Non-Apple DAP needed - high SQ, small + light, durable, >4GB

Nov 5, 2007 at 3:33 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 23
jsedgwick

jsedgwick

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Alright, well, the screen on my 5G 80GB has broken. I only had the thing for a few months, I take it out of my bag, and it's broken. The screens seem to be way more flimsy than before. I'm DONE with apple hardware - the proprietary cables, the slow software, the poor support for outside technology, the intended obsolescence... it's killing me.

Now, for my next DAP...

I don't think I can really afford a DAP that will hold my entire library (>30GB) and besides, I want to take a dive into the flash-based market. Here's what I'm looking for.

- Great SQ (using Atrio M5s)
- FM Radio: not absolutely necessary but preferable (love my q104.3 every once in a while. AM is good too, yankees games ftw)
- Small enough to be lightweight, but DURABLE and enough screen real estate to get a good sense of my library + album art.
- >4GB, I think
- Budget: I'm not sure, just throw me some suggestions.
- Formats: MP3, but extras are nice. M4A would be good, as I still have some old aacs that I haven't acquired mp3s to replace. Open formats are great (ogg, flac, etc). I believe that reflects certain qualities of the manufacturer.
- GREAT library syncing software. I will probably hang on to iTunes, so I need an easy way to select the stuff that's gonna be on there. I may switch to Winamp, so if there's a Winamp plugin that'd be awesome.

I do think that there's a big convenience factor to being able to fit all of my music on one player, so if you guys could also give some good DAPs with 40GB+ of storage, that'd be great.

Any more criteria, just ask.

Thanks in advance,
jsedgwick
 
Nov 5, 2007 at 4:05 AM Post #2 of 23
I would have a look at the Cowon and Samsung products for flash players. Both have excellent SQ and are quite robust.
As for a +40gb DAP, the only non Apple products that spring to mind are the Creative 60gb ZVM and the Cowon 60gb X5. The Cowon will play almost any codec and has excellent SQ straight from the HP out. The Creative is limited in the Codecs but has respectable SQ from the HP out and better from the line out. I believe that both have just ended production, but if you look around should be available.
Otherwase you coul have a look at a PMP such as an Archos or the Creative ZVW. I don't know much about these, so I will leave it alone.

cheers
Simon
 
Nov 5, 2007 at 2:57 PM Post #4 of 23
creative zen is a possibility 8gb, fm radio, album art, videos, 16.7m colors on screen with 2.5 inch display, also comes with SD slot for extra storage. Then again I'm not sure how durable it is, its pretty thin. If you want a durable tank, get a 30gb zune for 99 dollars haha, even though you are looking for a lightweight flash mp3 player.
 
Nov 5, 2007 at 3:06 PM Post #6 of 23
You could also check out the new 8GB Sony NWZ-A818

Since they dumped SonicStage, it's getting rave reviews for SQ and usability.

It's the same as the A808, but with different software, ie; drag and drop as opposed to having to use SS. The SQ on the A808 is fantastic and it's really simple to use. One click and you're almost anywhere you want to be. Screen display is brilliant, and album art looks really nice.

As far as durablilty is concerned, it's pretty solid and sturdy.

I bought a clear hard case for mine to bulk it up a bit as it's very slim - now it's exactly the right 'thickness'
biggrin.gif


There are some reviews below - all 5-star rated.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-NWZA818...4274956&sr=1-1
 
Nov 5, 2007 at 3:09 PM Post #7 of 23
Quote:

Originally Posted by soozieq /img/forum/go_quote.gif
You could also check out the new Sony NWZ-A818. Since they dumped SonicStage, it's getting rave reviews for SQ and usability.

It's the same as the A808, but with different software, ie; drag and drop as opposed to having to use SS. The SQ on the A808 is fantastic and it's really simple to use. One click and you're almost anywhere you want to be. Screen display is brilliant, and album art looks really nice. As far as durablilty is concerned, it's pretty solid and sturdy. There are some reviews below - all 5-star rated.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-NWZA818...4274956&sr=1-1



Source one from outside the EU, as I believe the volume is limited.....
 
Nov 5, 2007 at 4:43 PM Post #8 of 23
I believe the Cowon D2 suits all of your needs. Can get 2, 4, or 8gb of storage with expandable mem. slot for 16gb more. As long as you don't mind a touch screen.
 
Nov 5, 2007 at 5:16 PM Post #9 of 23
Quote:

Originally Posted by gjc10212 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Source one from outside the EU, as I believe the volume is limited.....


The NW-S7xx series and upwards - NWA8xx and NWZA8xx are not volume capped. But earlier models were: A3000, NW-HD5 etc.

I disabled the limiter on my HD5 and it was fine, but it's nice to know it's not necessary anymore.

My A808 was purchased within the EU and it plays very very loud!
 
Nov 5, 2007 at 10:39 PM Post #13 of 23
Quote:

Originally Posted by rr423 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
the cowon d2 is only an average sounding player though


What would you say sounds better?
 
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