Archos 32 RMAA Tests

Full RMAA results here: http://rmaa.elektrokrishna.com/Comparisons/Archos%2032%20-%20Loads%20%28vs.%20Sansa%20Clip%2B%29.htm

The Archos 32 is fine with dynamic driver IEMs, craps out a bit with difficult multi-armature IEMs with crossovers (due to some output impedance), but has generally very nice measurements. In a volume-matched AB test I couldn't hear any audible difference compared to the Cowon J3 or Sansa Clip+. Crosstalk looks a bit high on the Archos, but I didn't hear any difference. Bass roll-off is lower than on Cowon or iriver players. Still, that's not audible anyways.

Frequency response:



Stereo crosstalk:

Sorry to hear about your J3 issues (read them in the J3 thread). Too bad, since I have no issues whatsoever, and it's clearly the best player I could wish for. Hopefully it's just the cable, and can be sorted out easily.

The Archos sure is no replacement for the J3, as far as audio/video is concerned. Here's what I wrote earlier today: http://anythingbutipod.com/forum/showpost.php?p=534487&postcount=15

Yes, review is coming up. ;)

The display is horrible. Even my Sony Clie TH55 from 2001 (or so) has a vastly superior screen. Switching from the A32 to the Cowon J3 is like going from a Commodore 64 monitor to an IBM T221. Nevertheless, for the extremely low price, the A32 manages to be extremely snappy and responsive, doesn't hiccup with multitasking, and generally performs amazingly well as an "Internet Tablet", as Archos calls it. It's a neat and zippy toy, just not the best audio or video player out there.

The Archos 43 already fixes some of the major shortcomings of the A32 - a 4.3" 854x480 screen, and an SD slot. I would definitely get a 43 over a 32.

I thought this silly Quadrant Standard benchmark test of the Archos 32 might be something to show off, no matter how meaningless...