Best Portable Audio Solution 2013, and mp3 player vs phone Options

[leon11]

Hi there, Im looking to buy a new portable music player (but not apple). I also dont want a volume-capped EU product (im in the UK), so I need to be able to buy it from elsewhere...or the device needs to be able to be flashed or modded to remove the cap!
I am a bit of a perfectionist and would like some nice sound to help inspire my work!


I have done a fair amount of research but it is still a tough choice, and would love to hear peoples thoughts or advice!

I am currently attracted to the Sony z-series (mainly the Z1050 / 60) which I can still get on ebay from japan (uncapped)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SONY-Walkman-NW-...=item3a7db9eba3

this seems like a lot to pay for something that I cant make calls on though! I understand that it is the amp which bumps the price up.
but...is this kind of player not obsolete now?



And this is part of the brief I guess...my phone is a bit crap so I was thinking that maybe some of the new phones may be good enough for my audio needs.


- I read samsung have good audio, for one...and that many of today's smartphones compete with cowans players for examplem in terms of sound quality

- And ive also seen the new HTC range with 'beats' audio...although I know that the beats brand is somewhat of a gimmick..
HTC one http://www.handtec.co.uk/htc-one-v-black.html ...which I may be able to flash or mod to remove the cap.

- I have always liked sonys products and have also considered an xperia J ...or even an old w995 etc! Apparently the sonys also have a 'warmer' sound.

- I will also be getting some decent headphones (been looking at the IE9's etc...but will cross this bridge when I have a player in mind )

videos and web browsing are less important to me. I would also probably be disabling any wifi ability as I dont think the frequencies do your body any good.

On this note...has anyone ever looked at the frequencies headphones produce?!



any help appreciated...thanks for reading

[Mach-X]

Another vote for the clip+, btw it locks by holding down the home button under OF, and there's another button if you've rockboxed it, just can't remember currently.
You were rather unclear as to whether you wanted a dedicated music player or asking 'which phone has the best sq'. The clip+ as a dedicated dap is cheap, has been tested extensively to be linear, and can be loaded with the rockbox firmware to provide nearly limitless audio options. Did I mention it's cheap? You won't gain anything with a sony player other than a pretty interface, and sub par amp performance. You need to decide if you want a seperate dap or a phone with playback capabilities. If just a dap, the clip+ will give you everything you need with linear playback and a microsd slot. Phone wise, both iphone and android devices offer fine playback. If going android I recommend samsung simply because it's the most supported device line, but if you just want a small, powerful, customizeable music player, clip+ all the way.

This post has been edited by Mach-X: Feb 9 2013, 07:28