i bought an mp3-cd player in december, and have only now found suitable settings for it. there was far too many problems along the way. i've tried many different wave extraction methods, command lines for both vbr and cbr mp3s, different cd-r brands, different burner programs. some models have no problem playing --alt-preset standard files on any cd media, but that's not always the case. i think it would be a great idea if everyone would contribute to a site/section of this site/ or thread on what portable player they own and what works best. i'll start with mine.

model: sony mp3-cd player (DCJ01CSKIT)
specifications (from official website: sonystyle.com):
MP3 File On CD-R/RW Disc Play Ability provides playback of MP3 music files recorded on either CD-R (Writeable) or CD-RW (Rewriteable) compact discs
CD-R/RW Compatible (Multi-Session Format Recorded) plays all compact discs including CD rewriteable and CD recordable; your own compilations from CD recorder deck or PC can be played on the unit, and it provides a great extension of ability to play network audio music from the Internet – a perfect companion for your PC music
Variable Rate Playback Ability – 16-320 Kbps allows matching the playback sampling rate to different recording quality of MP3 files, from 16 to 320 kilobits per second
24 Hours Continuous Playback with 2 "AA" Batteries (MP3 Mode) is a result of advanced Sony engineering, new IC chip set and new mechanism, providing very long battery life in continuos playback use; in normal CD playback, it provides 32 hours of continuous play
Skip-Free* G-Protection™ Technology 2nd generation of the skip-free* function comes with improved mechanism for more protection against vertical shock, and a greatly advanced digital-based system for more than 10-times-faster shock recovery compared to conventional systems, reducing or eliminating skipping even during such active uses as jogging
Direct Folder-Skip Function For Folder-Layer Construction Disc provides Direct Folder Skip button from normal FF/FR button to operate “fast forward/back” of “folders”
Virtual CD Changer Function At The Playback of MP3 Songs plays each separate folder as if it were a single CD, and allows skipping around among all folders to select and play individual tracks, just as if using a CD changer
Digital Volume Function provides for very precise adjustment of volume level using a push button located on the front of the unit, while the volume level appears on the LCD display
Digital Mega Bass® Sound System uses digital processing technology to produce rich, deep bass tones with extremely low harmonic distortion
11 Playback Modes with Folder Repeat Function gives you many predetermined choices in the playback of CD’s, including hearing one track over and over, a selection of tracks in a desired order, tracks in Shuffle (random) order, and repeat play of one complete folder, just like the CD Repeat function on a car CD changer
64 Track RMS Programming offers extraordinary ability for you to customize the order in which tracks on a CD are played
Track Loop Repeat provides seamless access to all tracks
2 Position Automatic Volume Limiter System (AVLS) maintains volume output at levels below distortion threshold for cleaner sound reproduction
Hand Strap helps you to grip unit and makes it easier to use during activity
Digital-Analog Coversion: 1 Bit
D/A Conversion: 1 Bit Quartz Time-Axis Control
Frequency Response: 20-20000Hz, ±3db
Inputs: DC-In 4.5V
Outputs: Headphones (Stereo Mini Jack)
Power Requirements: DC 4.5V, "AA" x 2 Batteries
Battery Life (Approx.): 24 Hours (MP3 Playback)/32 Hours (CD Playback) with "AA" Alkaline Batteries x 2
Color: Silver
Dimensions (WxHxD): 5-1/8" x 1-1/8" x 5-3/8" (132 x 29 137.5 mm)
Weight: 7 oz. (200g) w/out batteries
Supplied Accessories: AC-E455 AC Adaptor, MDR-24 Stereo Headphones, Hand Strap
*Reduces or eliminates skipping during many active uses

memory: cdr/cdrw. also plays audio cds
recomended media: memorex black cd-r
recomender burner: nero 5.5.8.0 at no more than 4x write (anything higher will cause skipping, especially on poorer cd-r brands)
bitrate: vbr files with frames of 320 will skip. otherwise, vbr is supported.
recomended command line: --alt-preset standard -B256
notes: good sound quality, good battery life (files are copied to the memory within the player so the disc doesn't need to spin while playing) alothough this causes a bit of a delay between tracks when running off the battery.

now, bare in mind that i'm not an expert, nor did i design the player. these are just my observations from the experiences that i've had trying to get decent quality/file sizes with my player. if anyone has anything else to add about this player, or others, or notice any errors i've made, please reply (something a little more productive than "that player sucks"). hopefully, this will help some people, i know it would have helped me 4 months ago.

Ok.

