Hi guys,
Within 3 weeks I'm gonna buy myself a flash-based mp3 player. Here are my demands:
- 256/512 MB (if not too expensive 512 MB)
- CBR & VBR mp3 support
- superb audio quality (no annoying hiss sound at the background)
- Long battery life (at least 8u with volume @ max)
- At least 10mW per channel
Things that would be nice to have:
- Ogg Vorbis support
- USB stick / mp3 player combination
- Looks
- USB 2.0
Things I don't really care about:
- FM tuner
- Direct MP3 Encoding (the iRiver iFP795 has this)
At the beginning I had 2 candidates in mind:
- Packard Bell AudioKey FM 512 MB
- iRiver iFP795 512 MB
Both look good, although the packard bell can also function as an USB stick. On the other hand the iRiver has Ogg support (but I've read only q3-q7 are supported which is lame off course). So I decided I was going to buy the iRiver iFP795 but then I found this article on the net... Now I really hate background hiss noise. So now I don't really know anymore which player to get. My budget is 120-135 , but if necessary I'll postpone the purchase for 2 weeks so my budget will be around 175 . What about the Cowon iAudio 4 and 5? They are expensive but are they really better than the rest (audio quality)? Normally I'll buy my player here or here.
Thanks in advance,
CobraX
Full Version: Help me out please: Flash-based MP3 Player
Have a look at this thread.
I've decided to get a Sony NW-E505 with an FM tuner. Sony is coming up with new line this April that could play MP3 files. NW-E407 is another model coming up with no FM tuner but 1GB memory.
I've decided to get a Sony NW-E505 with an FM tuner. Sony is coming up with new line this April that could play MP3 files. NW-E407 is another model coming up with no FM tuner but 1GB memory.
If you want a cheap, simple & stylish player with long battery life (12-17 hours on each charge) you should take a look at the iPod shuffle.
...and if you want something with a display, I highly recommend the Creative Muvo N200. The 512mb version ran me $150 Canadian on sale, and it fills all your must-have requirements. It's absolutely tiny as well, and has a good, non-bloated interface, which were some of my primary concerns.
Only drawbacks are hiss when backlight is on (I keep it off, or to a 3-sec setting when necessary) and the cable required for transferring (I keep in in my backpack, which I always have on me when walking around campus...and I've maybe used it twice so far).
Only drawbacks are hiss when backlight is on (I keep it off, or to a 3-sec setting when necessary) and the cable required for transferring (I keep in in my backpack, which I always have on me when walking around campus...and I've maybe used it twice so far).
QUOTE(Busemann @ Mar 6 2005, 07:09 PM)
If you want a cheap, simple & stylish player with long battery life (12-17 hours on each charge) you should take a look at the iPod shuffle.
Off course I forgot to mention that it really has to have a display that can show me the id3 tag but I thought this was so obvious that I didn't mention it. And I hate everything apple produces
. But still thanks for your post 
.
QUOTE(PFS @ Mar 6 2005, 08:01 PM)
...and if you want something with a display, I highly recommend the Creative Muvo N200. The 512mb version ran me $150 Canadian on sale, and it fills all your must-have requirements. It's absolutely tiny as well, and has a good, non-bloated interface, which were some of my primary concerns.
Only drawbacks are hiss when backlight is on (I keep it off, or to a 3-sec setting when necessary) and the cable required for transferring (I keep in in my backpack, which I always have on me when walking around campus...and I've maybe used it twice so far).
Only drawbacks are hiss when backlight is on (I keep it off, or to a 3-sec setting when necessary) and the cable required for transferring (I keep in in my backpack, which I always have on me when walking around campus...and I've maybe used it twice so far).
I saw that player in a local store and it looks nice idd. Sadly enough it has only 7mW per channel and I don't think that's really loud or is it? So let's say you're listening to a song in the dark and you want to see which song is playing -> you activate the backlight and you hear a hiss sound? That would be horrible cause that's my primary concern. I want superb audio quality without any hiss sound. Thanks for your post
.
check out the Creative ones...they are cheap too -> www.creative.com
-> www.creative.com
I find the loudness pretty good. I use earbuds, so there isn't a huge power requirement. I guess you'd have to hear for yourself...
