Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio - Portable Source Gear http://www.head-fi.org/forums/ Discussion of portable audio source gear, like iPods, other digital audio players (DAPs), MD players, portable CD players. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:39:56 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio - Portable Source Gear http://www.head-fi.org/forums/ conclusive information on ipod nano 4g vs 5g SQ? http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/conclusive-information-ipod-nano-4g-vs-5g-sq-456548/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:23:32 GMT Im looking at the nano, but apple sells the old one refurb for 129, vs 179 for the new one. does anyone have a conclusive say on the sound quality... Im looking at the nano, but apple sells the old one refurb for 129, vs 179 for the new one.

does anyone have a conclusive say on the sound quality difference between those two through the headphone ports and nice monitors?

reason i ask is because im getting sick of my zune 80, i can hear the hard drive spin up and when nothign is playing i hear some white noise inthe background through my se530's. it just isnt clean audio. ]]> Portable Source Gear kchau http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/conclusive-information-ipod-nano-4g-vs-5g-sq-456548/ Does anyone still use a portable CD player? http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/does-anyone-still-use-portable-cd-player-456546/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:02:05 GMT Well, like the title says, does anyone still use their portable CD player? I'm asking because I do and I want to know if I'm alone here. I have an iPod and a Fuze but I still prefer the sound of my CD players over those mp3 players. One of my CD players is the Optimus CD-3440 (not CD-3400). Based on Radioshack website, its specs are: 16-bit Dual D/A, 4 times oversampling, 25mW output per channel, and of course a line-out, no digital output though. Its headphone output is pretty powerful compared to my other Discman/CD players. I'm not here to write a review. I just wanted to know if anyone here is a portable CD player user. And if you are, state which PCDP you have. ]]> Portable Source Gear VARO http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/does-anyone-still-use-portable-cd-player-456546/ Really high quality portable/mini dac\amp with SPDIF? http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/really-high-quality-portable-mini-dac-amp-spdif-456469/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:26:26 GMT Does it exist? I am not even trying to get a battery-powered portable DAC\AMP with spdif with descent sound anymore (I mean something better than... Does it exist? I am not even trying to get a battery-powered portable DAC\AMP with spdif with descent sound anymore (I mean something better than ibasso, which I consider rather entry-level). I am ready to get a mini-dac\amp (a size of h140 or something like that) with external 12V supply and build a battery pack. What I need is a good quality (OK, OK, I am not trying to get an audiophile sound, but something better than D10). I have my h140 modded to output coax spdif, so toslink is not important for me, but coax spdif input is.

Anyone can point in the direction of REALLY high quality portable dac\amp - preferably battery powered (but like I said if the size is small, I can build an external battery power supply)? Cost is not an object. The SQ is priority. ]]> Portable Source Gear abyrvalg http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/really-high-quality-portable-mini-dac-amp-spdif-456469/ Looking for help playing FLAC on iPhone http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/looking-help-playing-flac-iphone-456462/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:37:01 GMT Hey guys, I followed the instructions to jailbreak my 3.1 3G iPhone. I used Cydia to download vlc4iphone. I have no clue how to use iTunes but... Hey guys,

I followed the instructions to jailbreak my 3.1 3G iPhone. I used Cydia to download vlc4iphone.

I have no clue how to use iTunes but I don't think that is the problem for me. I was able to get files into the ipod section of the iPhone.

I get lost where the directions say to transfer music to \var\mobile\Media\vlc4iphone

How do I do that? I have the iPhone connected to my PC but I am not allowed to drag and drop into it.

Plus, the only folder that show when I explore the iPhone is DCIM\100APPLE
which has 2 images I took in it. Am I completely slow?

