[DLRStudio]

I'm deciding between the 32G J3 and S9. Is there a noticeable difference is SQ? Any other important differences? I've heard some say they were disappointed in the SQ of the S9 compared to other Cowon models. The touch screen/video capabilities aren't a big deal to me.
 
Thanks,
D
 
 
 
 

 

[Specman]

They both sound good. I would get the J3 because of the 16Gig microsd card thing. How would you expect a newer Cowon model to sound worse? I heard the D2+ and didn't like the sound as much as the S9 (the preset eqs are better).

 

[miow]

The AMP is not the same. It is a 29mW+29mW AMP vs a 17mW+17mW on the S9. So sound can be different, yes. I'm thinking about getting one soon and let you know as I have had S9.

 

[violinvirtuoso]

If anything, the Cowon J3 sounds slightly better than the S9. If also has an expandable memory slot (microSD). And it has a flat back, great if you want to pair it with an amp.

 

[Bennyboy71]

J3 sounds awesome I agree.

 

[miow]

What do you understand by slightly better? Mids, highs, bass, soundstage? What exactly?

 

[tyrael]

 
I'm pretty sure the S9 and J3 has the same 29mW output power 
Quote:

The AMP is not the same. It is a 29mW+29mW AMP vs a 17mW+17mW on the S9. So sound can be different, yes. I'm thinking about getting one soon and let you know as I have had S9.

 

[a_tumiwa]

yes, it is 29 mW.
just info: same output power on the spec doesnt mean same output power in the real output, you need to use some testing equipment or application/program (like what dfkt did) or maybe use your ears

 

[miow]

Quote:

 
I'm pretty sure the S9 and J3 has the same 29mW output power 

 

Just google it and you'll see that S9 is 17mW+17mW
 

 

[4DThinker]

Quote:

Just google it and you'll see that S9 is 17mW+17mW

Or check the spec page at cowonglobal for proof of the 29mW+29mW claim.
 
On a related note, the S9 also just received a firmware update:   LINK to 2.53
 

 

[stevenswall]

Does the J3 have the playback control buttons found on the S9... If not, I don't much care for the MicroSD or speaker. Tactile buttons for playback are a plus.

 

[4DThinker]

Quote:

Does the J3 have the playback control buttons found on the S9... If not, I don't much care for the MicroSD or speaker. Tactile buttons for playback are a plus.

Yes, although they are along the side on the J3 compared to the top of the S9. You get track +/-:ff/rw, Play/Pause, and a volume rocker on both.

 

 

[miow]

Quote:

Or check the spec page at cowonglobal for proof of the 29mW+29mW claim.
 
On a related note, the S9 also just received a firmware update:   LINK to 2.53
 

I don't get it. I could swear I've seen that info on the S9 specs (...!!!). So it's 29mW. Sorry about the confusion.
 

 

[stevenswall]

Someone should try the 2.5.3 update... I don't want it if it doesn't work with klaus browser and Aero Ultimate interfaces.

 

[dizzyraider]

It works with Klaus browser, I'm not sure it it works with Aero since I don't use it.