Best extremely small MP3 player

[jersey_emt]

I currently have the following MP3 players:

1. Creative Zen Vision 30GB
2. Creative Zen Micro 5GB
3. Trekstor Vibez 12GB

I am purchasing a 4G iMod from a member here. This, along with my Xenos X1HA-EPC headphone amp, will be my main portable rig.

I will definitely be selling the Zen Vision and the Zen Micro, and if I can find a player that matches my requirements below, will also be selling the Trekstor Vibez.

I am looking to purchase an extremely small and compact player to potentially replace the Trekstor Vibez. This is for an ultraportable rig which would mostly be used unamped with my Shure E500's.

Requirements:

1. Native FLAC support or compatibility with Rockbox
2. Good SQ without an amp.
3. Extremely small and compact (significantly smaller than the Trekstor Vibez and Zen Micro)
4. At least 2GB of space, preferably 4GB or more.
5. Not a requirement, but would be nice -- Video playback

Any recommendations? Again, this is just for an ultraportable setup to complement my soon to be arriving 4G iMod setup.

 

[afobisme]

and the iAudio U3 is your winner.

plays flac, sounds fantastic unamped, has video palyback (but what's the point - it's so small), and is so small that it fits in your coin pocket (though probably not recommended).

good price on amazon too.. i paid $12 less for a 2GB about 8 months ago.

 

[OverlordXenu]

iAudio 7?

 

[afobisme]

yeah, it's the same size as the u3 huh? i haven't really seen it but the dimensions read 3x1x1 for both.

 

[rockin_amigo14]

either one, but i think you'll find the U3 for cheaper.

also Meizu players, as they reportedly sound excellent.

 

[Amblin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockin_amigo14 /img/forum/go_quote.gif either one, but i think you'll find the U3 for cheaper. also Meizu players, as they reportedly sound excellent.

Agreed. Take a look at the Meizu M3. Its like a Nano, but with good audio quality.

 

[jersey_emt]

Thank you for all of the suggestions.

The Cowon/iAudio U3 looks like it may fit the bill. The iAudio 7 is tempting, but the U3 is a bit smaller. Remember, small size is extremely important, and besides good sound quality is my most pressing requirement. Every millimeter counts, and I am even willing to give up a small amount of sound quality for a significantly smaller player. But not too much.

 

[jersey_emt]

One more question -- how does the Zen Stone Plus (2GB) compare to the U3? BTW, I am fairly happy with the SQ on my Zen Micro. So as per my SQ requirements, as long as it has a better sound than the Zen Micro, I should be happy with it. Again, size is the most important factor here.

 

[jersey_emt]

^^ Wait, never mind about the Zen Stone...no FLAC support & can't be rockbox'd.

 

[afobisme]

if you mean by SQ, all i know is that the U3 sounds GREAT. i've only heard the sansa e270, and an old ipod mini to to compare... but the U3 blows those out of the water.

imo, just because the U3 is smaller.. doesn't mean that the sound is any worse. i had an x5l, and i'd say the sound is pretty similar.