The definitive PPSQ thread.

[oicdn]

List the portable players with the BEST sound quality....i know that's pretty subjective, but eh, I think it's pretty unanimous on most models.

Give what it is, price, with/without video capabilities, etc.

I'm expanding my collection of media players (DAMN YOU HEAD-FI!). Currently own a Nano (forgot which gen), 1st gen Shuffle, DAH-1500i, 1st gen ViPod.

Want to see what your guys' take is on the best SQ media players...I'm thinkin about giving MD a shot...

 

[spaceconvoy]

Because of cost restrictions, not many people have heard that many daps - at least I haven't yet seen a decently comprehensive comparative study. That means most of the opinions here, where people tend to say stuff like "get the XxX player, it has teh best SQ evar!1!" are based on having listened to only a couple of daps. So don't hold your breath on finding anything 'definitive'.

 

[oicdn]

I know with audio, nothing is ever 'deifnitive'...except the price

But I think it's fairly sound to say people know which players have good SQ, and which to avoid. I don't think the media player is subject to as much scrutiny as an amp, or a pair of cans... I guess this thread is like the "headphone amp guide" thread...

 

[Fungi]

I think most head-fiers would just use unamped out->portable amp instead of the DAP's amp.
What would this sound quality ranking be based on?

 

[uraflit]

i also asked this question before and have found that more people than not recommend the X5 as the "best" SQ... or Cowon products...