What seems weird is that the vlc4iphone icon looks like a orange cone. Not what I was expecting for a media player. ]]> Portable Source Gear tf1216 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/looking-help-playing-flac-iphone-456462/ Review: Hisoundaudio AMP3 PRO2 DAP http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/review-hisoundaudio-amp3-pro2-dap-456428/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:39:59 GMT Here we have the new updated Hisoundaudio AMP3, the PROI2 in review. Thanks Jack from Hisound who was willing to let me review the product =) ... Here we have the new updated Hisoundaudio AMP3, the PROI2 in review. Thanks Jack from Hisound who was willing to let me review the product =)


AMP3 PRO2

Hisoundaudio, a manufacturer and specialist in the audio department for more than 20 years have recently been introducing their brand new line of high fidelity audio players, under the presented name of PDAA which stands for “Portable, Digital, Acoustic, Amplifier, All-purposed, and Affordable.” During 2008, we were introduced with their first and most affordable model the AMP3 PRO. The player was targeted towards Headphone owners looking for a serious, enjoyable music player that offered sufficient amplification and battery life for an affordable price and as a portable solution. October 2009, we are introduced with the updated version of the AMP3 under the label of, PRO2. The player has targeted the disadvantages of the PRO while keeping the same affordable price of $210.

Specifications
Variation: Black Metal, or Silver Metal housing
Amplifier: Class A Circuit
Frequency Range: 17 Hz-28 kHz
Power Handling: 100mW Peak
Screen: 1 inch OLED
Compatible Formats: MP3, WMA, WAV
Memory: Built in 4GB + expandable to 20GB via Micro SD/SDHC
Battery: 1800MA Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Playback Time: >100 Hours (Level 8 Volume)
Accessories: USB to Mini USB Cable, Wall Charger, PAA-1 High Fidelity Earbuds
Dimensions (mm): 74.5 L X 40 W X 20 H
Weight : 100g
Price: $210 plus shipping

Packaging and Accessories
Hisoundaudio has strayed away from the fancy packaging that many other manufacturers use, it is not covered in a ridiculous amount of material, but rather Hisoundaudio has decided to go a much simpler presentation. The PRO2 arrives in a square, black stiff cardboard box consisted of two pieces—the top and the bottom. On the box is just the simple print with “AMP3 Professional mp3 player” on it. As we reveal the player by removing the top cover, we see that it is securely stashed in a firm foam piece where it is protected from movement within the box that could cause scratches, or scuffs on the player. As we remove the foam piece, we are presented with the stash of accessories that arrive with the PRO2.

As we take a quick look at the PRO2, we notice that it isn’t the most sophisticated set of accessories that would come with a player. We come across a USB to Mini USB cable, which is used to transfer music files onto the player while also acting as a cable for charging the PRO2. The cable could be directly plugged in to a computer via USB while being connected to the PRO2, the charging could take anywhere from 2-3 hours for the 1800Ma Lithium-Ion battery to completely fill up. The alternative and faster way to charge the PRO2 would be to charge it from an electrical outlet. Hisoundaudio provides the needed adapter or module for this. The USB side of the cable plugs into the connector that plugs into the outlet, while the mini USB side stays plugged in to the PRO2. The charging time is reduced to 1.5 hours to 2 hours. The last but not least, is the set of Hisoundaudio PAA-1 High Fidelity Earbuds. These earbuds house a fairly common driver technology, the moving-coil or dynamic. The PAA-1 earbuds are by far superior in sound quality to any other earbud offered by other manufacturers; they offer a very immersive and musical audio experience when paired with the PRO2. In fact, Hisoundaudio claims that the earbuds are tuned for the PRO2 in harmony to allow the consumer to receive one of the best audio experience without having to buy separate, high quality earphones. There are no manuals included in the package of the PRO2, however the manual and instructions for operating are easily accessible through internet on HIsoundaudio’s website.

Build Quality
Looking at the Amp3 Pro2, many may not be interested due to its less “modern” look. With the simple box shape player with a simple yes unique button layout, the player may look like it is a product from 10 years ago. Don’t let this fool you though; the build quality of the Pro2 far exceeds many player o the market today.

