I am also trying to decide on my next DAP, (to preserve my
irreplaceable iRiver H120.)
I really like what the iAudio X5 has to offer
(I will probably go with them.)
But Alternatives I am still thinking about:
I have also been looking into the Sony Vaio Pocket (for 40gb now
around "$250 -ish" is a deal for the hard drive capacity.) But I
have not read enough details about the difference in sound
between the Vaio Pocket and iAudio X5. I like the Vaio because many
reviews have stated that it sounds good, the 40GB is selling around
"$250-ish" $299 from Sony and Sony Retailers, solid construction,
replaceable battery, Included Remote Control, and Included Cradle (and
the cradle has a line-out.) However, SonicStage software is horrid, but
there is an alternative Vaio Music Handler (supporting drag-n-drop)
that is a great alternative. Anybody compared this player to the
current HD5 or HD3/HD1? When the Sony Vaio Pocket 40GB first came out
it was retailing for over $400, now $299 and hopefully dropping.
Apple Ipods (but use high impedence headphones or use
a combination of a portable doc and external headphone amp
with the IPOD for optimum sound.)
Plenty of accessories,
and support available for the Ipod. Could be connected easily to
ALPINE and BMW auto audio systems. $$$$$$$
iRiver H3X0 series players are good also, but are being discontinued and
probably no new firmware will be made available for their older players.
Their current "H" series might be worth looking into, I know the lower
capacity "H" series has an optional cradle with a line-out, line-in,
USBOTG, and a recharger in the cradle for extra battery.
If only Rio was still supporting their Karmas ...
Or had developed something better, with all of the Karmas excellent
features.
Quote:
But how would a H3xx series storage equivalent match up to the X5s? |
Huh? Well, only the International versions of the H3xx series support true
USBOTG and Video playback. The USA H3xx versions, with the international
firmware upgrade (voiding Warranty and other issues,) will have Video
Playback and USBOTG to a certain extent. The only thing that might be
better on the H3XX might be the visual display of the player for video
playback. (but I am not going to be doing any full length movie watching on
my players - screen too small to enjoy a full length movie, and DVD movie
conversion process is tedious.) The firmware updates would be continued
with the iAudio X5 players, but doubtfully not for the H3xx players. The iAudio
X5 has full supported playlists-on-the-fly capabilities, and is smaller I think.
Both players have same file navigation, but the iAudio X5 is supposed to have
a self databasing ID3 tag better navigation option in a future firmware
development SUPPOSEDLY.
Good Luck.