Amazing, several guys at my local iPod forums are claiming that they can improve the iPod sound quality by using DIY approach to modify the USB port, to reduce noise on the cable, improve the audio signal and thus sound quality. They even ask others to try the same.

I cannot believe some people can be SO foolish. Of course they do not trust how I explain, just said "try, try and try".

How can this procedure possibly improve iPod sound quality. I could possibly see how modifying the headphone jack might "reduce noise" and "improve the audio signal" . . . but the USB port?

only 1st gen shuffle had usb port ...