Sony mp3s and Expansion cards

I was thinking of buying a Sony mp3 player (well, I could call it a FLAC player but it's just not commonly accepted) but, yuh know what? I guess Sony doesn't believe in expansion cards, like SDs and MicroSDs. What's up with that, Sony? You see, because I only collect classical, well... symphonic (20th Century is not classical, but I think classical really describes a genre), so a compressed codec like mp3s is too much of a compromise. Thus I need more room, naturally, so that I may load up with plenty of decent uncompressed file types like FLACs, but I wouldn't think of using anything less and I wouldn't think of buying a player without an expansion slot.

Now I'm going to save my sheckles and wait for a Hifiman 601 type player with a decent gui that wouldn't change my files and screw up my titles. Is there anything out there that's as good as a Hifiman601 that has a good gui? Hmm, I didn't think so.

Hey, you know what, I'm going to start calling 'em FLAC players, I think you'll know what I mean, No?

Oh, by the way, how do I get my gear shown on these forums. I am listening to my Sansa FuzeV2 with UEtriple-fi's and sometime with the Audiotechnica ATH A900s. I used to have until 1990, Jadis tube herniating monobloc amps/preamps, a Basis turntable and Duntech speakers, but I had to sell 'em all, (sigh). Now, I'm going miniature, but, you know what, I'm loving it (yech, I hope I'm not sounding like a McDonald's commercial, I eat just natural, unprocessed foods). I have some favorite albums, one of which is: Symphonic Dances by Rachmaninoff on Vox Turnabout (would you believe, Vox Turnabout, yes, the budget label) Some of the best sounds came from that recording... and one of the best performances of anything I've ever heard from, of all orchestras... the Dallas Symphony Orchestra w/ Donald Johanos, no, not Fritz Reiner, not Leonard Bernstein,  I said Donald Johanos...ever heard of him? Get it and give it a listen. There's also a cd version too!

So... kingpintps, I'd like to know if you've actually compared the J3 with the HM601. I've heard good things about the J3 on Head-fi and almost bought one. I'd still consider it and it can be Rockboxed, can't it?

I don't care so much about technically perfect/flat frequency response. I'd be quite fine with the 601 if it had a more flexible UI, not for anything other than music, so if the J3 can give that tubular sound quality, I'd definitely consider getting one on your recommendations.

What will they play that's lossless? Anything?

Thanks!

Thanks, Madcow for your input but ...I don't like the restrictions on codecs that Apple foists on owners, I don't like hard drives in mp3 players because of sensitive moving parts despite the 160gb size. I'm sure from all the reviews I've read that the Cowons are a better buy, sound better than ipods. I like the flexibility that expansion cards offer and wouldn't think of buying an mp3 player without one! I also don't buy into the Apple mystique along with their being way over-priced.

Even though the J3 can't be Rockboxed, even still, there is enough interest in the player that enthusiasts are offering interface enhancers like Aero and Karma  that can be installed to improve on the UI experience, so not only am I going to enjoy really good sound, but, to top it off, I get a constantly improving interface and the many updates that Cowon offers regularly. The J3 offers, therefore, the best overall experience, so gets my vote!

160gb, that sounds like a hard drive. I'm partial to flash, no moving parts, plus the J3 has an expansion slot for microsd, so there's really unlimited expansion available. The only thing I don't like about microsd is there is no room to write on, so I'll have to rely on maybe putting a mark on the card like a letter or number so I can identify what's on there from the list I would make for it. I can live with that. Also, isn't the X7 an older model? I would rather have the new one to take advantage of the new technology, the better UI, the amoled touchscreen and probably, the improved sound.