The Amp3 Pro2 has an enclosure made from high quality brushed aluminum that is also used to make aircrafts. The aluminum enclosure is nearly 4mm thick, providing an extremely rigid housing that can withstand devastating impacts and drops. The aluminum enclosure also acts and an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) shield, so that when your mobile phone rings there is no interference conducted through the player to a extremely uncomfortable loud ringing or hissing noise to your music. The enclosure is consisted of three pieces, the top and bottom screwed on to the one-piece side enclosure. Hisoundaudio has chosen to use screws to put the player together to allow easy access to the player for repair, and it also allows a much more rigid construction compared to an adhesive. Adhesives deteriorate, and harden over time and when the player is dropped the parts could come apart, Hisoundaudio has put this into mind now using screws to construct the player which according to Hisoundaudio will offer a minimum of 10 years life span.

The OLED screen is recessed into the housing, with a thin layer of stiff plastic as a covering. Now, if there is any flaws with the build it would be this thin plastic used to cover the screen. The plastic is not sealed on the edges, so dust tends to get in through the sides which could be irritating as there is no way to clean the inside without taking the player apart. The covering is also extremely fragile, it is easy bendable with a gentle push and would be easily damaged if excess pressure is put on. On the bright side, the surface is scratch proof so need to worry about it being covered in scratches rendering the screen un-viewable.

Usability
HIsoundaudio had strongly pressed on the point of simplicity. They interface and buttons were designed so the user was able to operate the system without having to look at the screen or take the player out of their pocket. Simple presses and holding of the button would easily guide you to another screen. The buttons on the main controls are volume increase, volume decrease, fast forward (next), Rewind (previous), and pause and play. There is just simply five buttons on the control that operate the whole system. Holding the pause and play button would bring the user to the menu, where then pressing forward or backward would move the selection to a different category ranging from FM Radio to Settings of the player etc…Press and hold the pause and play button for 3 seconds will also turn on or turn off the a simple and easy way to operate.

The interface like mentioned is extremely simple, when the user selects to listen to the Stereo FM Radio that the PRO2 allows, all they have to do s simply select FM Radio and it’s ready to start playing. Forward and backward buttons will change the frequency channel of the FM Radio listening to. There is also the settings category which is straight forward as there is only the simple selections of the standard for example sleep time of the player, language, storage space remaining, play mode etc…

One of the unique characteristic of the PRO2 is that, it has a line in input where the user can use the Class-A amplifier in the PRO2 to amplify another source. Hisoundaudio is the first company to incorporate this design, as it has never been seen on the market today. Using the input and setting the player to play line in is very easy, the user simply plugs the input that they would like to play and the AMP3 will register that there is a line in and will automatically switch to line in playing mode. To stop line in playing mode, simply hold the center button of play and pause which will then bring the user back to the menu where you can select “Now Playing” button, and will begin to play from the internal memory (or memory card) rather than the line in input.

Overall, a very easy to navigate and extremely easy to use interface in which Hisoundaudio has promised.

Sound
Sound is one of the most distinct characteristic of the AMP3 PRO2. Like the PRO1, Hisoundaudio does not incorporate a equalizer in the setting of the audio as hisoundaudio says that this will put off their tuning and "degrade" the sound quality. During the redesign of the AMP3 PRO1 to bring the current PRO2 version, Hisoundaudio has specifically focused on the connection from the audio processing and amplifier to the 3.5mm output. Hisoundaudio has said that the signal would degrade dramatically if the connection were not the best. According to a representative from Hisoundaudio, the connection has been improved and the audio performance should have an increase by 10-15% compared to the previous AMP1. Has it really?

High Frequencies
High frequencies is in my opinion the hardest frequency range to reproduce, having the perfect combination of crisp sound, with a good amount of detail but without being fatiguing is a large target to hit for when designing the audio of the player. Hisoundaudio has nearly hit the point offering one of the most engaging audio experiences on the portable player market today. The PRO2 brings a very natural, yet crisp sound to the highs. Vocals are the most dominant part in this category. In all the players in the pastbI have yet to hear such natural and rich high vocals, the PRO2 offers a very beautiful transition between notes in vocals giving a very smooth sound to vocals. Instruments sound clear, and are separated very well from each other. There is never a part where the PRO2 fails to distinguish a piano to a violin, there is always that separation of the difference in tone as they never meet and mix with each other. Meaning all the higher frequency instruments are brought up from the music, and every little bit is heard.

