I wonder if there is a way to split up a WAV file into multi-parts. Say one song into 3 or 4 parts. Since playback is gapless on the Tera Player, you effectively get a fast forward feature. And when you stop in a song and restart, you don't have to start from the beginning of the song. Currently pausing inside a song and having to start from the beginning when you un-pause takes some getting used to.
But skipping songs will take more presses and will make random play rather unusual. 
The fast forward I was referring to was with my radio tracks where I have continuous radio split into consecutive WAV files, I can simply press next track and skip a few minutes ahead. It works pretty much like a fast forward. My radio tracks are 3 minutes long so 128 of them would give me over 6 hours of listening time per folder.
Right now I have a folder for BBC2 and another for BBC3. the iRecordmusic program allows for automatic daily recording in lossless format (unfortunately not in WAV though). But for BBC streaming, it's only 128kbps for BBC2 and 320kbps for BBC3.
the Tera Player is "basically gapless". you wont notice much of a gap at all if you cut off between words. But you can't fast forward with the Tera Player. Also, be reminded you can only have 127 files per album per artist.
How many times do I have to say that the Tera Player is not gapless. Read the documentation, their is a very very short amount of time between tracks. It's not true gapless.
I honestly like the play/stop feature. While annoying that I can't fast forward, why deal with remembering where I was when I paused or anything. Just start the song back up again. The single button is great too. I was showing it to my best friend on a car ride from Philly and she loved the fade in/fade out aspect of it. Sounds like it's professionally done. Overall I wouldn't trade my Tera Player for any other player. I think I'll be picking up another DAP sometime in the future, but only because I'm always a curious person and I can see that sometimes I miss the nuances of my old rig. If I get another DAP, I would get something more analytical (maybe a Sabre DAC based DAP) that I can push to my purposes. I miss the treble extension I was getting from my iPod and Pico Slim. I think the Tera Player does a great job but my previous rig had it's strength in the treble region that was tons of fun. I could easily reproduce such a rig, but I have all these microSD cards, so if I can get a DAP that uses them as well it would be a win win for me as I dont have to keep two music libraries besides the one on my computer up to date. That's the main reason I havent picked up my iPod besides for podcasts, which has now been completely replaced by my iPhone only holding my podcasts.
I have a 240gb HDD for an iPod 5.5g or 7g, havent decided which to put it in and also collecting parts so I have the option to do it to a 5.5g, currently just got a 5g iPod and I kinda like the signature of the 5th gen iPods. Once I can keep all my music on a single device easily, I think it may get some more use just because I dont have to think about file management, I can just keep my whole library there. I think that's the single downfall of the Tera. I love the thing, 100% yes! but I enjoy it so much I have yet to finish ripping all my CD's or loaded all my music to different cards as I just havent found the time or the need when I already got a nice little variety of songs. Soon though, I hope to finish ripping my CD's and get all my music onto different cards and organizing myself. I'll let people know how I fair with such a task in a few weeks.
EDIT: Not trying to be mean, just want you to understand the inaccuracy in what you are saying. People come onto this thread and read what you're saying and all of a sudden you have an ill-informed consumer. The Tera Player is essentially gapless, but technically their is a gap, you would be better off saying "since the Tera Player is basically gapless" or something like that. I remember when this thread was 4-5 pages long and if someone came onto the thread they would easily read the entire thing. We are starting to get up there in number that most regular readers will probably read page 1 and the last 2-3 pages. maybe even less. I wasn't sure you actually had a Tera Player, but it sounds like you do have one @flkin, I hope you enjoy it and keep the ideas flowing. Yes, I am almost 100% sure you an use a program to separate out a WAV file into multiple WAV files. It's not exactly a very obscure task. It's wanting to append end and start markers into a filestream and wouldn't take much. It also in theory shouldn't take re-encoding if done properly.
.. Not trying to be mean, just want you to understand the inaccuracy in what you are saying ..
.. you would be better off saying "since the Tera Player is basically gapless" or something like that...