As for the backlight, it is a *bit* annoying, but it's only 3 seconds of buzz, and only when you both are in the dark and need to know the track you're listening to. The rest of it is so nicely designed that it was worth it to me. I knew I'd be using this thing for hours each day, so the size, look and feel was a big deal to me. I was determined not to be lugging around an over-sized, over-stylized hunk of plastic such as this thing.
If the buzz is a really major problem though, steer clear, as it is present when the backlight is on.
As for the backlight, it is a *bit* annoying, but it's only 3 seconds of buzz, and only when you both are in the dark and need to know the track you're listening to. The rest of it is so nicely designed that it was worth it to me. I knew I'd be using this thing for hours each day, so the size, look and feel was a big deal to me. I was determined not to be lugging around an over-sized, over-stylized hunk of plastic such as this thing.
If the buzz is a really major problem though, steer clear, as it is present when the backlight is on.
CobraX, I gotta tell you and you probably know. I assume you care more as much about substance as style. If you dislike Apple, the reason is probably they produce products which fail at the essentials like quality of DAC and enginneering. In this sense Creative is also one of the worst companies. Do a search and you'll see countless threads on Creative complaints.
They might be popular because they came up with Sound Blaster soundcards years ago. But in essentials they generally produce awful hardware. I might be wrong about specific models but that's how their general reputation is at HA boards. I'd have avoided them like plague as much as I avoid from Apple.
They might be popular because they came up with Sound Blaster soundcards years ago. But in essentials they generally produce awful hardware. I might be wrong about specific models but that's how their general reputation is at HA boards. I'd have avoided them like plague as much as I avoid from Apple.
QUOTE(atici @ Mar 6 2005, 01:07 PM)
If you dislike Apple, the reason is probably they produce products which don't care about the essentials like quality of DAC and enginneering.
is that so?
...eh
QUOTE(Busemann @ Mar 6 2005, 04:21 PM)
That's a ridiculous, yet common myth around here
On the contrary, people are not interested in myths much around here. Of course we all have preferences. But when it comes to helping someone else I feel responsible for providing help as objective as I could. If this bothers you, you might be more interested in Apple fan boards.
QUOTE(atici @ Mar 6 2005, 01:29 PM)
But when it comes to helping someone else I feel responsible for providing help as objective as I could.
I'd say it's pretty subjective. You even say you avoid Apple like the plague
Unless you have proof otherwise (of bad quality, poor support etc) I'd say you're just like the average anti-apple, pro-microsoft dumb-wit.
QUOTE(atici @ Mar 6 2005, 10:07 PM)
CobraX, I gotta tell you and you probably know. I assume you care more as much about substance as style. If you dislike Apple, the reason is probably they produce products which fail at the essentials like quality of DAC and enginneering. In this sense Creative is also one of the worst companies. Do a search and you'll see countless threads on Creative complaints.
They might be popular because they came up with Sound Blaster soundcards years ago. But in essentials they generally produce awful hardware. I might be wrong about specific models but that's how their general reputation is at HA boards. I'd have avoided them like plague as much as I avoid from Apple.
They might be popular because they came up with Sound Blaster soundcards years ago. But in essentials they generally produce awful hardware. I might be wrong about specific models but that's how their general reputation is at HA boards. I'd have avoided them like plague as much as I avoid from Apple.
Thanks for warning me but yeah I thought so. Creative has "earned" a (good) "name" thanks to their first SoundBlaster audio cards and many people believe they're still as good as back then.
QUOTE(Busemann @ Mar 6 2005, 04:31 PM)
I'd say it's pretty subjective. You even say you avoid Apple like the plague
Well CobraX remarked he hates Apple products. Until that point none of us said Apple is bad, did we? Since he dislikes Apple, I tried to give a recommendation considering what sort of priorities he could have in mind. And he seems to be quite happy with my help. It's not my problem if you're a zealot. Count the number of occurrences of "Apple" in your posts and see what I mean.
QUOTE
Unless you have proof otherwise (of bad quality, poor support etc) I'd say you're just like the average anti-apple, pro-microsoft dumb-wit.
Yeah, right. Who said Microsoft?
Typical Apple fanboy response. The world is all about PC vs. Mac war. And please mind your attitude. End of flamewar. Back to the topic please.
