Does the player matter???

[mdonova33]

Will sound quality change depending on which mp3 player you listen to your music on?
For example, the iPod Nano versus the Clip+.
If so, best mp3 player for around $50?

 

[Parall3l]

Quote:

Will sound quality change depending on which mp3 player you listen to your music on?
For example, the iPod Nano versus the Clip+.
If so, best mp3 player for around $50?

The sound quality will be affected by any equipment you use. The list goes like this
 
Software - DAC (digital to analog converter) - Amplification - Headphones
 
 
The software and DAC and amp is inside the mp3 player you use.
 
Theres other factors to be considered but they are not easily audible or inaudible (like some cables, measures better, but inaudible) 
 
 

 

[yhzh]

Yes, but not a night vs. day difference.
 
The variance among modern DAP's, as far as their DAC and amplifier circuits goes, is limited by the form factor and power requirements.
 
Any well designed player should sound good with easy loads for most intents and purposes.
 
The Clip+ you mentioned is good. The fuze is also a fine player.
 
You could consider the iPod shuffle, but capacity is low( 2gb I think?).

 

[macrocheesium]

It can be a night and day difference. Like, for example, one of the cheaper Creative players vs an iPod Video line out or a Cowon. The headphones will also make a difference; if you use more revealing headphones the differences will become more apparent.
 
Best at that price is the Sansa Clip+ or Fuze, as the others have already stated. They're pretty much the same, the main differences being size and battery life.

 

[mdonova33]

Quote:

It can be a night and day difference. Like, for example, one of the cheaper Creative players vs an iPod Video line out or a Cowon. The headphones will also make a difference; if you use more revealing headphones the differences will become more apparent.
 
Best at that price is the Sansa Clip+ or Fuze, as the others have already stated. They're pretty much the same, the main differences being size and battery life.

Is it better than the iPod Nano 4th Gen?

 

[mdonova33]

Clip+ looks good, and such a low price too!

 

[macrocheesium]

 
Quote:

Is it better than the iPod Nano 4th Gen?

I haven't compared them directly, but my guess is yes. I'd rather have one than an Nano.

 

[fabio-fi]

I'd go with a cowon.
They are pretty good driving headphones.  

 

[NinjaSquirt]

For the 0 - $300 non-brand name mp3 to the 120GB Video iPods... the difference is minimal. For $790 and a Hifiman HM-801... Yeah, there's a difference.

 

[fabio-fi]

Quote:

For $790 and a Hifiman HM-801... Yeah, there's a difference.

Omg. An expensive one. 
 
Does it take your music listening experience to another level?  

 

[macrocheesium]

 
Quote:

I'd go with a cowon.
They are pretty good driving headphones.  

I would too, but that's pretty far above the $50 budget.

 

[Izeekio]

I'm going to have to go with the Clip+ that others have suggested. It is a great sounding dap from what I've heard, and the price is also within your budget. I think it also has microSD expansion slots? So space is not bad too. It's so small and portable, I think I'm going to by one too. I use a Cowon J3 for everyday commuting atm, but have something so small as the clip+ seems so uber convenient for the daily commute. I think it has excellent, near unbeatable value.