Need help with choosing a music player

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jbl772 

Okay I hope this is the right section of the forum.  I've been using iPods for years and I had no idea that there were even good portable music players out there, and I also didn't know how bad iPods sound really is.  It usually didn't bother me, but anyways, I've been looking at the Cowon D3 but the price is way too high and I've also been reading how the OS isn't perfect yet, and every update is improving the device, so I'm waiting for now.  However, that isn't the only device I'm interested in.  I'm looking for the following features, hopefully someone knows a device with these:

 

1. Similar to an iPod Touch meaning:

• good, responsive, clear, high-def touch screen
• has an app system (games, etc)(facebook, aim, angry birds, etc) - one of the only reasons I have an iPod Touch is for the games
• portable size (around the size of an iPod Touch)

 

2. Can play music (obviously), videos, photos (optional)

3. Has internet w/ a wi-fi source avaiable (would be nice to have)

4. Music playback is exceptional, meaning a lot better than shitty iPods.  I don't know a whole lot about music playback but performance around one of a Cowon

5. Good battery life

6. Fast processor speed would be nice

7. MicroSD (LOVE this feature, but if not available I can live)

 

 

I think that's pretty much what I'm looking for...basically I'm looking for something similar to the Cowon D3

 

Thanks for any help

Which Touch do you have?  BTW - saying all iPods have bad SQ is something of a misnomer.  A lot of head-fiers use them.

If you like the Touch's apps - consider getting a G4 Touch.  Use a LOD to bypass the Touch's amp - and a cheap amp like the Fiio E11.  The G4 Touch DAC is actually pretty decent.  I was formerly of the impression that the Cowons were king (I had an iAudio7 - great SQ!).  Got an iPod Touch G4 through a rewards scheme - now I'm a convert.  Playing with flat/no EQ, they are both similar.  Cowon's strength is in its EQ / BBE enhancers.  But you can add a parametric equaliser app to the Touch (look for "Equalizer" in the app store) - and you then have a very decent DAP.

All depends on what you are looking for - but with what you mentioned (good SQ, apps, games) - the Touch G4 with LOD to a portable amp - you have what you wanted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbl772 

whats an LOD?

I have the touch 4 and the sound isn't very good (stock g4)

 

I was maybe thinking of getting the d3 though

Line out device.  Basically connects to the dock of the Touch and sends an analogue 'cleaner' signal to an external amp.  Photo of my set-up below:

It's your money (if you want to go with the D3 or J3).  All I'm saying is that as far as SQ goes, the Touch G4 is actually pretty good.  Add the apps - you have a winner.

And I'm not a fanboy of either.  I compared both brands.  For me Touch G4 + LOD + amp = satisfaction.  Either way you can't go wrong - the Cowons are pretty good as well.

Ok - there's a thread on here for D3 and another one for the J3 - both have impressions / comments etc  Might be worth checking out.  If you're on a real budget - both the Sansa Clip and the Sansa Fuse are supposed to have decent SQ as well (haven't heard either - but they have a good following).

Just might want to rethink the 'apple ipods are crap' line.  I know you have one - but how many other players have you heard?  Like I say - you just may be surprised.

I see you also have an E5.  Why don't you just get a LOD and run a signal from the dock to the E5 then to your cans - compare and see if there is an improvement.  Look for the Fiio L3 or L9 as cheap and reasonable quality LODs.  And if you do that - check out the Equalizer app for the iPod.  It can really make a difference.

One thing I forgot to ask - you're not using the built in EQ presets on the Touch are you?  Those really are crap IMO.  Get Equalizer app, and post back.  You might solve your whole dilemma for a few bucks ....