You might want to check out the JetAudio iAudio U2:
256MB: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc....-603-810&depa=0
512MB: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc....-603-809&depa=0
Cnet review: http://reviews.cnet.com/JetAudio_iAudio_U2...l?tag=pdtl-list
DAPreview review: http://dapreview.net/content.php?review.123
256MB: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc....-603-810&depa=0
512MB: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc....-603-809&depa=0
Cnet review: http://reviews.cnet.com/JetAudio_iAudio_U2...l?tag=pdtl-list
DAPreview review: http://dapreview.net/content.php?review.123
QUOTE(Dr.John @ Mar 6 2005, 11:00 PM)
You might want to check out the JetAudio iAudio U2:
Indeed IAudio products have a very good reputation when it comes to audio quality and battery life. The G3 series are even better imo, because of the fact that it runs on one standard AA battery, instead of a proprietary, expensive Li-polymer cell in the U2.
It meets all the requirements stated, except for the fact that it's not a USB stick, it needs a small cable to connect to your USB port. But it is recognised as a standard mass storage device without any drivers.
When compared to the iRiver players, the iAudio models support a much wider bitrate range for Ogg Vorbis audio files.
Hmph. I had no idea that Creative was so looked down upon. Ah well...I got it mostly for background tunes as I walk around or work out. I'd probably buy it again even knowing the reputation. But, if superb audio quality is bolded for you, CobraX, you're probably going to want to look elsewhere...
QUOTE(Hanky @ Mar 6 2005, 06:39 PM)
QUOTE(Dr.John @ Mar 6 2005, 11:00 PM)
You might want to check out the JetAudio iAudio U2:
Indeed IAudio products have a very good reputation when it comes to audio quality and battery life. The G3 series are even better imo, because of the fact that it runs on one standard AA battery, instead of a proprietary, expensive Li-polymer cell in the U2.
It meets all the requirements stated, except for the fact that it's not a USB stick, it needs a small cable to connect to your USB port. But it is recognised a a standard mass storage device without any drivers.
When compared to the iRiver players, the iAudio models support a much wider bitrate range for Ogg Vorbis audio files.
Actually, the iAudio U2 is shipped with a USB connector. It allows you to directly plug the device into your PC's USB port w/o a long cable. Great for travel and notebooks.
IMO, the fact that the U2 uses a proprietary rechargable battery is a great feature as well. Since AA batteries aren't used in the U2, the device is much smaller than the G3, and still has 15 - 20 hours of battery life on a single charge.
QUOTE(atici @ Mar 6 2005, 01:39 PM)
It's not my problem if you're a zealot. Count the number of occurrences of "Apple" in your posts and see what I mean.
OK, I counted 5 occurrences of "Apple" in my past 75 posts. If that makes one a zealot, then a lot of people are zealots I guess.
Anyways, I think it's silly to judge a player solely based on its brand. At least the original poster had a somewhat valid functional reason (lack of screen). The JetAudio iAudio U2 seems like one of the better players for those who want lots of features.
Add my vote for the Creative Muvo.
I have been impressed with it's sound quality and ruggedness.
I have the 512MB, USB 2.0 with FM.
Only downside is minor hiss in the audio while the backlighting is on. None when the backlighting is off.
I have been impressed with it's sound quality and ruggedness.
I have the 512MB, USB 2.0 with FM.
Only downside is minor hiss in the audio while the backlighting is on. None when the backlighting is off.
The iAudio 5 also has the same adapter as the U2, but uses off-the-shelf batteries. So while slightly higher in cost (alkalines, or nimh batteries + charger), but easier on maintenance (you aren't stuck with a useless player if you forgot to top off the battery one day). Reports indicate about 12 hours on rechargables.
The 5 and U2 both look good, though especially considering the case, the U2 takes it in looks (as far as quality and features they are about identical).
The 5 and U2 both look good, though especially considering the case, the U2 takes it in looks (as far as quality and features they are about identical).
QUOTE(Cerbie @ Mar 7 2005, 04:13 AM)
The iAudio 5 also has the same adapter as the U2, but uses off-the-shelf batteries. So while slightly higher in cost (alkalines, or nimh batteries + charger), but easier on maintenance (you aren't stuck with a useless player if you forgot to top off the battery one day). Reports indicate about 12 hours on rechargables.
