Yet Another Flac player question (coupled with SE530) - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

google741 · 03-21-2008, 10:52 AM

HI All

My IAudio M5 died yesterday and I’ve been searching this forum forever for the BEST sounding (I don't care about other features) to work with my Shure SE530.

I’m looking for large capacity preferably HD to replace the M5 (that it didn't sound good by the way). It must play FLAC (I don't mind Modding the thing for FLAC playback) my CD’s entirely ripped to FLAC.
I really want it to sound amazing.

Any ideas?

FrederikS|TPU · 03-21-2008, 11:09 AM

You could go for the Cowon D2 with a high capacity SDHC card. That way you can get a 24 GB player. If you want even greater capacity you could go for a 5.5 gen iPod and then rockbox it for FLAC support. By doing that it will greatly decrease the battery life.

As far as sound quality goes straight out of the box the Cowon players will kill the iPod, but if you get a nice LOD and a amp then you can probably get a really good sound quality from the iPod.

google741 · 03-21-2008, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by FrederikS|TPU

As far as sound quality goes straight out of the box the Cowon players will kill the iPod, but if you get a nice LOD and a amp then you can probably get a really good sound quality from the iPod.

FrederikS, thanks for the quick reply.

Sorry for the ignorance but what is LOD? And can you recommend an AMP too?
Another thing, wouldn't it be too bulky? I have to carry it around, not for jogging but for walking around. The M5 size and weight was perfect.
Thanks again.

Rob E. · 03-21-2008, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by google741

Sorry for the ignorance but what is LOD?
Another thing, wouldn't it be too bulky? I have to carry it around, not for jogging but for walking around.

LOD : Line Out Dock.

FrederikS|TPU · 03-21-2008, 01:59 PM

LOD = Line out dock. Google it

Well for portability you should probably get one of the newer Cowons. A iPod + amp is a bit too big for my liking. When it comes to amps you should probably make a thread in the amplifier forum. An amp does not make a huge difference as long as you are using normal earbuds or in-ears, however, if you plan on using big cans or Yuin PK1s you should probably get one. Even the smaller Cowons can drive most cans fairly well. If you want excellent sound quality in a small package you should definitely get one of the new Cowon players.

google741 · 03-21-2008, 08:57 PM

It’s decided then; I’ll go with Cowon D2 and SDHC card. Thanks for the quick replay. I’m going to come back and report my findings regarding the SQ

FrederikS|TPU · 03-22-2008, 05:52 PM

That is great. Looking forward to reading your impressions!

google741 · 03-25-2008, 12:18 PM

I just received the Cowon D2, wow it’s so small and it looks fabulous.
I’m going to listen for a while and I’ll write my report soon

xenochimera · 03-25-2008, 12:52 PM

haha cowon d2=awesomeness. i am plesantly suprised at their products, the u3 and now the d2. so small but packs a nice punch.

robojack · 03-25-2008, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by FrederikS|TPU

LOD = Line out dock. Google it
An amp does not make a huge difference as long as you are using normal earbuds or in-ears, however, if you plan on using big cans or Yuin PK1s you should probably get one. Even the smaller Cowons can drive most cans fairly well. If you want excellent sound quality in a small package you should definitely get one of the new Cowon players.

I disagree, adding an amp will actually warm up the sound (which some people complain is too cold), even with IEMs, and in addition, it reduces the inherent sibilance that's found in the D2.