In the market for a new MP3 player

[Nightrain]

Right now I have a 256mb iRiver flash MP3 player but the 256 is just to small. So I am going for the big leagues and looking for a new hard-drive based MP3 player. As it currently stands I am willing to spend no more then $300 (US.) I have 2.5 gigabytes of music (about 900 songs)... but I am going to be expanding that soon by beefing up my music collection. I am looking at a couple right now. The Creative Zen Touch (20GB), Zen Xtra (40 GB), Zen Micro (6GB), iRiver H320 (20 GB), or the Rio Carbon (5gb) Any recommendation will do as long as you provide reason for it (IE no "Just get the iPod because they look cool" that won't help me at all.)

 

[blessingx]

Well, it's a little hard to recommend without more info on what you're looking for.

How important is physical size? How does that rank with storage space? Do you prefer a more dynamic or more neutral sound? Do you need a line out? Are there codecs (Vorbis, AAC, lossless, etc.) you prefer or are you just using MP3? What are you battery life requirements? That kind of stuff.

Are you avoiding the iPods (cool or too cool - equally reasoned) since they're not on your list? What about iAudio M3 or future (at least not yet in US) X5?

 

[Nightrain]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blessingx Well, it's a little hard to recommend without more info on what you're looking for. How important is physical size? How does that rank with storage space? Do you prefer a more dynamic or more neutral sound? Do you need a line out? Are there codecs (Vorbis, AAC, lossless, etc.) you prefer or are you just using MP3? What are you battery life requirements? That kind of stuff. Are you avoiding the iPods (cool or too cool - equally reasoned) since they're not on your list? What about iAudio M3 or future (at least not yet in US) X5?

Physical size isn't a problem as long as it will be able to fit in a pocket (and without dragging my shorts/pants down.) Like I said I need a minimum of 2.5 gigs minimum. I use pretty much all mp3. Battery life isn't much of a concern. Also yes I am avoiding iPods because they have become way to cliche.

Also I took a look at the iAudio M3 and it looks pretty sweet, but again I'm still not sure. Also what is the X5?

 

[Mr Iriver]

I recommend the iRiver H320, and the iaudio x5 (if it sounds at least like the M3). If you like the navigation of your current iRiver players you'll like the navigations of these two players (iRiver H320, Iaudio x5), as these also work by folders, and the navigation is pretty similar (for example holding down the a-b button like in the flash players changes equalizer settings, holding down navy takes you to the settings menu...). The sound of the M3 and the H320 is also in my opinion the best out of the top players. If you are looking for navigation like the ipod's (by artist, or album, or genre, or song), then avoid the iRiver and the iAudio, as they navigate through folders like the iRiver flash players. The iAudio x5 looks really nice. It is like a smaller version of the H320, and the H320 is already small. The thing however is that for X5 to use some features you'll need the dock.

 

[GSTom1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightrain Physical size isn't a problem as long as it will be able to fit in a pocket (and without dragging my shorts/pants down.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Iriver I recommend the iRiver H320, and the iaudio x5 (if it sounds at least like the M3).

I think the H320 is going drag down his shorts. I wouldn't say it's that heavy, but it certainly is a thick player!

I would recommend a micro sized player (4-6 GB). I think those are light and should suit you needs. The iPod Mini, Zen Micro and Rio Carbon are all good choices. If you want long batter life and UMS (Universal Mass Storage) capacilities, then the Rio Carbon is a good fit. Go for the Zen Micro if you desire lots of features such as an FM radio and radio/voice recorder. Of course you can't discount the iPod mini with its good looks and millions of accessories.

Good luck choosing and whatever you choose, don't look back. Enjoy your music!

 

[seeberg]

Well, I might get flamed for this suggestion, but whatever.
For $99, you can get a 20GB Entempo Spirit, which doesn't rely on a main music software hub -ala iTunes- to transfer music and other files. It acts like a mini portable HDD that auto recognizes music, but I don't have one yet to necessarily confirm this. It's also a tad bulky(like a portable laptop HDD) and not the best looking. There was also a concern that the odd headphone jack on the unit won't play nice with headphones with a regular minijack, but I emailed Entempo on the matter and they said the newest firmware changes the headphone jack's ground and L/R feeds to work. I'll email them again to clarify this, as I want one for myself.

For $300, wilth the money you have left over you could get yourself a sweet set of cans, or a sensible set and an amp.

Just a suggestion, hope it helps...

,
Abe

 

[AudioJunkie]

I have a 20 gig iPod and it is very nice, although I wouldn't mind a few more features. It has nice SQ and is very easy to use.

I use the MS1 with the iPod and it sounds great.

 

[baaron]

I like seeberg's idea. If you want to "play it safe", get a Carbon!

 

[scorpian007]

Zen Micro, thats all I have to say

 

[blessingx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpian007 Zen Micro, thats all I have to say

Scorpian, what's up with the missing content in the last several posts?

 

[dj_daniel88]

Well for a micro-hdd player I'd reccomend the Olympus m:robe M100. It is an excellent little player, and very cool looking. Sound quality is great, UI is fairly easy, and build quality is top notch too. The only fault that I found with the player was the low volume, however this is easily fixed, as the volume can be adjusted in the m:trip software. Then its plenty loud.

If you want something bigger, I'd reccomend the Sony HD5. I don't think its out anywhere outside of Japan yet, but it should be soon. It looks pretty good, but I haven't used one in person yet. I have bought one, waiting for it to arrive (hopefully next week). Its one of the smallest 20GB players out there.

I would not reccomend any iRiver players... I am not a fan of iRivers. In my opinion they are bulky, ugly and hard to use. They are full of useless features. Its more of a tech-geek device than an audio player, in my opinion.

iPods are excellent, but the sound doesn't do much for me. Some love the sound some hate it... I think it sounds very flat, and is missing bass. Again this comes down to personal opinion. However everything else is excellent, the clickwheel, size, itunes, etc...

 

[seeberg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by baaron I like seeberg's idea. If you want to "play it safe", get a Carbon!

That's not my idea

but, whatever...

,
Abe