Which one has the best SQ? (Sansa Clip, Clip+, iPod Video, S:flo2)

Hi everyone,

I'm on the edge of deciding on a portable gear which sounds BETTER than my Cowon S9. Actually I have never had a chance to try another portable player, though a lot of people had told me to change my player to get better and natural sound.

I'm not thinking of using a portable amp with it, so the thing I request that if you could tell me which one sounds better on flat sound and adjustments. In fact, I really want to buy Sansa Clip (or Clip+ ? 'cuz some says Clip'only' sounds better with Rockbox) because of it's easy portability, but when it comes to SQ,  I can chose iPod Video regardless of this if it is better.

S:flo2 can be an option as well (maybe the best one among these in terms of SQ), though it's a big one to carry with a worse battery life (maybe the worst) and I want to get over this issue as much as costless I can. I will use it with my AT-Ck10, hence I'm insensitive to a really really small SQ difference which can cost hundreds of dollars - at least, during these days.

I need your advices guys.

Thanks in advance!

Seriously I'm about to consider on Sansa Clip+ though I'm not sure if it gonna be an upgrade to my S9...

Wish I had someone here could tell something who had already tried both. (or D2, Clip only etc... )

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyninger 

For absolute SQ in the devices mentioned in this thread, the Sflow is your choice.  BUT, for an individual like myself that listens to mostly live FLAC recordings, the lack of gapless playback on the Sflo devices greatly missed.  So, I now have a Rockboxed Fuze v2 for this purpose.  It's really a bummer that the Sflo does not have gapless playback - I'm really hoping someone can take take the helm and figure a way to Rockbox the Sflo series of devices, it would be a perfect marriage!

What? How doesn't it have any gapless playback format? Then what about "FLAC" and others like "WMA, OGG, AAC" etc. formats that are indicated on it's specifications on mp4nation.net? Most of my archive consists of .flac files and it's indispensable for me.

@rawrster

I met with a comment/review which says that "...with clip+, sound is produced closer to S9 ( which has the same SQ with D2+ IMO) which is on the dark/warmer side of the sound. Clip was more analytical and better". If it is so, I can eliminate it as well as iPod Video - I also don't want it anymore.

The other things like touchscreen, buttons etc are disregarded, but the battery life. I know Cowon is the best, though I can sacrifice some for the SQ wise. And if I didn't get you wrong, and also regarding the comment above, I eliminate the Clip and Clip+ as well. They are so cute and easy to carry, but I want a real upgrade that worth my another hundred dollar (or a little more) seperate from my S9.

@Dev Avidon and Surreal.

I don't care about touchscreen sensitivity and UI as much as the SQ, but the battery life. It really concerns me. For instance, approximately how long does it play flac files with lowest screen-lighting and moderate sound levels such as %50 - 60 ? And is it really a heavy and a big one to carry in pocket? IMHO, I don't mind carrying my S9 with me even it is summer or winter. So it seems that it's better to eliminate this restriction as well.

By the way, I had already read many threads and comments, but it's really hard to search within hundreds of page, plus I'm totally confused, so starting a new thread an easy way to have a direct idea - so all of your efforts are appreciated, thank you all.

One last inquiry; could anyone tell where exactly Sony A series (eg A845) can set among these rivals, in means of SQ of course?