So does my DAP. I just don't like the idea that I MUST use abc or xyz software/driver, otherwise I'm just holding a useless lump. If the Zune doesn't support gapless I'd rip the whole album as one large track (can WMP do that?) Also WMA lossless is closed in can other rippers/encoders save to WMA lossless? It's the very same principle as itunes instead now Microsoft. I don't have to use EAC + flac, I can use dbpoweramp, Mediamonkey, or any other which allows external encoder (even windows as have flac drop)
Originally Posted by abellaw /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think it is more to do with the size of the file...the average wma lossless file is lot larger than the average mp3 files...so when i am like seeking on a lossless track it will take a little longer to do. But it is by no means slow...i gave up on using wma lossless format because even though i tried and tried i couldnt hear a difference between wma lossless and lame mp3.
I wonder about that. I think that once I pick a product and get it loaded I will do some comparison testing on myself and maybe a few other folks to see if we can hear a difference. I am guessing that if you were to notice a difference it might be when you plug into an amp and listen kind of loud. Just a guess at this point.
One thing i have noticed about zune owners is that most of them are very brand loyal...and most zune owners that i have met are satisfied. But the real attraction for me to the zune, is that MS have seemed to focus on the music and tried to fashion a DAP that helps its owner find more music.
Like it isnt talked about much but the filesharing feature would be great if more people had zunes. I know i am always giving recommendations on tracks and bands that i like, but with my friend that has a zune i just send him the album and in a minute or two he can check it out at his leisure...
Those kind of things get me excited about buying a Zune. Nor sure how often I would use them. I never heard of Zune a week ago. Everyone I know has ipods. But cool to have options.
Also i am considering getting the zune membership so that i can download albums when i am on the go, when i am at college i use the marketplace to audition albums, so the zune is just perfect for me.
I love my zune and wish that ms had got in the game earlier so i could really exploit some of its features with a wider variety of ppl
You do make it sound awfully attractive. Thanks for the specifics.
Originally Posted by abellaw /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think it is more to do with the size of the file...the average wma lossless file is lot larger than the average mp3 files...so when i am like seeking on a lossless track it will take a little longer to do. But it is by no means slow...i gave up on using wma lossless format because even though i tried and tried i couldnt hear a difference between wma lossless and lame mp3.
One thing i have noticed about zune owners is that most of them are very brand loyal...and most zune owners that i have met are satisfied. But the real attraction for me to the zune, is that MS have seemed to focus on the music and tried to fashion a DAP that helps its owner find more music.
Like it isnt talked about much but the filesharing feature would be great if more people had zunes. I know i am always giving recommendations on tracks and bands that i like, but with my friend that has a zune i just send him the album and in a minute or two he can check it out at his leisure...
Also i am considering getting the zune membership so that i can download albums when i am on the go, when i am at college i use the marketplace to audition albums, so the zune is just perfect for me.
I love my zune and wish that ms had got in the game earlier so i could really exploit some of its features with a wider variety of ppl
X2 on the Zune and its focus on the music, and its SQ is excellent too, in my view. I actually like having no EQ...99 percent of the time. And it's an excellent match, SQ-wise, with the UM3X IEMs, like they were made for each other. Excellent.
I wouldn't get worried it lacks EQ, I've never used it either. Unless you can find a EQ preset for your actual phones, that'll be pretty cool and worthwhile trying out.
Line out from a DAP is important as may want to drive bigger phones.
Originally Posted by iriverdude /img/forum/go_quote.gif So does my DAP. I just don't like the idea that I MUST use abc or xyz software/driver, otherwise I'm just holding a useless lump. If the Zune doesn't support gapless I'd rip the whole album as one large track (can WMP do that?) Also WMA lossless is closed in can other rippers/encoders save to WMA lossless? It's the very same principle as itunes instead now Microsoft. I don't have to use EAC + flac, I can use dbpoweramp, Mediamonkey, or any other which allows external encoder (even windows as have flac drop)
I think that since I use PC's, Zune is a good fit, software wise. And ipods are everywhere, so they seem pretty safe. I want to keep it relatively simple. Cowon has possibilities capacity wise, but then you are off on a smaller road.
When it comes to buying and using technology, I will be a sheep if it makes life easier
Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif X2 on the Zune and its focus on the music, and its SQ is excellent too, in my view. I actually like having no EQ...99 percent of the time. And it's an excellent match, SQ-wise, with the UM3X IEMs, like they were made for each other. Excellent.
I was going to ask this down the road, but since you mentioned it....
So with a Zune you would recommend the UM3X phones? Is there a consensus on this or does everybody have their favourite?
I tried to brave the earphones section but it was too technical for me.
I just figured that once I picked a player, I would ask for the favourites for that brand.
Originally Posted by abellaw /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have never really liked EQs especially the ones where you can alter everything because i really do not have any idea what i am doing in that area.
But i also had a gen 1 zune and i used the preset acoustic setting...but i haven't missed the EQ in the gen 2 zune
That is exactly my feeling! I have never liked equalizers, even in home stereos. They look very impressive but i have no idea what to do with them and can not see spending hundreds of hours tweaking it. Even with stereos that include pre-defined settings like rock/concert hall/pop/etc., I just find one setting I like and it stays there.
Originally Posted by Shane D /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was going to ask this down the road, but since you mentioned it....
So with a Zune you would recommend the UM3X phones? Is there a consensus on this or does everybody have their favourite?
I tried to brave the earphones section but it was too technical for me.
I just figured that once I picked a player, I would ask for the favourites for that brand.
