The Target near me just restocked these, and I picked one up today. First impressions: really really clean sound. Note, though, that this is only the second PCDP I've had or listened to. The other one I found on the street, a Philips AX5011, which, being the first one I listened to and actually through decent headphones, I thought was great. Now the Philips is sounding kinda muddy. I'm switching back and forth btw. the two players and with Portapros and Sony E888s. I had been using a Xin Supermini, but I don't think that's even necessary. The mids and highs are pretty pronounced on the GPX, which balances well with the Portapros. But everything just sounds really lucid with the E888s, and I'm picking up more treble-y stuff I've never heard before. This is the first time I really compared stuff like this, which is getting kind of fun (albeit obssessive!), and if I don't catch hell for reviving old ****, I'll write more (or jsut keep it an exercise unto myslef...).
Also, I had gone a little mad trying to track this PCDP down, esp. the one that already had the line out (mine is just plain 3847, no line out or bass boost. well, not plain; it's blue
). GPX is saying that these models were exclusive to Target and are no longer being manufactured; Target is saying that it's done carrying it and to contact GPX for more info. Somebody's got these on ebay for min. $20 with ship, if you're really looking, but then I guess that detracts for some of the charm.
chrisczarra: in the days that I had to wait for Target to restock, I think I forgot to thank you. I'm gonn alook into adding that line out and changing the capacitors now, and will check out those parts and fixup.net. Gracias.