Sell my 3rd gen Nano and get a Cowon D2?

[Dublo7]

So I got myself a 3G Fat Nano, and while I like it, I'm not happy with the sound quality. I've had my eye on the D2 for a long time now, but I never took the plunge, as I've heard it has some firmware issues.
Are there any D2 users here that could give me a run down of why I should get the D2? I know the sound quality is superior, which is a big plus for me. What firmware is the most stable, and are there any problems I should look out for?
Is the thing light? Could I take it when I go running?

Thanks guys

edit - Also, is there any podcast support?

 

[Trastan]

I love mine, though I'm probably going to sell it in lieu of a new Zune 80. As for your questions:

- Firmware issues are almost completely resolved. I believe the only problems left are with relation to FLAC ID tags. Why a person would use FLAC on a DAP, I don't know.

I'd just get whatever the latest firmware is - that'll be the most stable, and have the most features.

- It's quite light, but certainly not Nano light. The extra weight is due to the 52 hour battery life for music. You'll definitely have no problem running with it.

- There's better podcast support in the D2 than most other players. In fact, you're able to save your place in not only podcasts, but general music and videos as well. It's quite handy.

- Features include radio and voice recording, a Flash player, a notepad (since it's a touchscreen device), crazy amounts of equalization/enhancement options, lag-free interface, zoom for pictures, text reader, calculator (a decent one at that), and even a dictionary if you get the Korean firmware.

If you have any more questions, lemme know.

 

[Schalldampfer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dublo7 /img/forum/go_quote.gif So I got myself a 3G Fat Nano, and while I like it, I'm not happy with the sound quality. I've had my eye on the D2 for a long time now, but I never took the plunge, as I've heard it has some firmware issues. Are there any D2 users here that could give me a run down of why I should get the D2? I know the sound quality is superior, which is a big plus for me. What firmware is the most stable, and are there any problems I should look out for? Is the thing light? Could I take it when I go running? Thanks guys edit - Also, is there any podcast support?

Not sure about the podcast support, as I don't ever use it.

But, yes. DEFINITELY go for the D2! I compared it to a 5.5 big one, and it made me marvel at how much marketing can take a mediocre equipment to the masses.

And I think the latest firmware is 2.51? I stopped updating mine, because I really don't see the need to, as everything I need is working well.

I took it out running with me multiple times, and that worked out fine, too. But I'll admit that it's a little bulky.

 

[Jodiuh]

I've also got a 3G Nano and am unhappy with the sound quality. However, you can't beat its podcast support and cases like this! It's absolutely perfect for gym/running. What cases are available for this that would be good for running?

Also, does the D2 automatically resume to a podcast wo/ manually bookmarking it? Does it play nicely w/ names? The winamp/sony 616 turned "A New Beginning w/ Greg Laurie" into "a2b23899.mp3 w/ zero tag info. Is there a "podcast" selection so I don't have to go hunting for the file?

 

[dickmadison]

I'm actually interested in purchasing a 3g Nano. I currently don't have any portable audio device. I can't make a decision because none of them that are out there are everything I want.

I think it is a good point to bring up where you are going to use it. If working out and such is your thing, then a D2 seems a little bulky, but that might not be an issue for you if the sound quality is there and the SD card slot is something you plan to use.

The 3g nano has a lot going for it. It is crazy portable, great user interface, and a line out port. So I'm thinking you could buy a portable amp and cable for less or the same money you would buy a D2 and get better quality audio. If you don't mind the extra bulk. But if you think about it, you could have something really portable for the gym, and then hook it up to the amp for critical listening.

Also, I was looking at Sony A818 and the IAudio7. Both don't have line out but they are really portable and suppose to offer great sound out of the headphone jack. However, i've played with the sony in the store and I am not impressed with the UI, has anyone else had issues? Doesn't seem as straight forward as the nano. Also, iaudio 7 UI doesn't seem easy either.

Have you thought about a headphone amp...could solve some issues for you?

 

[Miklos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickmadison /img/forum/go_quote.gif .... Also, I was looking at Sony A818 and the IAudio7. Both don't have line out ...

The A818 has line out on the (optional) docking station... Also, it has probably a (much) better SQ than the nano

 

[bubbagump]

I'm still burning in my IEMs and D2 (almost there). When thats done I'll post a review/impressions of the D2 versus several ipods, including the 3G nano.

 

[dickmadison]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbagump /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm still burning in my IEMs and D2 (almost there). When thats done I'll post a review/impressions of the D2 versus several ipods, including the 3G nano.

Awesome, I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Are you going to be comparing the headphone out, lineout w/amp, or both?

 

[bubbagump]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dickmadison /img/forum/go_quote.gif Awesome, I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Are you going to be comparing the headphone out, lineout w/amp, or both?

I'll just be sticking to headphone outs. I'll be going amped and unamped. Amped mostly for the K501 and unamped with the C700s.

 

[SactoMan101]

I'd recommend getting a small cable that connects to the iPod data connector for line-out and a small portable headphone amp. I borrowed one from a friend to try with my 3G iPod nano and the sound quality improvement is enormous even with my super.fi 3 Studio headphones.

Check with the Headphone amp section of this forum for various user tests and recommendations.