.. I wasn't sure you actually had a Tera Player, but it sounds like you do have one @flkin ..
Haha, you're not mean kenman345. 
I appreciate you correcting me to say that the Tera Player isn't technically gapless in that precise time is kept. If someone wanted to using the device for scientific reasons, this information would be essential.
I suppose I should have said that, practically as a music player, the TP is "essentially gapless" in that the delay is undetectable when listening to music. I can't with my split-up radio tracks. From Charles' FAQ:
Quote:
The Tera-Player does not have absolute gapless playback, however, the gap between consecutive tracks is so short that it is difficult to detect at all, in other words, it goes unnoticed as it is shorter than a tenth of a second.
And yes I'm one of those that was brave enough to take a leap of faith to purchase a controversial product and lucky enough to have done so! 
On a side note, I use a flat, square, gauze-like pouch that was given free by Etihad Airlines inside their amenity kit. It's 'essentially flat' :), has a large mouth and breaths so you can keep it in a pants pocket without discomfort. Wonderful way to carry the TP.
I have been trying out some high end earbuds with the Tera Player with great results. I find earbuds well suited to the TP as they are fuss free, super comfortable and highly portable. Currently using the Yuin PK1 and I've have tried the Sennheiser MX980. Will be testing out the Blox TM7 when Woo sends it over next week. When all is properly burnt in and I have a feel for how they sound, I will post some opinions here. 
I am back to try to finish this Tera-Fi-c journey.
@flkin -> I too want to take the leap of faith. Thanks for sharing. It helps plenty for those who share their experiences since this is such a niche product.
@darinf -> Not sure if you wanted to listen to the Tera-Player for personal reasons or because you are organising a meet, but I may have some business in Mexico next year. So if I am near San Diego, I will keep you in mind. I love Mexican food, so keep that in mind ;) It would be great also to have some professional snapshots of the T-P to post. I am now on the other side of the world, so no-go for this year.
@evolutionx -> I hope to plan to pair the Tera-Player one day with the FAD X-G, X-CC or IX's. If you do not mind, can you share some impressions with that pairing. Also, do you consider X-G > TH900 or they are different beasts? The FAD's seem like a acquired taste and needs ear training. It is difficult to justify the X-G since I do not consider it replaceable if lost/stolen. I consider the IX's replaceable. So trying to get the 411 (info) on the X-G where I can.
@Rudolfs -> Thank you for your reply. Although, it takes me quite a few readings to comprehend, I do throughly enjoy your comments.
Well, I contacted Charles this week about the order. I plan to make a bank transfer next week. So I will post the dates starting from the bank transfer to physical delivery so others will get an idea of the timescale to receive this product. I figure around 5-6 weeks for the total process.
Anyways, will post in a few weeks once the initial transaction is complete. Adios for now.
I am back to try to finish this Tera-Fi-c journey.
@darinf -> Not sure if you wanted to listen to the Tera-Player for personal reasons or because you are organising a meet, but I may have some business in Mexico next year. So if I am near San Diego, I will keep you in mind. I love Mexican food, so keep that in mind ;) It would be great also to have some professional snapshots of the T-P to post. I am now on the other side of the world, so no-go for this year.
The main reason I want to hear a TP is for personal reasons. The meet I am organizing is in a couple weeks, but I was not planning on having one there. I just want to see if it is really that good before saving up money to buy one.
If you are ever near San Diego, definitely let me know. I'd be happy to take you to a great Mexican restaurant! I actually told Charles that I would take professional product photos of the TP in exchange for an audition. Needless to say, he declined. I think he likes keeping everything including his website and photos looking "DIY". I don't think he's interested in selling more players.
But, I would be happy to do some professional product shots if you make it to San Diego, or if anyone wants to let me borrow theirs. ;-)
Heya,
I’m interested in this player, only for the audio quality, I understand and can cope with its other limitations.
I mainly listen while at work on a Cowon J3 with Shure SE535, mostly 16bits FLAC.
Recently I have started to listen more at home while on my mac.
