[Basketballer]

I sent in my U5 8GB for repair I love it and think is the best mp3 player ever.  However, it may be considered outdated to many as it came out in 2008.
 
They want to charge me $77 to fix it.  For another $18 I can get a Iaudio 9 8GB. or for $60 more I can get the Iaudio 10 16GB.
 
What I really liked about the U5 is it had a strong amp, and put out 32mW of power vs the 30mW for the iAudio9 and the 28.5mW of the iAudio 10.
 
I had the Iaudio 5, which was 26mW and the U3, which was 28mW and my U5 got a lot louder and sounded a lot better at higher volumes than the previous versions.  Thats why I'm skeptical of getting a newer player. 
 
I wonder, do they not make or are not allowed to make these players as loud anymore because of ear hearing safety reasons? 

 

[gelocks]

Heya,
 
Players made and/or marketed in EU must have their volumes limited via software or hardware to a specific db output. It's part of their "standard" I guess. Still most players reach a good amount of "loudness". I have used Archos players for a long time now and I don't really mind the volume "cap". You might suffer if you have high impedance headphones but if you do, you should be using an amp anyway!
 
Regarding those players you mentioned, I've only had (and is my main player) the Cowon C2. Volume is good with the headphones I normally use (Ultrasone Signature Pro/Dj, M-Audio Q40, etc.). Still I usually use an amp anyway so I don't really mind if they are "capped" or not.
 
BTW, $77 for a fix I believe it's a bit steep... you'd probably be better with one of their new iAudio players BUT I haven't had first hand experience with them so, take it with a grain of salt.
 
 
Good luck.
 
Very best,

 

[Hellbishop]

They've been trying to pass laws for something similar here in the United States for safety reasons due to so many pedestrains getting hit by oncoming traffic. Hopefully they just create a loudness switch limiting volume that can be used while outside then go back to listening at any volume level when home.

 

[Basketballer]

ya $77 is steep.
 
and those loudness limits must be the same in the USA.