[129207]

For substantiality's sake, could you link to any graph/evidence that proves this? 

 

[shigzeo]

Okay. 
 
This thread shows RMAA tests for the S:Flo 2 and the iPod touch 2G
 
This thread shows the RMAA test for the Sony A845 LO - scroll to the bottom
 
The final device in both chains is the very good iBasso T3. 

 

[129207]

Thanks! It's interesting, to say the least, that Sony fails to impress in those tests. Then again, these tests don't include the X-series. Strange thing is, I've compared a lot of DAPs with an open mind, no preference for any brand at all, and in blind tests I always ended up liking the sound of the X1050 the most. I think I own pretty much every brand out there (no iRiver though) and, if available, a LOD for that brand as well. So in the end, the one that has a less than perfect RMAA graph still gives me the most enjoyable listening experience. I wonder if I would, unintentionally, change my mind if I saw conclusive evidence about the X's line-out as well.

 

[shigzeo]

I love the sound of Sony generally. Warm and thick - if not wonderfully detailed for strings, I love the signature. Because of that, I've owned about 7 Sony players (3 of which were MD players) and a couple of CD walkman's. The Line Out in the A828 is a lot better than the A845, but still not as good. Simply having a line out does not a good line out make. For line out, I want pretty much neutral sound as colouration -- an artefact of the headphone amp -- should have as little affect as possible. Again, I think the whole lot of portable headphone audio isn't aimed as straight as its home counterpart - the market as a whole doesn't really know anything but portable audio.
 
What I don't about Sony is the hiss, but otherwise, they are fine.

 

[oyster]

@Shigzeo
u'll be very surprized if you listen to Sony e434\444. They are the coldest player i've heard
with A726 i felt clip & touch to be cold but the e434 makes clip & touch sound warmer.
& it shares the same amp from A726
It's really strange to find same amp pumping almost opposite sound sig.

 

[Nanashi]

I'd have to say go with the Cowon player, more specifically the J3. I started off with an 8gb S9, quickly ran out of space and got the i9 for bigger capacity. Now, I have the J3 and it's wonderful, I loved my S9 and got along fine with it. I got the J3 for one thing only, expandability.
What I didn't know I was getting was a streamline UI compared to the S9's and maybe its just me, but it seems to handle the sound a tad bit better, or maybe I've just gotten better with the EQ settings lol.
 
Anyways, not sure about the other Sony players, but, I have no qualms with the J3 specially with a nice little amp to seal the package.

 

[4DThinker]

Cowon J3.  I haven't bumped into a better music player yet.

 

[Splinter Cell38]

What about the S:flo2?
I like it well enough.
It has some bugs and the UI is slightly sketchy, but it sounds good, to me anyways.
Also, Batch 4 is coming out soon, you can pre-order now, and you (hopefully) won't have to wait forever.

 

[kiteki]

^

Can someone that's heard the S:Flo2 and the Cowon S9 compare the sound signature briefly plz.
 
 
 
 
Edit:  oops I bumped a thread, anyway nice to see sony praise in here. ^^

 

[KEVIN101]

I need advise.
I just got my first computer and now want a I pod.
Is classic better than i pod touch since it has hard drive not flash?

 

[paulypaul]

I think the durability of flash may be better than hard drives, however the hard drives are higher capacity for lower cost.
I'd still go flash everytime.
Thats just my opinion.

 

[KEVIN101]

Will flash memory sound as good as hard drive.
Does one i pod have better dac than the other 

 

[Splinter Cell38]

 
Quote:

Can someone that's heard the S:Flo2 and the Cowon S9 compare the sound signature briefly plz.  

I haven't personally herd both, but from what I've read, people generally prefer the S:flo, though the Cowon S9 has more EQ options?
ClieOS and a few others have made reviews/impression threads.
This One ->  http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/461156/s-flo2-impressions-thread  I quite like.
Apparently the sound out of an S:flo is classified as 'transparent' dynamic, clean and clear.