[pinsomniac]

Hi everyone... I'm new around here. I was wondering if you could steer me in the right direction.

I'm coming from quite a few decent and cheap flash-based MP3 players, including the original Lyra and a hip-hop Yepp. Now I'm aiming for a HD based unit to actually take most of my music with me. Only problem is that I'm pretty much dirt poor.

I can go to around $240 tops, prefereably under $200. That immediately eliminated the Karma (which I wanted), iRiver, Philips, etc. However, still available are the 10GB 2nd Gen iPod (refurb, but that's no problem) and the 30GB Nomad Zen NX (I think I can get it for around $210). The Zen wasn't included because I can't get it for the price I need it at the moment.

My main aims are portability (eliminating the Jukebox series), value, sound quality, interface, and battery life. I'm no audiophile by any means (at least, not yet), so I'm not extremely picky.

Anyone care to chime in with their experiences and opinions? I've put up a poll between the two - please vote. Thanks.

 

[HighwayStar]

Welcome to Head-Fi, sorry about your wallet...

(standard greeting around here...

)

I voted for the iPod, as similar to you, I used a bunch of flash (& CD) based players. When I bought the iPod (2nd gen, 20gig) I was really surprised at it's performance. It sounds great and works extremely well. They're expensive, but at the time I found them head & shoulders above the rest. Of course the competition is catching up and there are quite a few other HD based players available. I haven't been checking the market lately so I can't say, but I can tell you I use the iPod every day and it's a pleasure to do so...

 

[D-EJ915]

I think I might've accidentally voted for the iPod, but my vote was for the Zen NX, it is a superior product.

 

[HighwayStar]

Quote:

Originally posted by D-EJ915 I think I might've accidentally voted for the iPod, but my vote was for the Zen NX, it is a superior product.

Nah, you got it right, there's only one vote for the Pod and that's me... One for the Zen, must be you. I'd love to hear (and so would pinsomniac) why you think it's a superior product. I'm not familiar with it at all...

 

[D-EJ915]

oh, well, I haven't actually used it, I just say that when I think something is better...

Removeable battery
Good Headphone out
Goodness...can't think of much else, but the iPod was cumbersome and strangely awkward to use when I used it. Personally, I'd recommend MDs, but that's not what he's asking for, is it??


[size=medium]#1200!!!, WOOOHOOO!!!![/size] --from "search"

 

[HighwayStar]

 

[D-EJ915]

hahaha, I like it better.

 

[HighwayStar]

Quote:

Originally posted by D-EJ915 hahaha, I like it better.

Based on what ?

 

[pinsomniac]

Just to mention, I'm talking about Apple Store's 10GB iPod refurb for $170, which does give it the advantage in price but not value.

I've read a few things about the iPod: battery dying, sound quality, etc. But I was just wondering when it's all said and done, what's the better player overall and why?

 

[HighwayStar]

Quote:

Originally posted by pinsomniac Just to mention, I'm talking about Apple Store's 10GB iPod refurb for $170, which does give it the advantage in price but not value. I've read a few things about the iPod: battery dying, sound quality, etc. But I was just wondering when it's all said and done, what's the better player overall and why?

I've got the 20Gb, let me put your fears to rest, with the latest firmware, battery life is quite acceptable, sound quality has always been good (especially with the AAC codec in iTunes) and it's a solid piece of equipment.

I was so impressed with it I went out and bought an iBook...

 

[williamgoody]

I voted for the Zen. (based on the old zen, mind you

)

-I still think the Zen sounds better than the Ipod. much more distinctive and rich, yet definitive.

-Playlists on the fly, you just can't beat it sometimes. I still like the Zen's playlists to the 3rd Gen Ipod's as well.

-Seperate channel equalizer. Not perfect, but much preferred over "Bass" or "Rock", or selections as such.

-I like the removeable battery of the NX

-I much prefer the fact that there are shortcuts on the interface of the Zen, and that there are certain buttons for certain functions. You don't have to "back out" to get somewhere else, like you do on the Ipod.

-If it matters, the Zen is more "scratch resistant, plus easily upgradeable.

 

[HighwayStar]

Quote:

Originally posted by williamgoody [size=xx-small]I voted for the Zen. (based on the old zen, mind you ) -I still think the Zen sounds better than the Ipod. much more distinctive and rich, yet definitive. -Playlists on the fly, you just can't beat it sometimes. I still like the Zen's playlists to the 3rd Gen Ipod's as well. -Seperate channel equalizer. Not perfect, but much preferred over "Bass" or "Rock", or selections as such. -I like the removeable battery of the NX -I much prefer the fact that there are shortcuts on the interface of the Zen, and that there are certain buttons for certain functions. You don't have to "back out" to get somewhere else, like you do on the Ipod. -If it matters, the Zen is more "scratch resistant, plus easily upgradeable. [/size]

Thank you for some valid justification...

 

[jerikl]

Well, I definitely am not able to vote because I have not heard/used either one. My boss has two iPod's (an older 5GB version, and a recently acquired 15GB version), but he hasn't heard any of the other HD based players, and is not an audio nut. I am, however, very interested in this pole because I'm in the market for a portable mp3 player as well.

 

[blessingx]

You're unlikely to go wrong with either. For the record I have an iPod that's refurbished and haven't had any issues.

I assume you're using Windows since you haven't mentioned your OS?

portability - depends how you define this, but I'll give the edge to the iPod
value - Normally Zen NX, but in your case a toss up
sound quality - if the Zen is an indication, the Zen NX (either way it is likely to have a better EQ)
interface - iPod
battery life - Zen NX

 

[GSTom1]

Note that you cannot make playlists on the fly with the 2nd Gen iPod, plus there will be no new firmwares for this product.

Also, the Nomad Zen NX has a removable battery and an overall better sound.

Well it's up to you, but I would probably go with the Zen NX, even though I still think the Zen 2.0 is even better. It has a better build quality and feels more solid.