Best sounding DAP at least 20 gigs in size?

[Tyson]

Finally deciding to get a Hard drive based mp3 player, and since search is down, I thought I would just ask what the what the best sounding player is currently. Looking for at least 20 gigs, although more would be nice. I also have a Xin Supermini amp, so I can use either the headphone out, or a line out from the player.

 

[Ihmemies]

iRiver H120 (20GB) or H140 (40GB). Also if the size isn't a problem, you could consider Creative Jukebox 3.

 

[kyrie]

Best sounding: Nomad Jukebox 3
Best sounding compact: Rio Karma

 

[Thaddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyrie Best sounding: Nomad Jukebox 3 Best sounding compact: Rio Karma

That's exactly what I would say

 

[Oddball]

I agree with ^ however you need to remember that it's also about what sound you're looking for. Some people like the sound of the NJB3, others prefer the iPod. As always, it's always best to try the players out yourself.

 

[jmb]

I have no expereince with the others, but I think the JB3 sounds great through the line out. I use mine with a Xin Supermini and a pair of Grado SR80s.

It is a bit large and most often I use a CD player case with shoulder strap to carry it around. When I go ultraportable I just stick it in my pocket (it does fit) and grab a pair of ear buds.

The big upside of the JB3 is it is cheaper than the others and it is a great live music recording device. If that is an interest of yours it is the only player to get. This also means that it is not dependent on a computer.

The downside is the lack of gapless playback. There are workarounds, but it would be nice if it had this capability built in to the firmware. Another drawback is lack of firmware support for other lossy (OGG) and lossless codecs (FLAC, APE, SHN). The JB3 appears to be the last in that line and I doubt Creative will spend much time or money to keep it updated. It has been 7 months since thier last firmware update. I'm hoping for at least one this year that will add support for gapless playback of 192kbps and higher VBR MP3s.

 

[Mr.PD]

Is the jukebox 3 about the same saize as say, a SllimX?
Also, would it play WAV files?
I have an old Slimx, but it's getting old and the line out jack has gotten a bit loose. I have been considering upgrading to a hard drive type player. I have my Slimx velcroed to a panel in my vest, and other than thickness, I have lots of room. Size isn't important. WAV files on a big hard drive would be very cool though. I need a line out and a remote. I use an amp religously, and everything is tucked away and velcroed into pockets, making a remote a must.

 

[remilard]

The Karma is towards the top of the heap in sound quality and it plays vorbis and flac, does gapless, and has a five band parametric equalizer, it is very good all around for the audio enthusiast, especially if your musical tastes demand gapless.

 

[refault]

Another vote for the Karma as a good sounding DAP in a compact size. The battery life impresses me even when exclusivly playing lossless FLAC (about 12 hours.)

 

[lindrone]

I'd have to say iPod.. it's got the flattest, most neutral response out of the headphone output. So the bass seems slight on lesser headphones... but with better headphones, especially that ProPhonic 2X-S you've got coming to your way, it's a perfect match.

 

[jmb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.PD Is the jukebox 3 about the same saize as say, a SllimX? Also, would it play WAV files? I have an old Slimx, but it's getting old and the line out jack has gotten a bit loose. I have been considering upgrading to a hard drive type player. I have my Slimx velcroed to a panel in my vest, and other than thickness, I have lots of room. Size isn't important. WAV files on a big hard drive would be very cool though. I need a line out and a remote. I use an amp religously, and everything is tucked away and velcroed into pockets, making a remote a must.

It is thicker than the SlimX. It is about as thick as a standard CD player from a couple years back. It fits fine in all CD players cases I have seen.

It does play WAV files and even records in WAV format (plus Mp3 at varies bitrates).

There is a wired remote (and home IR) for it that can be bought seperately.

The Jukebox pairs nicely with amps as it has a very good line out (x2).

As for harddrive space, it currently can be bought with a 40GB drive, but through a very simple DIY procedure you can install up to an 80GB drive and possibly 100GB drive soon if released.

It also has a good battery life (18-20hs) when using two batteries.

 

[CSMR]

Oops

 

[jmb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSMR Check out the portable forum at head-fi. They seem to agree on the NJB3 and the rio karma, with the NJB3 slightly better. http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=77243 Lucky me, I got one for recording, without regard to its DAP qualities at all.

I think I am in the twilight zone.

that link links right back here. This must be the nexus of the universe?

 

[Alick]

Another vote for the Karma. Sound quality, gapless, range of quality codecs supported and excellent interface does it for me.

 

[Oddball]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmb I think I am in the twilight zone. that link links right back here. This must be the nexus of the universe?

Yeah it does....whoa...infinite loop....

The bad thing about being a United Statesean* and a NJB3 fan means that the IR remote is almost impossible to find unless you look on Ebay. But if you're in Europe, lucky you, it might just come bundled.

*Technically, doesn't 'American' also refer to Canadians, Mexicans, and everyone else in Central and South America?