nano just ordered a 5.5 gen in white from eBay

[@SteveHartmanVideos]

Mine has a dead battery and hard drive. I need to get it fixed. 😮

[@n1knak]

No mention of the Wolfson DAC 🤦‍♂️

[@Kaiser187]

Ipod mini had it also for 3x less the price.

[@n1knak]

Kaiser different dacs, same company, the chip isn’t the same. Do your research, The enhanced .5 is for three main things, the last and most refined wolfson dac chip, search, and games

[@kylelangley8818]

Nik Nak I just picked one up. Gonna compare it to my 7th gen.

[@kylelangley8818]

@@n1knak I got the 5.5 gen 80gb and the 7th gen 160gb. The 5.5 gen is crackling when I play certain jazz tracks. Do you listen through the line out or 30 pin dock? I've been listening through the 30 pin dock with an amp and my 7th gen just doesn't suffer the same noise when I play music.

[@kylelangley8818]

Psyborg Punk Yeah, that’s what I thought. I’m not sure a new line out would help, since I’m listening through the 30pin dock

[@darkmatiax1437]

For those of you who want to sync movies and other videos to this ipod, download movavi video converter it works like magic.

[@austintea]

I had an Ad for status headphones and it was longer than this video

[@savoirfaire5460]

they do have a blue tooth adapter for the classic

[@1dognight166]

Thanks for the info, just purchased one off Mercadi

[@thezogs95]

Is there a way to browse artist on this when playing a song? I remeber you can be on a song and then press down on the center button, then it will bring up a mini menu that allows browse artist and add to on the go on the nanos

[@peppermintpig974]

Not the case with these. While you are on the current song, pressing the center button switches you to tracking mode (scroll wheel lets you go forward or back in the track), or the 5 star rating panel (same deal with scroll wheel controlling star rating), and then click a third time and it brings up the default (scroll wheel controls volume). For search, you press the top button (menu), then back up until you're in the top menu, click on Music in menu, then scroll down to Search. The current song will continue to play even as you type in your search and then navigate the results. It works good.

[@KANCHANKUMAR-od3bf]

Which is the best ipod ? Ipod shuffle vs ipod 5.5 ? In sounding experience ?

[@yavuzyigitoglu1287]

5.5

[@KANCHANKUMAR-od3bf]

Which model gives the best sound quality ??? I'm looking for an iPod. Can you tell which iPod model gives the best sound quality? Such as iPod Shuffle and iPod Classic, iPod 5th/5.5g. ????

[@guildofgamefails]

The general consensus seems to be this model, the classic 5.5 😁

[@moitey4074]

does the battery last? because i’ve heard when the ipod has color it uses more battery and with even modifying the ipod it could kill the battery quicker

[@MegaDrain]

The 5th is able to have a 2000mah battery in it, so battery life shouldn't be an issue.

[@DigitalBath]

iPod Classic uses m4v extensions for mp4 files.

[@8bitesquivel349]

Still using 6th gen 80GB iPod :)

[@jonathanr9619]

Ok, that “Bluetooth module” from DankPods was not exactly intuitive 😂

[@Gazla1970]

Can someone please tell me how to put music on them now since itunes and apple no longer supports them?

[@peppermintpig974]

I use Floola. Someone else mentioned Waltr2 software. I like Floola because it has the ability to rebuild, or attempt to rebuild a corrupted library. I run it in OSX Yosemite and I'm not sure how viable it is in later operating systems, but it also has a windows release just like Waltr2 does.

[@thealexvdub3419]

I still use it, I have the 60 gb model but no search feature.

[@MacinDude]

You have the original 5th generation model (not 5.5 enhanced)

[@goatman7362]

Is 30 gb still enough for a good amount of music?

[@peppermintpig974]

Yes. While I have a large music library, I don't necessarily want to listen to ALL of it. I rate my favorites and then randomly throw the best on until it gets filled up. After half a year or more if I feel tired of it I can refresh it, and even bias the new library to include my favorite songs among the latest purchases/CD encodes first before mixing in anything older. I think 30gb is more than sufficient even for an avid music lover, but if you go to sites like Elite Obsolete Electronics and want to buy an iPod decked out with a flash drive then their entry level upgrade is 128gb drive. Anything more than 128gb in my opinion is only good if you're using the iPod for storing and watching video with it. Definitely get the larger battery upgrade, as that's an amazing feature. I've never purchased from EOE, but wanted to describe their upgrades. I will be purchasing one soon and seeing how it goes.

[@T0byyy]

Should I buy this or the 7th gen?

