[cmd.olkslc]

i am currently using creative Zen 8gb as my main source of music....
is it necessary to upgrade to other mp3 player or buy an amp for improvement?? my target would be Ipod Touch , Ipod Classic and Sony NWZ series....i really confused which path should i choose....thx for help!!

 

[tds101]

Sony NWZ series, any of them, will sound spectacular.

 

[boozcool]

It depends on the type of improvement your seeking. For an improvement in sound quality, the Sony NWZ series is far and away the best sounding mp3 player. However, the capacity is limited to 16gb and the features are a bit lacking.
I found that using a portable amp with the Sony did not offer a huge difference, since the sound quality was so amazing to begin with.
Hope this helps!

 

[tds101]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozcool /img/forum/go_quote.gif It depends on the type of improvement your seeking. For an improvement in sound quality, the Sony NWZ series is far and away the best sounding mp3 player. However, the capacity is limited to 16gb and the features are a bit lacking. I found that using a portable amp with the Sony did not offer a huge difference, since the sound quality was so amazing to begin with. Hope this helps!

This is true, as pairing my A829 w/my little FiiO made the SQ horrible. Buy itself, through the HP out, it sounds fantastic.

 

[cmd.olkslc]

or should i just by a portable amp to improve anything i got in hand??

 

[tds101]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmd.olkslc /img/forum/go_quote.gif or should i just by a portable amp to improve anything i got in hand??

FWIW, I've really never seen anyone amping a Zen (assuming your using the flash zen that is). If it is the flash based version, I'd opt for another player. I mean, this is me personally, as YMMV.

 

[cmd.olkslc]

what about ipod touch and ipod classic?? i mean in terms of sound quality....coz i quite like the design and features of touch...

 

[tds101]

IMO both (Classic & Touch) sound better than the Zen. And, with all the extra goodies, I'd say get the Touch.

 

[cmd.olkslc]

but many sites says that touch got the worst SQ in Ipod generations...i am so confused now....
u sure touch can produce better SQ than my zen??

 

[boozcool]

The iPod is extremely overrated. Although it was not the FIRST mp3 player, it was the first to gain popularity in the mp3 market.
If your interested in capacity, buy a Zune. The Zune has pretty much all the features as the iPod, and is the second best sounding player I've heard.
However, the Sony NWZ series blows the Zune out of the water. IMHO, I would not buy an inferior mp3 player and try to fix its problems with a portable amp. Not only will you be investing more money, but you will have more bulk to deal with.

 

[boozcool]

I should mention that I haven't heard the Creative Zen X-fi yet, so perhaps the best method for you would be to go to your local Circuit City or Best Buy and listen to/compare the mp3 players on display. If the Sony NWZ series is not on display, you could buy it, try it out, and return it if your are not thoroughly impressed

 

[cmd.olkslc]

i will try NWZ and touch both....i really want some high quality mp3 player tht really got awesome sound quality....

 

[boozcool]

For a compromise between sound quality and features, have a look at the Creative Zen X-fi as well

 

[thoughtcriminal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozcool /img/forum/go_quote.gif For a compromise between sound quality and features, have a look at the Creative Zen X-fi as well

noooo. god no.
X-fi technology is horrific. It might help extremely compressed music, but it destroys the sound of any good source.

I haven't heard the Zen X-fi itself, but if any other Creative products with X-fi on are an indication, the only way to even justify it would be if all the OP's music is at 96kbps or less

 

[cmd.olkslc]

just read the review from CNET....they claim the creative zen have superb SQ that almost on par with D2....for my opinion i think turn off the Zen EQ would let it sounds better..