best mp3 player ? (regarding SQ only)

[strommer]

I really want to find out which are the best sources.

I got a pair of etys 4s, and now I need a replacement of my old iriver cd/mp3 player. I want a small format one, so no cd.

I want a ranking of soundquality
so serious listening tests (preferably comparitive) or measurements are wanted !

To start off, I found this:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11297_7-6510133-3.html

and these
http://app2.pcmweb.nl/pcm/extra/pcm0601/iAudio%20U2.htm
http://app2.pcmweb.nl/pcm/extra/pcm0601/iAudio%20G3.htm
http://app2.pcmweb.nl/pcm/extra/pcm0...%20Shuffle.htm
http://hifiipod.co.uk/wp-content/upl...od_Shuffle.htm
http://app2.pcmweb.nl/pcm/extra/pcm0601/PCM%20nano.htm
http://app2.pcmweb.nl/pcm/extra/pcm0...iver%20T10.htm
http://app2.pcmweb.nl/pcm/extra/pcm0...io%20FL350.htm


best Stefan

 

[strommer]

bump !

 

[3X0]

Kenwood HD30GB9.

 

[The-One]

First time i've heard of this... been using my H140 for a few years now.

So does the digital amp mean a line out amp will not be needed?

 

[strommer]

sorry, I ment that no separate DA-converter should be used.
so a ranking of for instance
iaudio u2
iriver 795
....
....

 

[exX08]

My Zune puts out a very nice sound. I used to own an Ipod but the Zune blew it out of the water in terms of SQ.

 

[exX08]

I also have the ER4P with the Zune and it's a nasty combo. I highly recomend it.

 

[wafflesomd]

Find yourself an Iriver h120.

 

[Thelonious Monk]

the headphone out of the h120 really isn't as good as its digital out...

 

[feh1325]

i think it has to do more with your files and bitrates than a player

 

[wafflesomd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thelonious Monk /img/forum/go_quote.gif the headphone out of the h120 really isn't as good as its digital out...

That's not a very good point to make, two totally different things.

Headphone out --> Headphones

Line-out --> Amp --> Headphones.

The amp changes things.

And besides, the headphone out is superb, compared to anything else I've heard, and I've heard em all.


Strommer, just get a player that is supported by rockbox.

 

[EFN]

The all time contender...Rio Karma. Get them refurbished on Ebay

 

[Aardvarks]

I love my Zen Vision M. I spent an age listening to DAPs in High street stores before going for this.

I rip my CDs at 280-355kbps and have all EQ set flat with bass boost off.

I use it with Grado SR60, Sennheiser CX300 and sometimes HD280pro or PXC150.

My home rig is a full Linn set up and matched really well to the listening room and I still enjoy going to bed with my Zen and the CX300.

I was tempted by the ipod, but the sound of the Zen was more HiFi and less consumer to my ears, it had a load more features and lastly it cost me £30 less.

My youngest son has an Archos wide screen 40gb and that also sounds pretty good

 

[The Pieman]

I have a number of DAPS which I rank as follows for SQ:-

Cowon X5
Cowon A2
Samsung YP-Z5
Creative Zen Vision M
Samsung YP-TZ6

I have a PA2V2 which I use with the 2 Cowons and the Zen. I find the Zen SQ really improves with the amp, wheras the Cowons operate pretty well without the amp. Cown really seem to have their act together with reagrds to SQ.

 

[dura]

Sound Quality is for #1, that's why I stick with Sony DAPs. They might leave things to be desired, but straight out of the phone jacket, I never heart beter SQ.