Detail is not the biggest part of the PRO2, Hisoundaudio has claimed that they want to make the player as “musical” as possible as they refused to make the player sound “accurate” and overly detailed. In my opinion, the PRO2 offers an adequate amount of detail while maintaining that “musical” signature that Hisoundaudio has designed the player to produce. Though, in my view there could just be a bit more detail in the high frequencies to allow that extra little engagement in classical and orchestral music.

Mid-Range Frequencies
Being an owner of the Sony X series, I have been presented before with one of the most musical sounding mid-range frequencies prior to hearing the PRO2. The PRO2 offers this once again to me, but on a whole new level of characteristics. The X series was very warm, with a deep depth to the reproduction. The PRO2 on the other hand produces a brighter, more detailed mid-range frequency that has a even deeper depth and richness. Pairing this player to the Westone ES3X, the monitors quickly reveal the potential of the player. Vocals in the range sound as if the singer were right in front of you, singing as you listen to the music being played.; the md-range frequencies are extremely natural sounding. Instruments are also not a problem for the Pro2, guitars as an example sound enveloping and each pluck is easily heard as the tones are distinctly separated from each other. However, once again Hisoundaudio has held back on the extreme detail as they say it would produce a less “musical” sounding experience. They also put the mid-range frequencies a bit more forward, to give vocals and such a bit more emphasis. Listening to the mid-range frequencies; Hisoundaudio has seemed to hit the target on the “musical” reproduction they were striving for.

Low Frequencies
Low Frequencies…the most popular frequency range of all for any teenage listener. Ask any student or a youth of what good rock and heavy metal music is most of them would answer saying “good bass”. However, many listeners tend to not realize that the source they are using could be bloating of over emphasizing the low frequencies causing an overly boomy, and distorted presentation. This is where the PRO2 steps in to fix the problem. Hisoundaudio is focused on the low frequency presentation on a extensive level. They strived for a natural, yet quick, accurate and deep sound and the PRO2 represents that all. The presentation of the PRO2 is among the best I have heard, including some simple home setups that I have heard in the past. Lows are not emphasized, what the PRO2 offers is rather a powerful, quick but clean punch in the lows for when they hit and a deep accurate tone when the lows stray on from a bass guitar. Pairing the JH Audio JH10X3 Pro with the AMP3 PRO2, the low frequency tones and energy presented is almost to the level of flawless musical experience, the AMP PRO2 offers without a bout one of the most impressive low frequency representation in a portable player today.

Soundstage
Soundstage wise, the AMP3 PRO2 may fall short. The width presentation of the PRO2 for soundstage is rather closed in. When compared to my simple Meelectronics Groove with the Little Dot MKI+ amplifier, the width of the soundstage and depth is a margin. The soundstage is wider than an average portable media player, or Digital audio player, however a larger soundstage in width and depth would offer a level greater of engaging music. The height of the soundstage is very well done as it well extends beyond any player that I have heard before. But like mentioned, the width and depth could be done better. Now the soundstage is relatively easy to adapt to as it’s more familiar with the public than the more rarely heard and wider soundstage of other offerings, don't mistaken though the soundstage of the AMP3 PRO2 is at an adequate level for musical enjoyment.

