[Kalidor]

Hi, I'm looking for my very FIRST DAP. I would like it to be portable and have more or less narrowed it down to these 2. Of course if there are other candidates, I would be most happy to hear your suggestions.

1. Top on my list is sound quality
2. I listen mostly to contemporary pop, instrumentals and the occasional jazz
3. I like to hear rich vocals and good tight bass.
4. DAP is going to be amped through a Mier Audio Porta Corda MkIII
5. Have not decided on a pair of headphones yet, but the only pair that i have that can pass off as portable and is closed is the AKG K240DF. Not your usual portable phones, but I'll live with it for the time being.

With these in mind, which would be a better DAP for me?

OR is there another different one that I can look at.

Please help me.

PS... does both DAPs have a line out???

 

[rockbottom]

The ZVM does for sure and it's very clean. I personally LOVE the ZVM's UI and the video capabilities are certainly a plus. However, I'm not sure where you're getting your info from, last time I checked the ZVM only went up to 60GB.

 

[dgbiker1]

I'd choose the ZVM over the zune for the simple fact that it has a line-out and zune doesn't- well, it does, but it's locked out unless you use the zune cradle, remote, cables, pixie dust, etc. The line-out will be a plus since you're using it with your amp.
ZVM also has a customizable eq if you want to use one.

 

[filipelli]

Agree with above. If you want to use and amp, the ZVM has a line out and EQ. I had both, and they both sound very robust straight up. I prefer the zune ultimately for the UI and the capacity in the end but your requirements can be met by the ZVM nicely.

 

[arteom]

ZVM for: software. Zune: Hardware, screen size, cleaner SQ. To be quite honest for all that Zune has going for it is forgotten when you have to use Zune software.

 

[Kalidor]

Thanks for all the input guys... looks like leaning a lot towards the ZVM... is there any other models that I can possibly consider?

Thanks

 

[ILikeMusic]

Another big plus for the ZVM in this comparison is support for custom EQ settings.

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

Isnt the ZVM a bit hard to find right now? Is it being phased out or something?

 

[ILikeMusic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jilgiljongiljing /img/forum/go_quote.gif Isnt the ZVM a bit hard to find right now? Is it being phased out or something?

Yes, it is out of production, although units are available via Ebay and sometimes on Creative's site as a refurbished unit. It has been replaced by the Zen flash-based unit although the Zen won't work for you if you need more than 32gb.

I'm hoping my 60gb ZVM will hold out until a functional replacement is available. There really isn't anything on the market right now that can do that but hopefully there will be by the time I need another one.

 

[acegazda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgbiker1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd choose the ZVM over the zune for the simple fact that it has a line-out and zune doesn't- well, it does, but it's locked out unless you use the zune cradle, remote, cables, pixie dust, etc. The line-out will be a plus since you're using it with your amp. ZVM also has a customizable eq if you want to use one.

sorry but could you explain the advantages of line out?

 

[justaguy93]

A line out will give you better SQ than the headphone out when connecting to a separate stereo system or amplifier because it bypasses the internal amp on the Zen.

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

line out bypasses the internal amp, so there is no alteration in the sound. The signal is a level output, and you must use it with an external amp for volume control. Basically its useful to get a cleaner signal straight from the DAC.

 

[acegazda]

ohhh... is there a list of DAPs that have line outs somewhere?

 

[Night Surfer]

I've had both players and I like the Zune 80 much better.
The Zune 80 has much better SQ, build, interface, and controls.
The ZVM is a good choice if you like all those extra features, though.

 

[dgbiker1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by acegazda /img/forum/go_quote.gif ohhh... is there a list of DAPs that have line outs somewhere?

I don't know of a list like that. Generally I'll just look at the "big" features first (storage, format support, etc.) first to make my own list of players that seem interesting. Then I just look up the specs on each player on the company's site. If I can't find it there, I'll just google "Zune Line-Out" for example and see what people have to say.