I am using an imac (with Fidelia player) with optical link to a DENON AVR-1906 that was given to me some years ago.
Listening to 24/96 FLAC classical music (still on the SE535) I find the difference with the Cowon quite important, this even on the same files that my Cowon can play (as the cowon can’t play 24/96).
As I’m a newbie I was surprised at such a difference, especially as this a home cinema amp and I’m now looking for something portable that could approach or equal this SQ.
I listen to music between 5 and 7hours a day, using IEM, some of the qualities stated for the Tera include “Effortless sound” which seems good to me for so many hours per day.
So I’m looking for a portable player that can play 24/96 files (converting to wav is no problem), that could approach the SQ of a modest home setup like the one I have.
Has anyone done such comparison?
I understand that most people willing to pay so much for such a niche product are dedicated audiophile with great home equipment. As it will be impossible to listen to this player before purchase I’m welcoming any information or comparison !
thanks
Not familiar with that amp, but the Tera Player is not for everyone. That's a general warning. Do your research well and you can't be disappointed. The "effortless" quality you talk about is 100% there. It's a very warm sound signature. you won't tire of the T-P after long sessions. It can handle it and you wont feel fatigued. The Tera Player lasts about 16-17 hours for me, so it should work well for you over two days with that amount of usage. the DAC is only technically 16-bit, but you don't need the extra 8 bits of information anyways. The music will still be played back at the 96 khz sample rate it is originally in. If I have some time later I will write some more about the T-P for you.
Heya,
I’m interested in this player, only for the audio quality, I understand and can cope with its other limitations.
I mainly listen while at work on a Cowon J3 with Shure SE535, mostly 16bits FLAC.
Recently I have started to listen more at home while on my mac.
I am using an imac (with Fidelia player) with optical link to a DENON AVR-1906 that was given to me some years ago.
Listening to 24/96 FLAC classical music (still on the SE535) I find the difference with the Cowon quite important, this even on the same files that my Cowon can play (as the cowon can’t play 24/96).
As I’m a newbie I was surprised at such a difference, especially as this a home cinema amp and I’m now looking for something portable that could approach or equal this SQ.
I listen to music between 5 and 7hours a day, using IEM, some of the qualities stated for the Tera include “Effortless sound” which seems good to me for so many hours per day.
So I’m looking for a portable player that can play 24/96 files (converting to wav is no problem), that could approach the SQ of a modest home setup like the one I have.
Has anyone done such comparison?
I understand that most people willing to pay so much for such a niche product are dedicated audiophile with great home equipment. As it will be impossible to listen to this player before purchase I’m welcoming any information or comparison !
thanks
I am back to try to finish this Tera-Fi-c journey.
@evolutionx -> I hope to plan to pair the Tera-Player one day with the FAD X-G, X-CC or IX's. If you do not mind, can you share some impressions with that pairing. Also, do you consider X-G > TH900 or they are different beasts? The FAD's seem like a acquired taste and needs ear training. It is difficult to justify the X-G since I do not consider it replaceable if lost/stolen. I consider the IX's replaceable. So trying to get the 411 (info) on the X-G where I can.
Hi Tera-Fi, hope you get your Tera Player soon. I am sure you will enjoy TP. The FAD X-G is a very niche product and the sound signature is unlike any typical iem. The price make it seem like a "Super IEM" but it actually produces a specific horn speaker sound signature with strong emphasis on vocals and horn instruments. Pairing with TP is great but i think it sound best listening to Jazz and vocal tracks.
Th900 is the best closed headphone i have heard and i totally enjoy it. It has all the qualities i am looking for and it pairs so well with everything that you throw at it, whether portable or desktop. It is totally different from the X-G.
I think the TP sounds good with almost anything you pair it with in my opinion. I totally enjoy going to audio shops or audio shows carrying my portable TP to demo and try out all the headphones. I have a Tera-Fi-c journey so far.....and i am sure you will too.
The main reason I want to hear a TP is for personal reasons. The meet I am organizing is in a couple weeks, but I was not planning on having one there. I just want to see if it is really that good before saving up money to buy one.