I bought a iRiver SlimX (I had before a RioVolt 100)

Features:
- Slim Design (16.7 mm thick)
- Plays standard audio CDs, Enhanced CD, CD Plus, home-made CD-R and CD-RW discs
- Supports popular music formats, including MP3, WMA and ASF
- Anti-Shock (8 minutes Shock Protection)
- Built In Flash Memory
- Low Power Consumption (23 hrs./charge with rechargeable batteries & 2 AA batteries)

- Supports Multiple Major Languages
- Firmware Upgradeable
- Large Storage Capacity
- Supports ID3 tags and audio CD text, title display
- Simple Directory Navigation via Graphic LCD on Remote Control
- Powerful Navigation Software
- Built in FM Tuner
- Backlit Graphic Display on Remote
- Adjustable Equalizer (7 Preset & 1 User Defined)

Pros:
It ROCKS.
It plays ANY mp3. (Really, I haven't seen a mp3 it can't play, and I have like 15GB)
It plays DirectCD CD-RW

Cons:
Hmm... dunno

100% Recommended.

Ja ne!

Adding to the aboce player: SlimX (and the others from iriver)
Soon available: OGG & MPC support!

AVC Soul (DMP-01)

I won't go into specs (they're at www.soulplayer.com), but I think the overall sound quality & available options are superior for a portable.

For example, I've noticed that no obvious digital clipping or other distortions from the "EQ" functions on the Soulplayer, which leads me to conclude that EQ is done in the analog output stages of the hardware, but controlled digitally. You can add quite a bit of bass/treble boost without clipping or any nasty artifacting. Also, it handles all kinds of VBR without issues. It does seem to trip over ID3V2 tags occasionally, but those tags are a travesty anyway .

I recommend the AVC Soul DMP-01, and the followup DMP-201 to anyone interested in audio quality as well as portability.

What?! :eek:

[b]MPC support in the SlimX?! Says who? All I've heard from the iRiver firmware engineers is that OGG support will be available in a future firmware update. If MPC support were added, that would be so incredibly cool!

Dioneer (or Soul II, because they are the same thing)

480 minutes antishock, firmware upgradable, .Works perfect with any mp3, even with alt-preset standard and I've had no problem with any cdr-cdrw, even those recorded with direct-cd.I must say that I'm very happy with it. It's slimmer than Iriver 250, sounds great, and it's very very cheap (I paid 130 € for it). It also supports wma (at 44khz) but I'd prefer ogg or aac

Says iriver =)
should be here somewhere around endsummer/fall..
Veeeeeeeery exciting!

Holy SH*T! :eek:

So my MPC support e-mails to them did not go unnoticed! Folks, if this turns out to be true, the people are iRiver are GODS!

Awesome. One player does not make a format "supported", but it certainly goes against the old statements that MPC will never get any portable hardware support...if this iRiver information is true.

Yup, it makes me feel that much better to own a SlimX.

For what it's worth, I've e-mailed iRiver about this, and am awaiting their response to see if the rumoured MPC support is, in fact, true. It may turn out to be a bit of a lengthy wait if it takes until the end of the summer, but on the plus side, SV8 may be out by then, and iRiver can base their MPC support on that.

Hey guys, I just heard it even says support is on the way in the SlimX manual.. lol
awesome.

My sister has a SlimX and from what I can remember the manual says something to the effect of that the firmware upgrade gives the possibility of supporting more audio standards, such as MPC, AAC for example. It doesn't say that this will happen tho. But even the fact that MPC and AAC get a mention is very positive

Correction: audio standards mentioned are: AAC, MP3pro and OGG. Not MPC. Must be getting old, memory is going

i emailed iriver about vorbis support a few weeks back and also got a reply stating that support would be available soon.

anybody know if iriver have an official statement or schedule for any of this?

Hmmm, I think somebody may have jumped the gun here. The SlimX manual makes no specific mention of the MPC audio format, and the response I got from a high-level iRiver America executive is as follows:

To be honest we have had some serious discussions about MPC in the future as well as MP3Pro and Ogg. I cannot give you a confirmed answer but I have asked the top brass in Korea on their ideas of supporting them and a timeline guesstimate. When I hear back on that, I'll email what I know.

I'm still awaiting a direct response from iRiver Korea, but until they tell me what I want to hear, I think it's a little too early to declare that MPC support for the SlimX is guaranteed.

Okay I must have remembered incorectally there audio standards mentioned are: AAC, MP3pro and OGG. Not MPC.

Since where on SlimXs, how much playtime do you get out of yours for CDs. My sis is grumbling that she only gets around 4 hours ?!?

i'm considering buing this latest IRiver, but would prefer buying a portable AAC player.
does any1 know of any ?

the only thing i found was :
http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electron...=12&cont_id=195

btw, two nice links ;
http://www.w3cube.com/index.php?heading=1&...er3=9&player4=5
http://www.highwaymp3.com/front2.htm

The latest Expanium (Phillips), plays AAC files (ISO... meaning PsyTEL works ).

I'd be a bit cautious before accepting iRiver unofficial mails as a proof of upcoming OGG/MPC support.

They've been bombarded with such requests now for over a year and they've been promising OGG support for months.

Nothing has come out of it yet, so I wouldn't make my purchase decisions on these unofficial promisese alone.

Now don't get me wrong, I think iRiver is on the top of their game and has among the best mp3 cd players on the market, and yes, they are even quite responsive.