Conclusion
Hisoundaudio has strived to offer the most engaging, and musical sounding audio reproduction on the market today with the AMP3 PRO2. Also being priced at an affordable price of $210, Hisoundaudio has hit a new level of offerings on the market today. Considering the audio properties of the AMP3 PRO2, and it’s phenomenal rock solid build quality I would recommend the PRO2 to anyone looking for simply this without breaking the bank. With the provided high fidelity earphones that match some $100-$200 earphones that I have heard in the past, the AMP3 PRO2 is a bargain for its major offerings. The downside to the AMP3 PRO2 is that, despite the audio performance of the PRO2 which is impressive the shape of the player could be a slight problem for some as it is rather thick, and the corners of the player a bit sharp and tends to poke at the users thighs when placed in a tighter pocket. The slightly small soundstage presentation may be a turn off for some buyers, but with the 150 hour battery life I managed to achieve on volume 4-5, the extremely rigid construction, affordable price and once again not to mention the strong audio properties the PRO2 is truly a bargain in it’s class.

Wrap Up
High-8
Mid-8.5
Low-8.5
Soundstage-7
Stereo Imaging-8
Frequency Extension-8.5
Transparency-8.5
Decay-8.5
Impact-9
Speed-9
Clarity-9
Build Quality-10
Design-9.5
(Scores based on price of product)














]]> Portable Source Gear MaoDi http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/review-hisoundaudio-amp3-pro2-dap-456428/ Looking for 30€ IEMs! Look here! (Philips SHE 9550, Ultimate Ears MetroFi 170, Sennheiser CX 300 II Precision) http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/looking-30-iems-look-here-philips-she-9550-ultimate-ears-metrofi-170-sennheiser-cx-300-ii-precision-456423/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:04:04 GMT please delete. wrong forum please delete. wrong forum ]]> Portable Source Gear ipumuk http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/looking-30-iems-look-here-philips-she-9550-ultimate-ears-metrofi-170-sennheiser-cx-300-ii-precision-456423/ Sony PCM M10 as portable player? http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/sony-pcm-m10-portable-player-456327/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:24:12 GMT introduction at sony's website:
Sony | Product Catalog - Pro Audio

comparing to sony pcm d50, the newly released m10 has smaller size, better battery life, and similar output power: 20 mw (d50's is 25mw).

d50 is known to have perfect SQ and driving power, it seems m10 is very likely a good portable player too.

anyone using it?

]]> Portable Source Gear lars9 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/sony-pcm-m10-portable-player-456327/ MEElectronics GrooveMEE II - a review http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/meelectronics-groovemee-ii-review-456306/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:18:53 GMT I have been using this little player on and off over the last few weeks now and so I thought it is time to give it a review. Image:... I have been using this little player on and off over the last few weeks now and so I thought it is time to give it a review.




Spec
Screen: 320x240 262K color 2.6 inches touch screen TFT.
USB: 2.0 (MSC device)
Memory: 4GB / 8GB
Battery: 600mAh Li-ion 3.7v (rechargeable via USB)
Voice Record: 8KHz / 16KHz WAV
Music: MP3 (up to 448Kbps), WMA (up to 192Kbps), OGG, FLAC, WAV, APE
Video: AVI, MPG, MP4, WMV, MOV, RM, RMVB
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20KHz
FM: 30 preset stations with recording function
Multi-languages supported
Multiple EQ presets including Microsoft PlayFX
Built-in G-Sensor for motion control
TXT files (eBook) supported
JPEG/BMP/GIF images supported with slide show
microSD card slot
Software scratch pad for drawing and note
Built-in speaker
Files browser

Build Quality and Accessories

On the right side of the touch screen: Vol+, Vol-, Menu, Note(scratch pad), , Rec. microSD slot and mic/reset are on the bottom.


Headphone jack and USB slot on the side, ON/OFF (with hold) on the top.


Most of the outer case seems to be nickel plated steel, which gives the player a bit more weight than your typical mp3 player. All the marking and icons are either lasered on or engraved. The housing is very classy actually though it is a fingerprints magnet.


Inside the box, you will find the GrooveMEE II, USB power adapter, USB cable, pen for touch screen, MEElectrnoics' own IEM the M2 (with three set of eartips), silicone case, small CD with a simple video converting software inside, user manual. Pretty everything you will need for a mp3/mp4 player are included, which is of course great.