If you are ever near San Diego, definitely let me know. I'd be happy to take you to a great Mexican restaurant! I actually told Charles that I would take professional product photos of the TP in exchange for an audition. Needless to say, he declined. I think he likes keeping everything including his website and photos looking "DIY". I don't think he's interested in selling more players.
But, I would be happy to do some professional product shots if you make it to San Diego, or if anyone wants to let me borrow theirs. ;-)
Good luck with the Meet!
I just think that it is his policy not to bother with 'loaners'. If he had to budge on the issue of 'loaning' either for professional photos or professional review, then I can easily see how it can get out of control. Charles is extremely busy these days flipping out Tera-Players. I believe he is a one-man shop (extremely opposite of Foxconn), so I do not know how he can stay so patient and professional. I just talked to him over the phone. Seems like a great guy. It sort of reminds me of the episode of 'The Big Bang Theory' where they are flipping out flower accessories. Just one order coming in after another and trying to carefully assemble the product with precision and German handmade craftsmanship. It is not a easy task. So I understand him not wanting to deal with marketing (loaners) or the marketing (website) or etc. As long as he is churning out a HQ product, the rest can be looked over imo. His key marketing strategy maybe 'word of mouth'. I think he is interested in selling to those who are seeking something different and not market share.
Sweet, Mexican food and professional product shots sounds like a good plan. Will contact you via your website contact details if I happen to be in the neighborhood.
Hi Tera-Fi, hope you get your Tera Player soon. I am sure you will enjoy TP. The FAD X-G is a very niche product and the sound signature is unlike any typical iem. The price make it seem like a "Super IEM" but it actually produces a specific horn speaker sound signature with strong emphasis on vocals and horn instruments. Pairing with TP is great but i think it sound best listening to Jazz and vocal tracks.
Th900 is the best closed headphone i have heard and i totally enjoy it. It has all the qualities i am looking for and it pairs so well with everything that you throw at it, whether portable or desktop. It is totally different from the X-G.
I think the TP sounds good with almost anything you pair it with in my opinion. I totally enjoy going to audio shops or audio shows carrying my portable TP to demo and try out all the headphones. I have a Tera-Fi-c journey so far.....and i am sure you will too.
Thank you, thank you, I look forward to that day. After my interest in the Tera-Player, I started reading all the reviews on Mr. Altmann's other products. There seems to be a slight trend in using Horn speakers with these home audio products. I have heard Horn speakers in the past and loved them. So naturally, once I read about FAD having that Horn speaker signature you mentioned, I was hooked. I think it will make for a great pairing as Horn speakers does with Charles' home audio products. Your description of the FAD X-G as being 'very niche' and sound signature parallels the Tera-Player description. The nice thing about the FAD's is they sit in your ear and no deep insertion needed. So pretty much a perfect fit for I.
Hmmm, nicely put on the TH900.
I look forward to that day of bringing in the T-P and demoing the FAD's @ the local audio shop. If I am lucky, they will let me demo the TH900 also. I already called in and they have the X-G, X-CC & IX in stock, but did not inquire about the TH900. Congrats on your T-P journey and the rest of your audio equipment. You have my respect on your inventory. I hope to make my first step into the Tera-Fi-c journey soon.
...
So I’m looking for a portable player that can play 24/96 files (converting to wav is no problem), that could approach the SQ of a modest home setup like the one I have.
Has anyone done such comparison?
I understand that most people willing to pay so much for such a niche product are dedicated audiophile with great home equipment. As it will be impossible to listen to this player before purchase I’m welcoming any information or comparison !
thanks
Hi Octanou
I'm not familiar with your home gear but I have compared the Tera Player with my home CD Player. It's not a fair comparison as my home setup is pretty hi-end and has been optimised over many years and at the time of the comparison, the Tera Player has only 30-50 hours of burning in and is not designed to compete in home systems. Furthermore, since my pre-amp only has balanced connections, I had to use a cheap, oxidized balance to phono adaptor (then a Crystal Cable phono to mini cable) to fit the Tera Player to the amp.
