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Recommendation on a player that fits my needs?

post #1 of 14
4/16/10 at 9:22am
Thread Starter 
Hello, all. First post.

I've read through this forum, and didn't really see a thread that answered all my questions, so I'll ask here.

Here's what I'm looking for in a portable player:

MUST HAVE --
Audiophile sound quality (best available in a portable, or close to it)
Excellent video quality (HD, or at least comparable non-HD)
Audio/Video output (pref. HDMI, but not a requirement)
Excellent battery life

WOULD LIKE TO HAVE (but not necessarily a deal-breaker) --
Memory expansion slot
Very large file compatibility
Touch screen

Can anyone recommend some players that fit this bill? Preferably in a couple of different price ranges, if possible.

Thanks in advance!
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post #2 of 14
4/16/10 at 9:28am
I don't think a player of that type exists

If you took an SFLO:2 and a ZuneHD and made a Child DAP out of it that may fit your needs but otherwise you are going to have seriously compromise on your wants.

For Example if you want the best SQ the Hifiman 801 or SFLO:2 are your choices. Both have short battery life, the Hifiman has no video the SFLO:2 has pretty good video capability and can play HD files but has not video output but does have a microSD slot and is a touchscreen player.

The ZuneHD can output HDMI using it's dock, I think this is the only player on the market that has any type of HDMI capabilities even though it is using a Dock. It has good battery life and pretty decent Sound quality but has no memory expansion slots.

Your not going to find a player right now that meets your needs so you will need to compromise.
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post #3 of 14
4/16/10 at 9:46am
What Swanlee said.

You are going to compromise. None of the "audiophile" DAPs have good video or a long battery life. The Cowon S9 comes closest to your demands. Good audio/video, great battery but no output other than HO. The Sony X1050 has slightly better SQ and a line out but has limited codec support for video. Also, no FLAC. Another option would be to wait for the Cowon J3's release.

The Sflo2 has superb SQ and decent video. The screen suffers from screen-tearing and it has a pretty spartan UI though. The battery will only last you 8 hours. I couldn't live with it hence my Sony X1050.
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post #4 of 14
4/16/10 at 9:52am
Please buy an ipod and be contended.
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post #5 of 14
4/16/10 at 10:47am
Thread Starter 
Yeah, Kunalraiker -- If the iPod Touch just had better sound quality and a memory expansion slot, I wouldn't have even had to ask for recommendations!
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post #6 of 14
4/16/10 at 10:53am
Thread Starter 
Anyone have any experience with the Samsung P3? I know it doesn't meet all my requirements, either. But since I'm gonna have to compromise, I'm wondering what you guys think of it in comparison with the iPod Touch and the Zune HD?
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post #7 of 14
4/16/10 at 11:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tubaguyry View Post
Anyone have any experience with the Samsung P3? I know it doesn't meet all my requirements, either. But since I'm gonna have to compromise, I'm wondering what you guys think of it in comparison with the iPod Touch and the Zune HD?
I've owned all 3 (plus the Cowon S9), and I still have the P3 - the SQ on it is fantastic, and it does drag & drop for vids directly on the device. Still, it's not gonna fulfill most of your needs - it doesn't even do DVD quality video out.

I'd say to wait for the Cowon J3, or get a Cowon S9 (or for sheer SQ alone, a Sony X Series DAP - or the fantastic 32gb A Series - it does video out I believe, but @DVD quality).

Otherwise, as stated, your options are somewhat limited. And sorry for someone always suggesting a touch, some people are quite limited in their experience w/players and think what they know is always best. We all have quite a bit to learn and explore - that's the best(and most expensive) aspect of this hobby - and it's never ending!!!
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post #8 of 14
4/16/10 at 11:49am
The touch I have not been half as happy, with, but in the interest of due credit, the iPhone, I think and I've read here has pretty impressive sound quality, if not necessarily audiophile quality. I think Apple's come a long way since the first generation iPod touches.
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post #9 of 14
4/16/10 at 6:55pm
^I agree. The 3GS is known for having great SQ, better than all of the other iPods out (and closely followed by the Classic G7).

Keep in mind I haven't heard one but People have supported this for quite a while now.
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post #10 of 14
4/16/10 at 8:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Negakinu View Post
Another option would be to wait for the Cowon J3's release.
I think this will get pretty close to fitting the bill. That or check out the Cowon S9.
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post #11 of 14
4/17/10 at 10:54pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah, looking at all the information I could find on the J3, it looks like the player for me (on paper). The main test will be finding out how good the sound/video quality is. If both are excellent, I know what I'm buying myself for my birthday! (Assuming they will be available in the US by June).
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post #12 of 14
4/17/10 at 11:07pm
Cowon V5 or the upcoming Cowon J3.
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post #13 of 14
4/18/10 at 7:14pm
Thread Starter 
I was VERY intrigued by the V5. The video and audio are supposed to be fantastic, it has TV-out, an expansion slot, and great battery life. The only things keeping me from getting one are the slow touchscreen and the ultra-crappy UI. Plus it's just a tad on the pricey side for not having a web browser/WiFi. Not that I NEED that on my media player. But for the price they are charging I'd expect it to have those features.
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post #14 of 14
4/18/10 at 9:22pm
wait and see how the J3 is then decide
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