Overall the build quality is pretty good. The metal housing does have more weight to it, but not something too heavy to carry around. The included earphone is MEElec's own M2 with the new cable, which is definitely a step up from typical stock earbud you will get from most brand name mp3 player. Unlike most other DAP, with GrooveMEE II you get almost everything you'll need instead of spending more money trying to get things like silicones case or a decent quality IEM. The included pen is a nice touch. While the player itself doesn't have extra space to hold the pen, there is a side compartment in the silicone case reserved for it. The G-sensor actually works okay. You can use do Next/Previous by shaking the player to the right/left direction but it isn't too sensitive to randomly skip song.

If there is one thing that I want to complain about, it will be the viewing angle of the screen. Basically you will need stay in front of the screen to get 100%. While you can still see at an angle, the reflection becomes more of a problem. This is likely an issue when you want to share your video together with someone else.

Navigation
There is one physical switch on the player and it is the ON/OFF with hold key. To turn the player on, you'll need to push the ON/OFF switch to aside for a good 5 seconds. Push it to the other side and you will lock the touch screen down.


Most of the navigation is done via the touch screen. Basically there are 8 selections on the main menu: Music, video, photo, radio, record, eBook, extra, and setting. You will find the file manager, a calender, stopwatch and the scratch pad inside 'extra'. You can also change the color of the most of the font and the menu transition style inside the setting.

In music playback, you can either use the folder browser to play music inside a folder, or choose from ID3tag based categories such as 'artist' or 'album' (it is a bit slow this way as the player read the whole library). Generally the player acts more 'old school' (no necessary a bad thing) and works much like a MSC device. I do hope the browser can be a bit more straight forward (especially on the naming on different folder and submenu) as something it can get a little confusing. During music playback, you can choose whether to display the ID3tag info, lyric, album art or active equalizer. Since the player use kind of a file browser to navigate and select music, you will get both the internal memory and the microSD as two separate folder instead of a tightly integrated music library.

Video playback is much simpler to use. Just browse and select the file you want to play. Unfortunately it doesn't remember the last position so you will need to start from the beginning every time.

While there is a pen included for navigation, using finger is just as easy - but I do recommend you use a screen protector sticker so you won't scratch the screen in the long run. On a side note, the scratch pad (or 'note' function) is quite fun to use and function like 'Paint' in Wondows, but not precise enough for really create a drawing.



Sound / Video / Photo Quality
I mainly compare GrooveMEE II to my Sansa Fuze and Nano4 for its SQ. GrooveMEE II has a colder, brighter sound signature that slightly lack in warm, much like Nano4. However, the overall SQ is pretty decent. In comparison, I think its headphone-out on flat EQ can at least match, or even better than Nano4, while not as good as Fuze. On the other hand, GrooveMEE II has much better and more enjoyable EQ than both Fuze and Nano4. Another plus is it also supports the more common lossless codec such as FLAC and APE. I didn't test any lossless as my music library consist mainly of high quality mp3 or wma.

What surprised me at first about the GrooveMEE II is its video support. For testing, I put a DVD resolution RMVB movie into the player (w/o any conversion!) expecting to crash it (or at least make it quits) but instead it plays it rather smoothly without much pixelation. This put both Fuze and Nano4 to shame. GrooveMEE II does come with a simply video converting software for those oddly encoded video, but so far I don't find any need to install it.

For Photo, I have tested a 3MP pictures without problem. It will auto zoom the picture to fit the screen, but it also allow a fixed 2X(?) zoom but it won't do full size. It is a decent picture viewer overall.

Conclusion
Overall, I find GrooveMEE II to be a decent all around player for the money ($70 for the 4GB models and $90 for the 8GB). It does everything well but nothing very outstanding. Versatility is perhaps its strength in the three MEElectronics' PMPs line-up (MEElec also has the smaller MiniMEE II purely for music and portability while the larger RockMEE II oriented toward video playback). Strange enough RockMEE II also priced the same as the GrooveMEE II. It does has a bigger 3 inches 16:9 screen but lacks touch screen or G-sensor. The inclusion of microSD slot on both player is great as you can get really cheap microSD card these days which can easily double the capacity of the player.

