What mp3 player to match with my EP-630

[bloodz]

I bought a cheap mp3 player (hip street) from fry's and get some distortion (I've read here that mp3 players that use AAA batteries might cause this). Anything decent below $100 to match with my EP-630? I don't care for the screen and would perfer a fm radio if possible.

 

[kyleisgreat]

Ipod shuffle. The first Gen is excellent you can probably get one refurbished from apple for 40-50. I've heard good things about the 2nd Gen and thats only $80 USD.

 

[timmins]

The shuffle is clearly not the best option since he wants radio.

three players that come to mind are the:
sandisk c250 http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Item...layer_2GB.aspx
creative neoon 2
http://www.creative.com/products/pro...&product=15609
cowon u2
http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/iaudio/u2/
(most recommended)



BTW Kyle is great, I'm a kyle too.

 

[bloodz]

Thanks for both your time and input.

The iaudio u2 looks real nice on paper plus it has firmware available, which is nice since I've read about mp3 players dying and requiring a firmware flash.

 

[afobisme]

iaudio is reported to have among the best SQ fyi

 

[timmins]

I'd go for iaudio/cowon, their flash players are spperior to many other companies players in amost every way, except for capacity. since you don't seem to need more than 1 or 2 gigs, they'll fit the bill best.

 

[afobisme]

yep agreed, but i hear iriver, samsung, and one other brand (forgot what it's called) are just as good in the SQ department.

 

[timmins]

call me bias, but I always recommend UMS players. They're much better in my opinion, especially for smaller capacities.

 

[TiTaN]

hahahaha only on head-fi would one buy an mp3 player for a specific headphone

 

[Vul Kuolun]

I'd make (and made) a suficient EQ the decisive criterion.

With EQ, i mean a EQ to be set by the user, not useless preset garbage.

With a tiny cut at the bass and the presences, and a bit of boost for the upper highs i find the 630 to be really a steal.

 

[bloodz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiTaN hahahaha only on head-fi would one buy an mp3 player for a specific headphone

Hah I know! http://www.silentpcreview.com/ has already emptied my wallet enough so after i got the hd-201, ep-630, and modded my koss titanium headphones (which earned me a weird look from my girlfriend), I tried staying away from this site. But it was too late since I couldn't just accept the static on the hip street with my ep-630 because I knew it could be better. However, I haven't messed with the EQ manual settings yet. I guess that'll be my next research subject.

I was about to get the iaudio U2, when I saw the iriver clix and a deal on the SanDisk Sansa E250. Would it be worth the extra 50 bucks for the clix or the e250 (would be the same price as the U2) ? Or does that sacrific audio/fm quality for the movie capability?

 

[TiTaN]

I actually have owned both of those and although they were very similar in SQ I'd give the edge to the Clix...although I thought the interface of the Sansa was better.

I ended up rebuying a Nano though as I missed the interface and have iTunes songs that wouldn't play on anything else.

Between the two its tough as both are good, but if you don't mind touching the screen, the Clix is a nice little player. Might want to check out the Creative Zen V Plus as well as I bought one of them as well to try out and enjoyed it

Edit: Oh, and as far as FM quality the Clix was better on that as well, the Sansa always had a constant hiss no matter how good the reception was or how high or low the volume was.

 

[timmins]

videos on the sansa are totally useless, it has a 1.8 inch screen at a 4:3 ratio but it has vertical orientation, so if you watch 1 wdescreen movie it's comparable to watching it on a 1.2 inch screen. The sansa is the best player if you're looking for the most gigs for the least money.

The clix has a 2.5 inche screen so videos on that are more feasable. If you are like the majority of the population watching a movie on a tiny screen, ut;ll be a gimic you use at the start but never use after. Plus, it seems that you're only looking for 2 gigs so filling up that small capacity with movies will probably stop pretty quickly after purchase.

The U2 is a no frills hicg quality DAP. It has very god sound quality a good equalizer actually good bass enhancements. and It's UMS.

for my useage, movies on daps are completely useless. It is a gimmick in my opinion.

if you want a no nonsense DAP go for the U2. If yuou want a pretty dap go for one with a colour screen.

 

[bloodz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmins videos on the sansa are totally useless, it has a 1.8 inch screen at a 4:3 ratio but it has vertical orientation, so if you watch 1 wdescreen movie it's comparable to watching it on a 1.2 inch screen. The sansa is the best player if you're looking for the most gigs for the least money. The clix has a 2.5 inche screen so videos on that are more feasable. If you are like the majority of the population watching a movie on a tiny screen, ut;ll be a gimic you use at the start but never use after. Plus, it seems that you're only looking for 2 gigs so filling up that small capacity with movies will probably stop pretty quickly after purchase. The U2 is a no frills hicg quality DAP. It has very god sound quality a good equalizer actually good bass enhancements. and It's UMS. for my useage, movies on daps are completely useless. It is a gimmick in my opinion. if you want a no nonsense DAP go for the U2. If yuou want a pretty dap go for one with a colour screen.

Yeah I only planned to use it on the bus anyhow... my wallet thanks you. Also I do now remember the sansa had reviews of static.

I guess if one really wanted to see movies (and avoid eye strain) they should just save up for an Axim and get some PC functionality?

 

[LaBreaHead]

I had an iAudio 5 (used AAA battery) -- almost unlimited capability to tweak the sound to your preference. I kept the EQ basically flat, and to my ears it sounded "bigger" than it looked, if that makes sense. The Cowon/iAudios can sound really good.

With its built-in battery, the U2 is even smaller and lighter. I have the fun-sounding Creative EP 630's, and just for the record, the Cowons can power really good earphones or headphones should you decide to upgrade down the road.

Sounds like a great minimalist player for your needs. (Have you looked into the less-cool-looking AA-battery-powered iAudio G3, as well?)