[iDJ Jesus]

Are there any portable media players for around the same price as an ipod that gives any better of a sound, or would only the expensive ones ($500+) make any noticable changes to the sound quality of the music

 

[xkonfuzed]

HiFiMAN's HM series seem to be very good. The HM 901 is the top of the line, although its quite expensive.

 

[xkonfuzed]

There's also Sansa Clip+ which is a bargain and delivers better SQ than most iPods.

 

[kimvictor]

Sansa clip lines are respectable. Small yet very good.
But you don't really need to spend $500+. Look at something like HM-601, Fiio X3, Sony Z series, and hi sound mp3 players.

 

[Tanjent]

Clip + is great
SD slot up to 32gB
Rockbox able....EQ is great being parametric.
Excellent SQ 
small as a matchbox..really
cheap....30 dollars or about...
Clip on back is handy...
Plays just about all formats...inc.  AAC files

 

[iDJ Jesus]

Quote:

Sansa clip lines are respectable. Small yet very good.
But you don't really need to spend $500+. Look at something like HM-601, Fiio X3, Sony Z series, and hi sound mp3 players.

For the Sony Z series, are you talking about their walkmen?

 

[kimvictor]

Quote:

For the Sony Z series, are you talking about their walkmen?

Yup. Z series Walkmen has much better SQ then ipods. However, they still don't compete against Fiio X3 or other audiophile players.

 

[iDJ Jesus]

do they give a noticeably better sound over an ipod, or is it suttle?

 

[kimvictor]

IMO, noticeably better. Ipod always colored my iems, and drove me nuts. Sony Z is not flat, but it has much better clarity, detail, soundstage, and speed. But do note that it costs more than an ipod.
 
Fiio X3 is also a very good option. Purely sound quality wise, X3 outperforms everything I've listed besides the AK100. It's cheaper than sony Z series too. But Sony Z series is much more portable and practical(ease of use).

 

[DrSheep]

Sansa Clips, Cowon X9 and Z2, Sony Z series and F806/807, AK100 and 120, HiFiMan HM801/901, ColorFly C4, iBasso DX100...

 

[autoteleology]

I also recommend the Sansa Clip+.



It's good enough to use with my Stax, so it's probably good enough for you.