Personally, I will still pick my Fuze for purely music playback (plus I already have custom LOD built for it), but if you are looking for a decent PMP that does everything well which isn't too complicated to use, this one is worth a consideration. ]]> Portable Source Gear ClieOS http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/meelectronics-groovemee-ii-review-456306/ IRiver finally died. Best MP3 player out there now? http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/iriver-finally-died-best-mp3-player-out-there-now-456299/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:39:33 GMT My Iriver H340 finally died after 4 glorious years. Now I'm left to fend for myself again in search of a new mp3 player. What is the general consensus for best mp3 player out there that is not iPod? ]]> Portable Source Gear mosquitojoyride http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/iriver-finally-died-best-mp3-player-out-there-now-456299/ Which has Better Sound Quality Cowon S9 or Samsung YP-P3 ? http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/has-better-sound-quality-cowon-s9-samsung-yp-p3-456259/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:16:20 GMT I'm thinking of buying either the Cowon S9 or Samsung YP-P3

Does anyone know which has the best Sound Quality ? ]]> Portable Source Gear Mark2010 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/has-better-sound-quality-cowon-s9-samsung-yp-p3-456259/ Which Has Better Sound Quality...The Cowon D2+ or the Sansa Clip+ ?? http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/has-better-sound-quality-cowon-d2-sansa-clip-456215/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:06:02 GMT Hi. I would like to know which has better sound quality the Cowon D2+ or Sansa Clip+ assuming all music is encoded in lossless flac? I have the... Hi. I would like to know which has better sound quality the Cowon D2+ or Sansa Clip+ assuming all music is encoded in lossless flac?

I have the Cowon D2+ & I like the analytical sound it delivers but how does the Clip+ compare?

I am looking for a second player that has good sound quality, supports flac format & ultra portable.

Thank You All. ]]> Portable Source Gear Starsky5000 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/has-better-sound-quality-cowon-d2-sansa-clip-456215/ iems http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/iems-456147/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:48:13 GMT I'm looking for a new iem, i don't know what to get.
but i'm pretty much deciding between re0, se530, jh5 pro.
any comments on sq about these three? ]]> Portable Source Gear aj-kun http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/iems-456147/ What Chinese DAP would you recommend... http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/what-chinese-dap-would-you-recommend-456146/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:47:43 GMT if I put these terms: - Battery life does NOT matter - Sound quality MATTERS (wont use amp) - ebook is a must (hence touch screen would also be... if I put these terms:

- Battery life does NOT matter
- Sound quality MATTERS (wont use amp)
- ebook is a must (hence touch screen would also be nice but not a must..)
- memory card slot would be nice.
- Price max 150$ included shipping :confused_face_2:

I'd really like to hear from you teclast and onda owners!!

If you are wondering it's for my girlfriend whom, when I calculated yesterday, uses about 300$ on books a year... Lets stop tearing down the forest time. ]]> Portable Source Gear BassThor http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/what-chinese-dap-would-you-recommend-456146/ <![CDATA[Sony PSP-2000, how's the SQ?]]> http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/sony-psp-2000-hows-sq-456141/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:13:07 GMT Since I lost my Creative Zen V to the washing machine, I've been "stuck" lugging around a (still sizable) PSP Slim.

I can't really compare the SQ against other portable sources and don't really have reference headphones yet.

I know that the PSP fat is largely documented as having mediocre SQ but I wonder if the slim version did anything to fix that. I'll get a sansa fuze and throw the PSP in my backpack again if the SQ is a known problem. ]]> Portable Source Gear jp_zer0 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/sony-psp-2000-hows-sq-456141/ My review of Pasen REI-16 http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/my-review-pasen-rei-16-a-456139/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:09:08 GMT Pasen REI-16 Today I will have a closer look at the Italian Pasen REI-16 portable mediaplayer (PMP). Specs: CPU: Rockchip RK2706B 400 MHz... Pasen REI-16

Today I will have a closer look at the Italian Pasen REI-16 portable mediaplayer (PMP).

