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ZuneHD, I have it; I like it!

post #1 of 43
9/20/09 at 10:50pm
Thread Starter 
I have read with amazement half the posts regarding the ZuneHD and frankly people I can't understand the animosity towards this product. I have multiple DAPS including Kenwood, Cowon, Sony and yes iPod and without a doubt the ZuneHD is the best one sound-wise the way I have set it up with dock optical out to DAC1 and full headphones. Apps, wi-fi, etc. I don't care, after all we are looking for best sound aren't we? So don't tell me that it sounds just O.K.

It does need portable amp for better sound just like all the other players.
One last point, make sure the connector pin snaps all the way in (I know that sounds obvious but will happen)otherwise the sound will be bad.
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post #2 of 43
9/20/09 at 11:59pm
I only tried it with the headphone out - is there a noticeable difference between the two? And what if you pull the DAC1 out of the mix? (I don't have the $ for that, I have to make due with the equipment I have). Thanks!
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post #3 of 43
9/21/09 at 12:08am
You're comparing a bunch of players with integrated amp and DAC sections to what amounts to the flash storage of the Zune HD running into a $1000 DAC. The latter better sound better than all of the former or you've got a problem in your hands.

Valid comparison? I think not.
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post #4 of 43
9/21/09 at 1:11am
Yes, it is not a fair comparison. I can AMP the Sansa clip and get a great sound and more storage for 80 bucks. What is your set up costs? Three times as much and yet it is hardly better. Sure my SONY amps my full headphone just fine (32 Ohms that is true). For anything more you need an amp. But we are talking about portable here, don't we? But I do believe you like the HD. It is just too expensive for being an extra amped player with extra headphones. You buy a SONY S series and get the amp, EQ, headphones for the price of $120... and still you can drive a bigger headphone.
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post #5 of 43
9/21/09 at 4:26am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by roebeet View Post
I only tried it with the headphone out - is there a noticeable difference between the two? And what if you pull the DAC1 out of the mix? (I don't have the $ for that, I have to make due with the equipment I have). Thanks!
It still sounds very good, but you will need a portable amp for better performance (just like most other DAPs). The DAC1 was used to somehow determine the potential of this unit through the optical out. The fact that other DAPs do not have an dedicated line out basically accentuates the potential of the ZuneHD. The grafics are quite impressive also.
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post #6 of 43
9/21/09 at 4:38am
another Zune hd thread?? boring...
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post #7 of 43
9/21/09 at 10:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by a_tumiwa View Post
another Zune hd thread?? boring...
So don't read or post in it. Simple solution, no?
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post #8 of 43
9/21/09 at 10:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by a_tumiwa View Post
another Zune hd thread?? boring...
another useless post.
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post #9 of 43
9/21/09 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by a_tumiwa View Post
another Zune hd thread?? boring...
Why is it boring, people are entitled to their own opinion.
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post #10 of 43
9/21/09 at 10:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by lukano View Post
I have read with amazement half the posts regarding the ZuneHD and frankly people I can't understand the animosity towards this product. I have multiple DAPS including Kenwood, Cowon, Sony and yes iPod and without a doubt the ZuneHD is the best one sound-wise the way I have set it up with dock optical out to DAC1 and full headphones. Apps, wi-fi, etc. I don't care, after all we are looking for best sound aren't we? So don't tell me that it sounds just O.K.

It does need portable amp for better sound just like all the other players.
One last point, make sure the connector pin snaps all the way in (I know that sounds obvious but will happen)otherwise the sound will be bad.
Well, in setup like this i have better solution, PC or CD player optical out -> DAC -> preamp -> amps !

While i am in the house my DAPS are on chargers, i am using them while i am out ... Tell me how your ZUNE sound when is not on dock conected to system with optical output ?

Whole point of having portable DAP is to you get good sounding device away from home system ...

I can beat your ZUNE with my home setup with no problem - if we want to compare TOSLINK devices - for less money then you pay for ZUNE with Dock ..
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post #11 of 43
9/21/09 at 2:13pm
finally got my unboxing video working....check it out! i made a plug about head-fi.org when i talk about the earphones

YouTube - Microsoft Zune HD 32GB Unboxing Preview
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post #12 of 43
9/21/09 at 3:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackburn View Post
finally got my unboxing video working....check it out! i made a plug about head-fi.org when i talk about the earphones

YouTube - Microsoft Zune HD 32GB Unboxing Preview
So jealous I'm still waiting for mine shipped from Zune Originals.
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post #13 of 43
9/21/09 at 3:25pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by komi View Post
Well, in setup like this i have better solution, PC or CD player optical out -> DAC -> preamp -> amps !

While i am in the house my DAPS are on chargers, i am using them while i am out ... Tell me how your ZUNE sound when is not on dock connected to system with optical output ?

Whole point of having portable DAP is to you get good sounding device away from home system ...

I can beat your ZUNE with my home setup with no problem - if we want to compare TOSLINK devices - for less money then you pay for ZUNE with Dock ..
The ZuneHD without dock still sounds great. And no, I do not want or care to compare toslink devices or argue ad infinitum , my statement is limited to what I noted in the original post nothing more nothing less.
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post #14 of 43
9/21/09 at 5:16pm
Right, but say your ZUNE sound better then any other DAP you have IN YOUR SETUP with dock ... Well, you are right about that, i guess my wuation is ZUNE sound better then other DAPS you have without DOCK ...

How ever, if you like it - good, this is most important ...

After my bad expirience i wont buy ZUNE - i wont accept like i gift LOL, but thats me ...

I just dont like statement, like "BEST DAP EVER" etc ...
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post #15 of 43
9/21/09 at 5:27pm
I just got my son's 32gb Zune HD, and it's actually quite good sounding. The EQ presets actually take away from the SQ, but without it on - it's fantastic. I used my MDR-V6's, and my XB700's to test it out. Very nice, though it's like MS is part of the EU - The volume seems to be capped - for your protection I would assume. Still, pair it w/a nice set of IEM's and It'll sound fantastic for the audio purist.

As for the overall Zune HD experience, all I'll say is WOW!!! They got it right this time. Now get some apps and games on it, and pop in a custom EQ, and it's really a winner.

All this is IMO, YMMV!!!!
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