Still, untill the firmware patch with the appropriate codecs is here, I'd consider their support e-mails as nothing more than marketing...

cheers,
Halcyon

PS I mailed Grunding, SonicBlue (iRiver rebadger), iRiver, Sony, Philips and TDK a year ago and urged them to go with a generic DSP for decoding and open up their codec SDK/API for enthusiasts. Only iRiver answered and they said they'd think about it... still, nothing has happened yet.

we will hardly see any ogg hardware support before 1.0. How much will it take for 1.0??? Its supposed it will get better for higuer bitrates (+160).

Ive been looking fo a riovolt for a year and was just going tu buy it, but then i knew about ogg and ill better wait, cuz it is also upgradable.

ISO AAC??? thats hard too see, i thought it was only going to support encrypted crap on hardware players, if that happens i would use aac over ogg cuz its already good for 192kb/s...

Don't buy a Panasonic! It uses a encripted AAC format (ACP) that is lower quality than Psytel.

I would strongly recommend you buy an Expanium 401.

http://www.audio.philips.com/expanium/8cm/8cm.asp

Regards;

Roberto.

but i don't want a 8cm player.
Expanuim 501 looks better :
http://www.audio.philips.com/found.asp?spe...&AbsPosition=10


EDIT : i've download its manual. here's a relevant quote :
btw, amazon seem to sell it under a slightly different part number :
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00...6780207-1395919
and there's also :
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00...6780207-1395919

comparing exp501 with exp301 specs, looks like the main difference between the two is that exp501's snr > 82dB, while exp301's snr > 100db.

'Better than CD quality audio' ?

--
GCP

just thought i'd update on my original post (i used to sign in here as Chandler):
vbr does not work at all on the sony dcj01. all attempts to write vbr mp3's with lame failed. i was only able to reduce the skipping a little, not get rid of it. the settings i listed originally are the best you can hope for with vbr, but skipping will still occur.

Did you make sure there was no id3v2x header on the mp3s? Those are murder to vbr...

-Jeff

???

Hows that??? whats the acceptable SNR fir cd Audio??? 85db SNR???

the player only reads id3v1 tags, so that's all i use

Max theorical SNR for 16 bit linear PCM audio is of 98 dB. With a real world properly dithered signal, this number drops to 94 or 95 dB in the best case.

So, 100 dB SNR with a 16 bit signal is impossible.

As we all know, the REAL snr's would be 75dB vs 90dB or something so it does matter for hiss sensitive people

'hiss sensitive people' huh? Count me as one of them. I bought the D-CJ01 over the SlimX because of hiss. So far --aps -B256 works perfectly for me. ???

Some questions for samskara:

1. What was your lower bitrate limit?
2. Did you check to make sure that none of your mp3s clipped using mp3gain? I did

Count me in the "hiss sensitive" crowd too. I tried using one of those 'Boostaroo' portable headphone amps, but the hiss just makes it unlistenable. No wonder I haven't listened to a cassette tape in 10 years (good riddance). Even vinyl clicks/pops sound better than constant hiss.

Anyway... there are portable MP3 players that hiss? Foo... which one(s), the SlimX? I notice no hiss with my Soul DMP-01, and I thought the firmware was by Iriver...

Well the SlimX hiss is not loud, you may not even notice it if you're not using sensitive phones. But you usually use sensitive phones with a portable... and my Etymotics ER4P are VERY sensitive

what now ? mpc, vorbis support, not until now. But it'll be fall soon. Lets hope for the best!

i tried several different low bitrate limits: 80, 96, 112, 128 (default). clipping occured with all of them. and yes, i removed the clipping with mp3gain, to no effect. as i said earlier, if i burned the exact same file with the same lame settings, burning settings etc. it would clip differently for each identical cd i burned. so it seems pretty random. which leads me to believe it is the player, not the files or cd which causes the skipping. for a while i thought -B256 worked, but then after burning my entire collection again i realized it was just clipping at different points of the song or on different files. so dont be so quick to assume you've found the solution, or you'll make the same mistake i did

Maybe you just got a "lame" player. If you can, return it and get another one

i once mailed iRiver reguarding ISO AAC support, never got a reply

i've thought about that, but i've also talked to other people who own the same model and they have the same problem. i would return it and get my money back, but its not much of a problem. i just encode with lame --alt-preset cbr 128 now. the next player i get will have vorbis support (not the possibility of vorbis support), which i would like to see in the ipod. until then i can wait.

here is the mail i received today:

The comments relating to Ogg Vorbis are the exact same ones that iRiver uses to respond to *every* e-mail asking about support for that particular format. I don't know why it's taking iRiver so long to release a firmware update that enables Ogg Vorbis playback; I'm starting to wonder if it'll happen, period.

Copy-and-paste is popular amongst big companies.

See my case:

http://www.inf.ufpr.br/~rja00/Dolby.txt
http://minnie.tuhs.org/pipermail/mp3encode...ber/000671.html
http://www.mp3.com/news/135.html

Eheh

I've burned a CD full of --aps -B256 mp3s and so far I've found ONE track that may have a problem. I have to listen to it again to see if it is an isolated case...