Specs:
CPU: Rockchip RK2706B 400 MHz
Dimensions: 95x50x11 mm
Weight: 65 gram
Screen: touchscreen, 3 inch 16:9 MVA 432x240

Features:
Audio codec: MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC , AAC
Video codec: AVI, DIVX, XVID (without conversion) RM, RMVB, FLV, MP4, WMV, 3GP
Images: JPEG,BMP,GIF
Micro SDHC expansion slot (up to 32GB)
5 band EQ with 8 modes (normal, rock, 3D, pop, classical, bass, jazz, custom)
7 playback modes (shuffle, shuffle repeat, folder, repeat folder, all songs, repeat all, preview)
Built in FM radio with recording feature and FM transmitter
Multi-tasking
TV-Out
Voice recorder
Upgradeable firmware
E-book reader
Karaoke feature with lyrics in LRC format
Built in speaker
File browser
Built in Games
External hard drive in Windows (ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista/Win7)

Included accessories:
USB Cable
220 volt charger
IEM’s with volume control
Compact touch pen
FM antenna
Player stand
CD with software and manual

Pretty impressive specs and features, if you ask me, and all for €79.

Build quality and hardware:
The REI-16 is made of high quality plastic and what seems to be a metal frame, it feels very well put together. The screen fills nearly all of the face of the player and is very bright, with excellent viewing angles. Below the screen there is an “action light”, that lights up when a button or the screen is pressed, above the screen you find the built-in speaker which sounds surprisingly good and loud for its size. At the top of the player you will find a standard mini USB port, on the right hand side you will find the power button, reset hole, earphone jack and the Micro SDHC slot, at the bottom of the player there is a microphone and on the left hand side you will find the volume controls and a menu button.

Audio:
Even though the included earphones are far better than the bundled ones on your average player, I have used the Klipsch S4’s to review the audio qualities of the REI-16. They seem to pair together very well, and I would highly recommend this economy setup to anyone.
The overall sound quality is very good, maybe a little on the analytical side, but in no way too cold or boring, just as I like it. If this isn’t enough, there are several presets and a user defined EQ curve as well as DSP to help you tailor the sound to your preference. I particularly like the Microsoft Playfx setting LEQ as it gives a dynamic and clear sound, and a very big soundstage.
You can search the music library either by folders or by ID3 tags. In folder view the tracks are in tracknumber order and in tag view they are sorted alphabetically. There is no playlist support as such, transferring playlists with WMP will not work, but there is a favourites list in which you can manually add songs on the player. The now playing screen is informative and well thought out and flashy looking with the big album art filling most of the screen and the very good on screen controls easily accessible. From the top of the screen you can access EQ and DSP menus as well as playback mode. Audio playback is stated as 16 hours.

Video:
The gorgeous screen combined with the native support for the most common formats means the REI-16 is a serious alternative for film lovers. The screen rotates either right or left, and the on-screen controls are easy to use and work very well. Video playback is stated as 3.5 hours.

Photo:
Just as with watching videos the bright and vivid screen really shines when viewing pictures. The on-screen controls are easily accessible and easy to use. The photo menu is accessible from the top of the screen and gives all the basic zooming and such.

Extras:
There are four games built in, and they seem to work as expected. There is also a FM radio and a transmitter built in, which means you can play your music from the player to your car stereo. This is quite a handy feature, but the sound quality suffers a little. The radio reception is perfectly fine both with the external antenna and with the earphone cable used as the antenna. Ebook and text viewer, no surprises there, everything works as it should. It even has a TV out which works well and is easy to hook up to nearly any TV with the included cable. To round it off, there is a voice recorder built in as well, which can come handy at times.

Conclusion:
For the asking price the Pasen REI-16 offers a great set of features and a solid audio and video quality. Especially the easy and hassle-free video transfer and playback deserves both thumbs up!
If you are looking for an affordable PMP with good video capabilities, then Pasen REI-16 should be on your list.
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