Help me pick a new DAP

I am looking for a new player. I have had within the past month a NWZ-865, a Sansa Clip Zip, and a NWZ-S764. I really like my clip and it's expandable memory but I'd like something better. My main issues with the clip are really its size (as far as navigating through a huge library) because I do like the SQ it provides. SQ is paramount and I haven't really placed a cap on my budget. I tried out the ipod "7th" gen that some say is ok just to see but I don't really like Apple, and the SQ was a downgrade clearly from the zip.

At this point all I can really see left to try is a Zune HD (discontinued, but I know where I could pick from several and I understand it has a Wolfson DAC which I do seem to like) I like the size availability, but do like to be able to have a user adjustable EQ.

A Cowon S9/J3/or iAudio (I like the form factor of the iAudio).

Or I guess a HiFiMan 601/602/etc.

The iBasso is not currently available and will be at a stupifying price to me so I have ruled that out at least at this time. Any recommendations are appreciated. There again, SQ is most important as I do not have a home setup and I use my player about 6-12 hours a day.

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowei006 

Why did you not like the ipod. could it be some bias? was the Clip using EQ or other special features? the ipod's are not meant to just be used direct. they are popular on head fi because them being the only current continued product with a good line out. the walkman's are discontinued and the Z series are just for japan and are hard to get and aren't expandable...so basically an ipod that may or may not just brick on you. i think the Fuze lines out...

I prefer better products to popular ones. I don't believe bias would keep me from an ipod, but to me the touch has better bass impact, and didn't seem as distorted at volume, and just had an overall fuller sound than the classic. I prefer the ipod classic to the touch (not the biggest fan of touch screen daps generally because of redundancy with my smartphone and their increased size as I play music everywhere).

I have noticed most ipods are being used with a LOD and an amp. I would prefer to not amp for ease of portability seeing as how I only have so many pockets. I considered the famed 5th gen ipod video but it seems that it is highly regarded largely because of it's line out capabilities and to a lesser extent, for it's headphone-out. Oh and by the way, I meant discontinued the Sony X series, not the new, "ultra" priced not yet released Z series (there again, redundancy having an android player unless the SQ is just exceptional (see iBasso DX100)). Do you have any recommendations/corrections?

Yes I have. I actually am feeling really intrigued by the original Fuze as is has line out capabilities, expandable memory, is bigger than my Clip Zip, but smaller than a Cowon j3/s9. At least this way for work I can go un-amped and then for home or whatever else I can run the amp and get the best of both worlds.

Thanks for all of your help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mython 

You haven't said what earphones/IEMs/headphones you intend to use with your chosen DAP..

I have not yet ventured into over ear headphones other than my Sennheiser HD201's which I just use for falling asleep to podcasts. As far as in ear I have the Etymotic hf3 and VSONIC gr07. I noticed the Sony players greatly changed the perceived sound quality of the i.e.m.'s making good, clean, detailed gear sound warm and soft as well as making decent gear sound flat out terrible. Those players seemed to be all about synergy.

Currently I'm trying various dynamic i.e.m.'s to find my pick of those and then I will continue trying the BA i.e.m.'s. I'd like to have my favorite of each as I listen to a very wide array of music and I am sure to learn a lot along the journey.

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiogear 

I had a ipod back 5 years ago. After 2 songs and some chamber music(classical) I gave up...the reason? To my ear I didn't see the potential for the sq.  As right now the job take me to the music world again, I need listen lots music each day. I have just decide give Co..J3 a try.... money wise. I couldn't effort more than $300 for a DAP...

I can understand. I was looking at the 5th gen ipod as a possible. However now it's between a 1st gen fuze V2 and a Cowon. Hmm.... I'm not sure which way to go on that. iAudio or J3 vs a Sansa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roma101 

I'm interested in this too. I have a 5g iPod Classic 60GB (along with an iPhone 4 but it isn't my primary DAP, even though the SQ is very good) but I'm considering trying something other than Apple for the first time. I'm about to give up my TTVJ Slim which I've been pairing with my iPod so I'm looking for an all-in-one deal. I have been looking into some of the Hifiman DAPs and I agree that new iBasso DAP is way too pricey, although it may be nice to try in the future. As for Cowon, I've heard good things but it seems that it's only really useful if you use its EQ. I don't EQ at all so this doesn't really appeal to me.

 

Anyway, I'm more curious than anything to try out something different.

If you've got $55 dollars laying around I'd swing by a Best Buy and grab a clip zip (I do not like Best Buy but, easy returns if you don't like it). The sound is indeed good and w/o eq at that. It has made switching DAP's hard because of it's SQ. I think I have decided to snag a Fuze while they can still be bought new from Amazon. The Cowon's aren't going anywhere and it will have the same sound as the clip zip that I really enjoy with bigger controls and a line out for an amp for my at home/weekend use. Be sure to chime in with whatever you decide. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by roma101 

I'll check it out. By the way, what headphones have you been using out of the zip?

I have owned and used Etymotic HF3's, Shure SE215's, Klipsh S4's, and VSONIC GR07's. 

Update. So... against all odds I went with the 7th gen/6.5/Sept 2009 ipod Classic. I auditioned one with my gr07's and I was pleasantly surprised. It has several compromises and several advantages (SQ wise) to the clip. At any rate, I bought it because I went into a pawn shop and found a mint one for $99 bucks out the door. I figured "meh", if I hate it I can sell it and make all of my money back on it. So, there it is. Now, off to decide on a portable amp.