Recommendations for a Portable Small Sport Style Source

[furienost]

Hey guys,
 
I'm going to try to tempt myself to get more fit - and what better way to do it than by giving myself some new audio gear. 
 
I'm looking for something that I can use to run / bike / hike with, so here is a list of what I'd like:
 
Must - Haves:
* must play FLAC files
* must be Flash or SSD based storage (no spinning HDD for me do to the shock / vibrations)
* must have 8GB of memory (16 is better)
* must have locking feature (to keep from changing songs mid-stride)
 
Nice-to-haves:
* small and easy to carry (not a pocket-weight)
* tactile controls (at least for volume, skip, rewind)
* easy volume control (or auto-volume leveling)
* random playlist feature
* decent SQ
* somewhat "sweat-proof"
* under $300
* 3.5mm minijack port
 
Because of the FLAC need - Apple is out unless I Rockbox it (unless there's something else that meets the need).  I'm looking through the web sites of Sony, Samsung, Cowon, and SanDisk (Sansa).  Does anyone have something that sounds like it might fit the bill?
 
Any help is appreciated!

 

[JK1]

The Sandisk Clip+ or Clip Zip is great for use while working out. It is tiny and light,has a built in clip, has a micro SDHC card slot, and is $40 or less for a 4GB one. Add to it a 16GB microSDHC card($10), or a 32GB one ($22). These players have excellent sound quality. Whatever you use while working out will get rough treatment and will be dropped and get plenty of sweat on them, so imo it makes sense to get a low prced player and earphones for working out. For earphones, I suggest using something that is open when running or cycling. The JVC HA-EB75 earbuds with earhooks sounds quite good for just $8(Amazon). It has rubber earhooks that are adjustable, so it is very comfortable and won't fall off your ears. For use in a noisy gym where you need isolation, I suggest the JVC Riptidz IEM($7). It also sounds quite good. The Riptidz is listed as being sweat and water resistant. You could get a 4GB Clip+, the HA-EB75, the Riptidz IEM, and a 16GB class 4 micro SDHC card for under $60 total on Amazon. If you trash these you won't get that upset. After buying these and liking them, you might want to get a spare set.

 

[proton007]

Yeah, perfect cheap option, even if you use it rough, no worries.

 

[Trikky99]

+2 on the Clip+ or Zip. I use mine when cycling, jogging, and weight training and it works out in all situations pretty well. I usually clip it to my gloves, pocket, or waist and it has never fallen off as well as being very light. Physical buttons also really help so you don't have to look down to operate it. The only negative (and I'm being picky) is the volume rocker is kind of small on the Clip+ but other than that it's great.
 
Side note, whatever earphones you are using with it remember to tuck the wire into your shirt so it doesn't snag on everything. =/

 

[phantompersona]

Sansa Clip Zip.. and if you need a little more juice combo it with fiio E6. They make the perfect pair and they're still way smaller than most music players.

 

[furienost]

Wow - that was easy.  Thank for the help guys!!
 
Sansa Zip Clip +....   here I come!

 

[JK1]

Let us know how you like the player and earphones.
 
I haven't seen much posted about the HA-EB75, however there is a nice thread about the Riptidz IEM.
 
http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68432