Shane D
Everyone has their favorite. I know your not going to like my answer too much but i think your gonna have to work your way up and find what sound signature gives you the most out of your device. Some people like very dynamic headphones / IEMs and some people like a more analytical sound while some seek a balance.
Ive gone through Zune premiums, Vmodas, Shures, and Ultimate Ears. Ive finally settle on UE Triple Fi 10 Pros and im very satisfied, Its all a matter of what sound signature appeals to you and you may have to do it by trial and error for a bit.
Originally Posted by Maxis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Everyone has their favorite. I know your not going to like my answer too much but i think your gonna have to work your way up and find what sound signature gives you the most out of your device. Some people like very dynamic headphones / IEMs and some people like a more analytical sound while some seek a balance.
Ive gone through Zune premiums, Vmodas, Shures, and Ultimate Ears. Ive finally settle on UE Triple Fi 10 Pros and im very satisfied, Its all a matter of what sound signature appeals to you and you may have to do it by trial and error for a bit.
Cheers
How do you test them? Store near you? Do you actually go out and buy different sets and try them out? What then? Dead stuff sitting around or try to sell them?
I know it is subjective, but I was hoping I would hear a chorus of favourites that end up consisting of two or three different brands for each machine (like with the AMP3). Then see if any of those are available locally.
Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif X2 on the Zune and its focus on the music, and its SQ is excellent too, in my view. I actually like having no EQ...99 percent of the time. And it's an excellent match, SQ-wise, with the UM3X IEMs, like they were made for each other. Excellent.
Just did a quick search on UM3X's. Not cheap! At earphone solutions they are listed at $379.00 and called musicians earphones. They get a rave review, but then again they also sell them.
So you think they pair up nicely with the Zune? For that kind of money they would be my only pair.
Originally Posted by Shane D /img/forum/go_quote.gif How do you test them? Store near you? Do you actually go out and buy different sets and try them out? What then? Dead stuff sitting around or try to sell them?
I know it is subjective, but I was hoping I would hear a chorus of favourites that end up consisting of two or three different brands for each machine (like with the AMP3). Then see if any of those are available locally.
Shane D
This journey into headphones does not usually give instant gratification. Your prolly going to have to buy a set. If you like em .. you keep em. If you don't; sell em .. try a diff pair. The trial and error and the desire to try new things is what keeps the for sale trade section of the forums very active. With one exception (Zune premiums) Everything i purchased has been through Head Fi's For sale/Trade. In every case everything i recieved was in immaculate condition not a defect in sight and the last set i got (Triple Fi) were unopened brand new and the seller was gracious enough to throw in an aluminium roadie case no extra charge. The prices are a steal too.
So i would not suggest running out and ordering everything. Read the forums and prioritize what you want in your headphones and what sound signature your looking for and then buy a set. If you dont like em .. Sell em and pick up a different set. This is what makes the entire experience exciting.
Originally Posted by Maxis /img/forum/go_quote.gif So i would not suggest running out and ordering everything. Read the forums and prioritize what you want in your headphones and what sound signature your looking for and then buy a set. If you dont like em .. Sell em and pick up a different set. This is what makes the entire experience exciting.
Cheers
Thanks for the reply. Not sure your path would work for me Being in Canada I have to consider exchange rate (pretty good right now), duties (if applicable), clearing customs and shipping to Atlantic Canada.
Do you know of any Canadian manufacturers/distributors that I could try out?
Originally Posted by Shane D /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just did a quick search on UM3X's. Not cheap! At earphone solutions they are listed at $379.00 and called musicians earphones. They get a rave review, but then again they also sell them.
So you think they pair up nicely with the Zune? For that kind of money they would be my only pair.
Shane D
No, not cheap. But to me, they are a perfect match with the Zune80, perfect. Check my sig, and see all the IEMs I have burned through. Many were paired with the Zune, and rather than starting small, save yourself the trouble. Read the UM3X reviews here, the thread. A vast majority of owners love them, and even people who own $800+ customs still keep and like their UM3X.
I recently came into some cash via poker and was going to move up to customs, but cooler heads (my wife and a couple of HF friends) prevailed and I ordered the custom sleeves for the UM56 instead ($130 spend vs. $800-$1100), I like them that much.
If you can't spring for the Westones, I also liked the Denon 710s, which are around $100 on the dynamic side, and there is a new Westone, the Westone 1s, which are around $129, and are getting decent reviews.
A few comments on the Zune:
1) The FM built in FM receiver is not the most sensitive. If you live in an area with good FM reception, you're going to like it. If, like me, you're in an area with marginal FM reception, the Zune won't be any better than many of the built in FM receivers which used to be in Sony CD players. It is more sensitive than the Ipod FM adapter which I got for the 5G Ipod.
2) The noise floor of my Zune is higher than the noise floor of the 6G Ipods or the Iphone 3G. This may mean that the UM3X won't be to your liking, depending on how much you hate hiss. You may be happier with a less sensitive earphone, something in the 110db/mW range.
3) My Zune has a more noticeable hard drive spin up noise than my Ipod 6G, which also has some noticeable spin up noise with phones such as the UM3X.
4) On my 2 core, 2.5GHz, 3Gbyte Vista laptop, the Zune software runs noticeably slower than Itunes.
5) The Zune HD (flash player) is said to be all that Microsoft will be selling in 2010. I hope this isn't true.
On the really plus side, with a music subscription, you can download all the music you want, listen to it, discard it, and get access to all that Microsoft has to offer. The screen of the Zune is much better than the Ipod Classic. And, it does have the FM.
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