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MP3 player novice requires assistance for a new MP3 player
GingerNut400
11-03-2009
Many years ago I bought a Creative Zen Extra Nomad Jukebox (30gb). It has served me well and the PC software Creative Organiser is reliable and easy to use.

But now, I need something that is lighter and more compact as the Zen is too bulky to go running with attached to a waistband.

I'm also looking for better connectivity options to my Hitachi mini hi-fi (which has an iPod dock and a USB input) and my car which has inputs for iPod, USB and phono. The only option I have in the car with the Zen is the phono one which produces good sound, but I really want to see the MP3 screen displayed on the car stereo screen.

Capacity wise, 30gb is enough, if we ae just talking music files.

I am really not bothered about other functions such as video playback, camera, radio, tea-maker.

I have good quality headphones, so those included are not critical.

I know Apple is ubiquitous, but are iPods really the best? I have nothing against them, other than I prefer not to be swayed by style over substance (hence my original choice of the Zen).

I prefer to stay with MP3 format rather than use Apple's format (is that AC3?).

To be honest I really have not a clue about today's players, too many features, too much choice. I would be grateful for any pointers or recommendation, no matter how vague. Meanwile I'll be trying to do some research.

Thanks in advance.
HistoryGirl
17-03-2009
First of all I'm not an avd Apple iPod I'm after a new mp3 player as well. Would you go for creative or are you open to anything.

Sony players are generally regarded to have the best sound quality but i'm not sure how many 30GB players they do. You want it purely for music files? Also what about budget?
Matt-08
17-03-2009
Get a 120GB iPod Classic for £170 new from Amazon.

Good deal, and you already have two iPod docking solutions.
Slipstreem
17-03-2009
Originally Posted by HistoryGirl:
“Sony players are generally regarded to have the best sound quality...”

That's not strictly true I'm afraid. Almost all players from all major manufacturers are pretty close sonically nowadays with the biggest difference by far being made by the quality of the supplied headphones or earbuds with players that don't rely on a control system at the headphones giving you a better chance of being able to use whichever headphones you choose if you decide to replace them.

If you're a fussy listener and want to find unbiased scientific tests of a number of currently available makes and models, type "MP3 player RMAA test" into Google. Those will be the only tests you'll find of real merit in relation to sound quality as an RMAA test is an independent and scientific analysis which entirely removes any personal bias or 'placebo effect' from the equation.

Facts and figures count for everything when it comes to sound quality and an RMAA test sorts fact from myth and gives globally true answers regardless of the make or model under test, so it's perfectly safe to make a purchasing decision based on one from the point of view of sound quality.

Of course, personal experience and opinion does count for a great deal when it comes to usability and reliability, so it's important to listen to people in this respect and then go looking for RMAA test results. The ones that score well for usability, reliability and RMAA tests are the real diamonds.
sancheeez
17-03-2009
From the reviews I've seen so far, if it's sound quality you're after, this:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/29/cowon-s9-review/

... is the fella to go for. (Read the section on audio and video perdormance on there)

That combined with a STUNNING screen for video (check out the samples: http://www.dapreview.net/p/content/c...?content.348.4) and photos (which you say you're not interested in unfortunately) means that for audio and video quality, it's pretty hard to beat.

If you have a google, you can find RMAA test results for the player, but I'm afraid they mean nothing to me.

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum...ad.php?t=39435

Maybe Slipstreem can interpret something from that?

But it's also only 16gb max and won't offer anything extra in terms of connection options to the car. (Although it does mention bluetooth streaming working rather well if that would be any use> Not going to get you anything on the car screen but then, the screen on the S9 will be much better quality anyway )

Just thought I'd flag it up on the basis of audio performance alone. I use an older Cowon player, and FLAC encoded files sound pretty damn good played on that, and this one is much newer, and performs even better so I gather.

(Oh .... and the battery life for video AND audio blows most other players out of the water as well .... 11 hours video, 55 hours audio!!!)
Slipstreem
17-03-2009
Thanks, sancheez. If I weren't so lazy I'd have gone and looked at the Cowon's myself as they do have a mighty reputation.

As suggested by the results of the RMAA test, the D2 and X5L are likely to sound a little "thinner" than they could do on high quality headphones due to the slightly worse bass response, but the S9 and O2 are both highly recommended by "those in the know".

The S9 would probably be my personal choice if I had the cash to splash, but there are plenty of other good players out there for the same price or cheaper, and as MP3 is the OP's format of choice, the world is his/her oyster.
GingerNut400
19-03-2009
Thanks for your posts. I've gone for an Apple iPod 120gb Classic. £157 from Dixons (with MARCH5 promotional code worth £5).
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