Best MP3 player for sound quality...?

[MarkTwain]

I had a RWA IMod 5.5G and "rockboxed" it. Don't hear a lot of differences as my songs are lossless (apple lossless in unrockboxed version vs FLAC and WAV in rockbox).
 
Had a Cowon D2+ and "rockboxed" it too. Not much differences too as the original software can play umcompressed WAV file, which I have been using for all my songs.
 
Agree that it allows more choices of format (for ipod with rockbox, you can play other better quality files besides from itunes), but my experience is the EQ will still depend on the DAC used. Tweaking the software EQ in some players could yield slightly better results than some, but I prefer the flat EQ tuning and with good DAC, no EQ tuning is required.
 
Hifiman is one of them, and closely next in my list will be the RWA Imod (just that I used to carry a VCap and Lisa III with my Imod, which is a little too bulky). Both set that I have used will not require any EQ tuning.
 
Anyway, no intention to get into a heated discussion on rockbox or DAC. Will be happy if my Hifiman can be rockboxed, mainly for the stability and ease of use.
 
As long as you enjoy the gadget that you spent with your hard earned money, you are blessed! There will always be preference in hearing, taste, etc. No "Best MP3 Player for Sound Quality" - but probably "Your Most Preferred MP3 within your budget constraints"!

 

[mootookang]

The whole point of rockboxing is so that you can adjust the EQ to your liking. Without adjustments, it doesn't really sound any better than ones that aren't rockboxed.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

Quote:

The whole point of rockboxing is so that you can adjust the EQ to your liking. Without adjustments, it doesn't really sound any better than ones that aren't rockboxed.

Not only that, RB may sound worse than the OF just like in the case of the sansa fuze or clip. I did use RB at one point because of gapless, recording options, compressor, mp4 support, pitch and tempo control, customizable themes. Not because of the EQ. I like to keep the EQ flat.

 

[LFF]

Quote:

Umm, highly doubtful. Maybe you can match the sound signature, but not the other qualities. There is so much RB hype on this board that it is getting out of hand.
 


 

Not doubtful and you actually hit the nail on the head. You can totally match the sound signature. That smoothness that is so loved about the HiFiman is really easy to duplicate with EQ, especially a parametric, if you know how.

 

 

[LFF]

Totally agree with this!
 
Quote:

As long as you enjoy the gadget that you spent with your hard earned money, you are blessed! There will always be preference in hearing, taste, etc.

 

[sadata]

> Not only that, RB may sound worse than the OF
> just like in the case of the sansa fuze or clip.
 
Can you substantiate this claim?  Or is it just your opinion?  In what way does it sound worse?

 

[rawrster]

Quote:

Not doubtful and you actually hit the nail on the head. You can totally match the sound signature. That smoothness that is so loved about the HiFiman is really easy to duplicate with EQ, especially a parametric, if you know how.

 

That's a pretty big if there

Lots of people do not know how to use EQ properly esp since apple is the most popular dap and they have no parametric EQ. Of course I'd be pretty disappointed if you did not know ;p

 

[DJGeorgeT]

Do you have a pair of ears? Then do an A|B test OF versus RB.
 
Substantiate my claim? What do you think, that I am going to paste a bunch of frequency response plots?
 
How does it sound worse is for you to identify...
 
Quote:

> Not only that, RB may sound worse than the OF
> just like in the case of the sansa fuze or clip.
 
Can you substantiate this claim?  Or is it just your opinion?  In what way does it sound worse?

 

[DJGeorgeT]

that's what I call positive thinking and optimism! I'd rather be a pesimist though...
 
If RB had a 20 band EQ, then I would be really impressed.
 
Quote:

Not doubtful and you actually hit the nail on the head. You can totally match the sound signature. That smoothness that is so loved about the HiFiman is really easy to duplicate with EQ, especially a parametric, if you know how.

 

 

[rawrster]

I think one of the builds did have a 20 or so eq band. Someone posted it somewhere on the clip+ appreciation thread or rockbox thread a while back. I never tried it but they did mention that.

 

[sadata]

> Do you have a pair of ears?
 
Snarky, aren't we?
 
 
> Then do an A|B test OF versus RB.
 
Actually, I have.  While there are subtle differences, there was nothing that would make me suggest that one was worse than the other. If anything, the additional control and fine-tuning that RB provides allows the user to tailor the sound to their liking.
 
 
> Substantiate my claim? What do you think, that I am
> going to paste a bunch of frequency response plots?
 
I didn't ask you to "paste a bunch of frequency response plots."  I simply asked, "In what way does it sound worse?"  Are you not capable of articulating why you feel that the Rockboxed Clip "may sound worse"?  You must have had something specific in mind when you wrote that.  Anything in particular?
 
 
> How does it sound worse is for you to identify...
 
You're the one making the claim -- not me.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

yes. do a search for my posts. I am lazy right now.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

Good to know. Do you know if there is a build to turn the clip or fuze into a dj deck?

 
Quote:

I think one of the builds did have a 20 or so eq band. Someone posted it somewhere on the clip+ appreciation thread or rockbox thread a while back. I never tried it but they did mention that.

 

[absoluNewbie]

 rockboxing ipod is as easy and clicking and dragging, there's precise instructions on how to do it on the website. i havent touched the EQ stuff on my rockpod, mostly i installed rockbox so i dont have use itune anymore(annoying)

 

[mootookang]

How good a DAP sound is completely optional, there were a lot of people that stated that they preferred classic's sound over video's sound when classics first released.
 
Getting a rockboxed 5th/5.5th gen is nice because you always have the option to get it imoded if you choose to.