[starscream]

like the title, what are the contenders for the best sounding portable music player ever made? Has to be flash/HD based

this is purely based on the audio quality of the player, nothing else.

 

[nsx_23]

iRiver's H100 or H300 series players are absolutely legendary in terms of sound quality.

 

[faichiu]

if you are not going to use amp, kenwood b9, d9 has the best SQ.

 

[Beyerfan70]

Sony S706F
Best sounding flash player ive ever heard.

 

[3X0]

Hotlist would be the iRiver H100 with optical, the Kenwood MediaKeg series, and the JVC series for absolute best.

I don't think the H300 was nearly as legendary as the H100, as there are more than a few reports than agree that succeeding players like the Cowon iAudio X5L sound better (yes, both flat: I'm sorry, I haven't got a clue.: iAudio X5 vs iRiver H320 , iAudio X5 Vs iRiver H300 (56K Warning) - MisticRiver :: For iriver Enthusiasts ).

 

[evilmerlin]

Whats the best to use an amp with?