iRiver iFP-799 - Above average sound quality?

[ogewo]

This reviewer called it "the best sounding MP3 player I have ever tested."

Anyone have experience with this device? Do the other models in the iRiver linup share the iFP-799's purported sound quality?

 

[dura]

I used to have one for two weeks. SQ is very good (even though I had the 'old' version with lots of white noise, hear that's been corrected) a powerful and dynamic sound.
It does has it's quirks, though. A full upload could drain the better part of an alkaline battery (it dooes not use the USB power), using high Kbs, VBR EQ, shuffle and especially Ogg leaves you with far less then the claimed 40 hours, more like 12 hours.

 

[IpaqMan]

I owned a IFP-890 for a week. The IFP-7xx and 8xx are equivalent except for external design. The 8xx is more rounded looking.

I was looking for a good MP3 player/recorder. I encountered the white noise problem during playback and noticeable pre-amp noise during mike recording. In addition, I found that the joystick was too easily bumped, so I had to use the hold switch a lot. Having a player on hold is inconvenient.

The sound quality was very good but I already have MP3 players with good sound and better controls.

My current MP3 player/recorder is the Muvo N200.

 

[Shantra]

I have just bought one

I allready have a iRiver iFP-190 and I have listened to almost every player available. The iFP-799 is great! Takes some time to get the EQ's right for your liking, but then it's done, it's pure honey. I like a lot of bass and lower mids (sweet and powerful), and it delivers. Also, I like to play loud, and it delivers there too, 2x18mW (real)

My old iFP-190 was easier to sound great (recomended!), but as I said, you can get the iFP-799 to sound just as great (with some fiddling).

Recomended!!!

PS! It completely knocks out the iPod! I had a standard iPod and a iPod Mini. The 1. gen iPod was OK, but the later one is crap.

Another PS! I have ONLY talked about the sound quality, I don't care about other fancy stuff.

 

[yeeyy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shantra I have just bought one I allready have a iRiver iFP-190 and I have listened to almost every player available. The iFP-799 is great! Takes some time to get the EQ's right for your liking, but then it's done, it's pure honey. I like a lot of bass and lower mids (sweet and powerful), and it delivers. Also, I like to play loud, and it delivers there too, 2x18mW (real)

Turn off the EQ, do you still like the sound?

 

[Shantra]

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeeyy Turn off the EQ, do you still like the sound?

Depends, I like a lot of bass and mids, so I guess not. But if I should describe the sound of the 799 besides others like iPod (new), iPod Mini, Creative Zen Touch and Muvo Slim, Sony HD-1, Asono Sound Hub ++, I would say:

The players with the best sound quality (without EQ) would be:
1. Creative Zen Touch
2. iRiver iFP-799
3. Creative Muvo Slim
4. Sony HD-1
5. Asono Sound Hub
6. iPod + iPod Mini

Not much difference between the top 4, but the iPod scores low (unfortunately).
I made the list after: Neutral sound (even though I don't like it

), is the sound dynamic, and the warmth of the sound. This is why the iPod scored low, it had a below average thin sound (may sound fine on single acoustic intruments though).

I used to be a audiophile (and no money in my bank account), before I found out that music is more then just listening to test records (monotones at different wave bands)

PS! The Zen Touch has a 4-band CRAPPY EQ. And, only the Zen Touch and iRiver playd loud enough to drive my bigger headphones.

 

[yeeyy]

I think I understand your music taste now. Well, me personally hardly use any EQ now (in the early days yes I do use).

 

[traficante]

Just want to give everyone the heads up that Amazon is selling the iRiver iFP 799T for $185. It seems the new "web" price for it is down to $199 but Amazon has it on sale. Looks like the Shuffle is helping to drive the price on flash players down. Ordered mine yesterday and shipped out today. This will replace my old 256mb Iriver.

The H10 is also on sale for $265 which is also a good deal. I think i'll be replacing my Mini once the price on the H10 goes towards the $225 range.

 

[Jmmmmm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by traficante Just want to give everyone the heads up that Amazon is selling the iRiver iFP 799T for $185. It seems the new "web" price for it is down to $199 but Amazon has it on sale. Looks like the Shuffle is helping to drive the price on flash players down. Ordered mine yesterday and shipped out today. This will replace my old 256mb Iriver. The H10 is also on sale for $265 which is also a good deal. I think i'll be replacing my Mini once the price on the H10 goes towards the $225 range.

that's awesome..way to go shuffle! (for making it so we can afford other company's players)