That said, the bad news is that the Tera Player cannot compare with the Audio Research CD7 with NOS 6H30-DR tubes. It's several orders of magnitude difference in perceived sound quality. Not bad for a device 100x smaller than the CD7 but as far as absolute sound quality is concerned, no fight. I didn't do any critical listening, only played a few songs from a few CDs.
The good news is that great improvement in sound quality is possible with future portable players. If the Tera Player on headsets is already so good, I cannot imagine devices potentially with orders of magnitude better sound quality surely coming soon.
Also BTW, I don't believe that hi-res music files sound any better than 16-bit files. On the Tera Player, Charles says to convert all high res files to 16 bit before playing. 24 bit files are truncated and the lower 8 bits are thrown away so it doesn't affect the playback anyway. However it does makes battery life shorter on the TP if you play 24 bit files as the entire data pack with the useless 8 bits has to be loaded from the card each time.
Hi Octanou
I'm not familiar with your home gear but I have compared the Tera Player with my home CD Player. It's not a fair comparison as my home setup is pretty hi-end and has been optimised over many years and at the time of the comparison, the Tera Player has only 30-50 hours of burning in and is not designed to compete in home systems. Furthermore, since my pre-amp only has balanced connections, I had to use a cheap, oxidized balance to phono adaptor (then a Crystal Cable phono to mini cable) to fit the Tera Player to the amp.
That said, the bad news is that the Tera Player cannot compare with the Audio Research CD7 with NOS 6H30-DR tubes. It's several orders of magnitude difference in perceived sound quality. Not bad for a device 100x smaller than the CD7 but as far as absolute sound quality is concerned, no fight. I didn't do any critical listening, only played a few songs from a few CDs.
The good news is that great improvement in sound quality is possible with future portable players. If the Tera Player on headsets is already so good, I cannot imagine devices potentially with orders of magnitude better sound quality surely coming soon.
Also BTW, I don't believe that hi-res music files sound any better than 16-bit files. On the Tera Player, Charles says to convert all high res files to 16 bit before playing. 24 bit files are truncated and the lower 8 bits are thrown away so it doesn't affect the playback anyway. However it does makes battery life shorter on the TP if you play 24 bit files as the entire data pack with the useless 8 bits has to be loaded from the card each time.
Thanks for the impressions.
Although I wouldn't expect a $1000 DAP would compare to a much more expensive home DAC, I am a little disappointed the the Tera Player didn't fare better. I mean the way Charles sells it and others reviewed it, the TP is supposed to sound VERY good. I guess all the reviews and comments about the quality of the sound should have "for a portable audio player" added to the end of every comment about its sound quality.
I wonder at what level gear the sound of the Tera Player can compare?
Even Charles says on his FAQ:
So, does anyone have a DAC/amp combo that they would say is comparable to the sound out of the TP? I haven't seen many comparisons with home gear as opposed to other portable gear.
+1. Totally agree, flkin. I would say buy the TP for its portability and sound quality. I have spend many hours at the airport or on the plane with the TP because it is always with me in my pocket, which I cannot do so with my other rigs. I carry it along with me all the time as I don't know when I will suddenly find an hour to sneak into one of these headphone shops and try out new gears. Battery life of at least 15 hours and 32Gb of WAV files is good enough for me as I buy 5 to 10 CDs per month and convert them and listen on the go. I look forward to the day where i can find a portable DAP that will rival desktop set-ups....and i think probably it will happen.....one day.
I just noticed the photo. Very nice shot. I thought the TH900 would be larger and dominate the T-P in proportion. But looking at this photo, it pairs pretty well aesthetically.
Would love a shot of the T-P with the X-G when you find the right time.
My poor wallet, I just noticed this: An all-black TH600. drool.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/631594/fostex-th600-dynamic-headphones#post_8774735
BTW, for anyone having trouble contacting Charles via his primary e-mail address, try the secondary e-mail address. I had trouble connecting with him with primary, but secondary was a snap.
