[tman1]

Has anyone had a chance to compare any of these players for sound quality? People have said great things about the Zune (even that it is as good or better than the Karma for SQ!), and the other two listed, and I'm very curious how these 3 stack up against each other.

 

[DobsOnly]

Looks like you've got a top notch list so you'll probably be happy with any one of them. I really enjoy my VibeZ. It does a great job and is different than what you see others packing around with them.

Where the VibeZ excells is:
1. Sound Quality is very impressive with plenty of power, depth and clarity. Eliminating the need for a portable amp.
2. User interface is almost the same as the Rio Karma which is considered by many the best available. Read up on that if you choose to.
3. The equalizer is second to none. I prefer to listen to it with no equalizer but if you're into it there's a lot you can do with it.

Cons are:
Smaller capacity, currently 12gb
The navigation wheel takes a little time to get use to.

Good Luck!

 

[3X0]

X5 and Zune are about the same to my ears; haven't heard the Vibez.

 

[tman1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DobsOnly /img/forum/go_quote.gif Looks like you've got a top notch list so you'll probably be happy with any one of them. I really enjoy my VibeZ. It does a great job and is different than what you see others packing around with them. Where the VibeZ excells is: 1. Sound Quality is very impressive with plenty of power, depth and clarity. Eliminating the need for a portable amp. 2. User interface is almost the same as the Rio Karma which is considered by many the best available. Read up on that if you choose to. 3. The equalizer is second to none. I prefer to listen to it with no equalizer but if you're into it there's a lot you can do with it. Cons are: Smaller capacity, currently 12gb The navigation wheel takes a little time to get use to. Good Luck!

Thanks. Yeah I was pretty much set on the Vibez (after being set on the X5 prior to that

), until I read about the problems with the wheel moving when it's in your pocket (thus changing songs, volume or pitch), and how you need two hands to lock and unlock it, and now I'm not sure again (that plus the seemingly unanimous opinion on the Zune's great SQ). Unfortunately, it looks like there is STILL not a player that can make my decision easy (great sound, small size, pocketable, good battery life).

 

[antonyfirst]

I vote for the Vibez for its lovely interface (although the question regarded sound quality).

 

[Night Surfer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by antonyfirst /img/forum/go_quote.gif I vote for the Vibez for its lovely interface (although the question regarded sound quality).

The Zune has a very good interface as well.
Best one I have seen.
(I have not seen the Vibez).

 

[funkforfood]

If the X5 sound like my old M3, in my opinion sound better than the Zune: better soundstage, better bass response (deeper and tighter) and a more natural performance in the treble.
I use either with Koss PPro and Senn PX100.
For me, the Zune SQ is good but nothing special, i like it a lot but in other aspects...

 

[globe91skate]

I have the zune and I truly love it's sound. Now I haven't heard either of the other ones.

 

[Radzique]

Quote:

Originally Posted by antonyfirst /img/forum/go_quote.gif I vote for the Vibez for its lovely interface (although the question regarded sound quality).

Exactly !

Interface is great, as in old good karma

SQ in my opinion is definitely one of the best i ever heard.
I hope that new firmware will eliminate some software bugs like two hands lock/unlock.

 

[22906]

The Cowon D2 satisfies all of your requirements.

 

[justin2net]

Sorry, but how is the Zune's headphone out? Because it lacks a line out that would purportedly go to an amp.

 

[tman1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3_arun /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Cowon D2 satisfies all of your requirements.

I didn't metion capacity, but I want at least 12 MB (since the Vibez is a consideration - I'd really like more than that)

 

[cebseb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radzique /img/forum/go_quote.gif Exactly ! Interface is great, as in old good karma SQ in my opinion is definitely one of the best i ever heard. I hope that new firmware will eliminate some software bugs like two hands lock/unlock.

nice sig'

I second everything he said by the way!

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tman1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I didn't metion capacity, but I want at least 12 MB (since the Vibez is a consideration - I'd really like more than that)

You can get 12GB with the D2 by using a 8GB SDHC card.

That said, I think the SQ of the D2 is slightly lacking in comparison to the Zune. However, I was not able to do a direct comparison, so I can't say what the specific differences are other than the D2 seeming to have more distortion.

 

[no1likesme]

I have had the zune and a karma and i definatly prefer the sound of the karma (it is close tho) and I am starting to like the interface of the zune more.