[@phophophox]

5th all the way

[@T0byyy]

@@phophophox darn it I wish I saw this sooner I forgot I commented this and bought the 7th gen. It is nice though. Maybe one day I’ll give mine away and see if these are still for sale. However mine does have more storage. If I had the 5.5 gen the storage would already be full.

[@MegaDrain]

@@T0byyy I know you said you already bought one, but the reason is as is said in this video. It's the most customizable. The 7th gen is customizable too, it's just much harder to get into since the 7th front panel is metal while the 5th is plastic. So when you eventually have to replace something in it, just know it may be a pain to do so watch whatever tutorial very carefully.

[@insta_radio105]

I have a special one of these, it has a Toyota logo on the back

[@peppermintpig974]

Sounds familiar. I think a few auto dealerships had them custom branded and made them a sales option.

[@kimberlyvilson9047]

Cool !

[@Thesusoperator]

does it creak when you press the menu button?

[@MacinDude]

No, my iPod doesn't express emotion when I press it.

[@EliteSpectre]

i hope itunes always supports the ipods...

[@PrincessShokora2002]

iPod is built into iTunes

[@EliteSpectre]

@@PrincessShokora2002 I'm referring to the standalone decice

[@PrincessShokora2002]

​@@EliteSpectre that's what I meant

[@banker2787]

You know why the iPod is perfect? Because I don’t need music to sound any better

[@mrmcguru163]

hey man, been awhile but Im finally going to fix my ipod video!

[@ianpeter4121]

Does it have fm radio?

[@aaaaea9268]

Nope. There is an accessory Apple made to add that feature, it’s called iPod radio remote and it goes for ≈$30 on eBay

[@carlapisaneschi9911]

Just found mine and it won’t turn on, what can I do?

[@carlapisaneschi9911]

Crap reply.

[@nochlola]

I really want it.

[@slapshot68]

Before Spotify

[@Gibson1976uk]

I have one and I modded it to have 60gig flash memory :)

[@trainspotteruk9291]

I prefer the white one

[@sivananthansarojini1924]

Does the video work?

[@saaleempanhalkar846]

can it play flac or alac

[@carerforever2118]

I had the 2005 60GB ipod , it had 4,000 songs on it. I stopped using it when l got my 512GB S10+ Phone, l have 6,000 songs on the phone. I can't wait to buy a 1TB phone in 2 years time to have 12,000 songs on it.

[@Geerladenlad]

Nowadays you can Make your phone the player and use a DAC\AMP for superior performance. Or just buy a digital audio player DAP.

[@banker2787]

Did anyone ask?

[@Procaz]

Not the same iPod 5, 5.5, and 7 just hits different

[@Geerladenlad]

@@Procaz Will an iPod 7 play other audio format such as FLAC?

[@Procaz]

@@Geerladenlad with rockbox yes. However apple already had there own version of FLAC which is ALAC both can be easily be converted to one another.

[@Geerladenlad]

@@Procaz does it have a form of balanced output? 2.5 mm or 4.4 mm?

[@Denneeyboy]

But if you update the itunes it wont work, will it?

[@MacinDude]

I should still work on the latest version if iTunes.

[@lordpython9115]

where can i buy this online??

[@ashcarr9091]

eBay would be a great place to start

[@peppermintpig974]

Elite Obsolete Electronics appears to sell them with several options.

[@minghuhai7903]

I have one today

[@ELBENDC2]

1:26 min click wheel has 6 buttons not 5 1-Play/pause 2-Menu 3-Rewind (《 ) 4-Next (》) 5-Select 6-Volume up and down (touch click wheel)

[@Парнякович]

у меня такой же

[@austinismadcrunk]

Uggghhhhh it's not an "iPod Classic", it's an Ipod Video. The title "Classic" was on 6th and 7th gens.

[@MacinDude]

I agree with you. Thank you for pointing that out!

[@peppermintpig974]

@@MacinDude Technically, they started calling these 'classic' models after the newer wave came out (stripped down iphones, aka touch screen ipod with early iOS). But yeah, the 5th gen, aka iPod Video. 5.5 is not an official Apple designation but it's the common terminology for search function 5th gens. They're my favorite iPod hands down.

[@mrmcguru163]

I got one for free but the headphone jack and battery a re dead

[@alexanderlinares1260]

Ill buy it broken for cheap.

[@hondaAccordFläktgrabb]

I might get a 5th gen

[@peppermintpig974]

Headphone jack is an easy fix. Replacement parts available online. Battery is a must if it's still on the original at this point in time.

[@mrmcguru163]

@@peppermintpig974 2 years later

[@peppermintpig974]

@@mrmcguru163 Advice is for others with the same problem just as much as it is for you. Hope your player is working well!

[@Everytwo_]

And i got it for 35€

[@drjealous4301]

People who use this ipod are just baby driver wannabes