idc:IMHO Manicm is a bit of a loan voice with regards to the difference between generations of ipod classic. Anything I have read suggests a smal,l if at all difference. I think that it is also important to note that, with all of the EQ settings (including off) on an ipod, there has been no comparison which makes it clear what, if any EQ setting is being used, unless you can show me wrong manicm!
We all have our opinions idc, but I can assure you I am not a lone voice WRT iPod classic: there has been the PC Mag article. Go to the premier iPod and iPhone site - iLounge - there's a dedicated thread on the subject. Go to the review here on WHF - and on the Comments part a WHF writer gives his (subtle) opinion as well.
Also to remind you - I'm on my fourth iPod now (touch 64, and still not the last word in SQ but nice enough) - and to my ears by far the Classic 120gb was the worst sounding of the lot.
Also, ironically, one of the most expensive iPod docks is analogue - there's a review of it on the 'other UK website' - I'll give you a hint - its initials is TR - and its Hifi reviews are from one of the other leading UK hifi mags. This particular dock works only with the pre-Classic 120GB as they agree that the internal DAC was superior to the Classic 120gb's. Indeed it is a fact Apple threw away the Wolfson DACs for another one.
I know in various topics around I here I seem to be on a crusade against the most recent Classics, but apart from their large capacity I see no other redeeming features in them. They are really dated devices now. Of-course if one has a DAC and digital dock then it may well be a piece of gold.