The 5 and U2 both look good, though especially considering the case, the U2 takes it in looks (as far as quality and features they are about identical).
The 5 and U2 both look good, though especially considering the case, the U2 takes it in looks (as far as quality and features they are about identical).
I haven't seen them irl (only on pictures), but to be honest I think the iAudio4 is prettier than the iAudio5 and the U2. For now it's going to be a 'battle' between the Cowon iAudio4 512 MB and the iRiver iFP795 512 MB I guess. Like I said my budget will be around 120-135 but I can raise it to 175 if I postpone my purchase with a week or 2.
- Cowon iAudio 5 512 MB -> 199
- Cowon iAudio 4 512 MB -> 175
- Cowon iAudio U2 512 MB -> 209
- iRiver iFP795 512 MB -> 133
- Cowon iAudio 5 256 MB -> 159
- Cowon iAudio 4 256 MB -> 129
- Cowon iAudio U2 256 MB -> 159
Also Ogg uses more power than mp3 so your battery won't last as long with Ogg songs. I also think I'm gonna regret it if I buy a 256 MB flash based mp3 player instead of a 512 MB version. So that leaves me with 2 options from that list. Maybe I'll change my mind later on and consider another one if it has superior audio quality.
I'm just glad that i've a 1gig, 512 wouldn't be enough for me i think.
Only thing that really gets on my nerves is that the iPod shuffle only has 1 playlist and if i put audiobooks on it then it plays a song and then suddenly starts reading a passage in a book
This can be worked around by transcoding the audiobook to aac and changing the files to m4b so they are recognized as audiobooks by the 'pod and thus wont play in shuffle mode.
Still is a pain though, heh
/me still loves his shuffle at the end of the day
Only thing that really gets on my nerves is that the iPod shuffle only has 1 playlist and if i put audiobooks on it then it plays a song and then suddenly starts reading a passage in a book
This can be worked around by transcoding the audiobook to aac and changing the files to m4b so they are recognized as audiobooks by the 'pod and thus wont play in shuffle mode.
Still is a pain though, heh
/me still loves his shuffle at the end of the day
I too am on the market for an "MP3 player". At first I was open for
pretty much anything (HDD based, Flash based, 512MB.. 30 GB...).
In the Flash based department, I had decided for the following models:
Apple: none interesting (Shuffle? Come on...)
Creative: The N200
iRiver: The iFP-799
Rio: The Rio Forge
JetAudio/Cowon: iAudio 5
Archos: N/A (Ondio 128 SP is like 5 generations behind)
MPIO: FY400
Sony: NW-E99
There are other company like SamSung, RCA, SanDisk, NexxTech that
produce Flash Memory MP3 Players but they don't appeal to me right now.
In the HDD based departement, I had decided for the following models:
Apple: The iPod Mini (4 GB)
Creative: The Zen Micro (4 GB)
iRiver: The H10 (5 GB)
Rio: Rio Karma (20 GB)
JetAudio/Cowon: M3 (20 GB)
Archos: Gmini XS200 (20 GB)
The other models from other Cos. didn't interest me.
That said, after lurking on head-fi.org for weeks, reading reviews on
other forums, newsgroups, etc. I finally decided that for the flash
based crowd the current best buy is the iAudio 5. For the HDD based
crowd, the Rio Karma seems to be considered to best w.r.t SQ.
Though, HDD based MP3 Players still being relativement shaky, I
decided to go for a 1 GB iAudio 5. I will probably order mine next
week.
Hope it helps.
pretty much anything (HDD based, Flash based, 512MB.. 30 GB...).
In the Flash based department, I had decided for the following models:
Apple: none interesting (Shuffle? Come on...)
Creative: The N200
iRiver: The iFP-799
Rio: The Rio Forge
JetAudio/Cowon: iAudio 5
Archos: N/A (Ondio 128 SP is like 5 generations behind)
MPIO: FY400
Sony: NW-E99
There are other company like SamSung, RCA, SanDisk, NexxTech that
produce Flash Memory MP3 Players but they don't appeal to me right now.
In the HDD based departement, I had decided for the following models:
Apple: The iPod Mini (4 GB)
Creative: The Zen Micro (4 GB)
iRiver: The H10 (5 GB)
Rio: Rio Karma (20 GB)
JetAudio/Cowon: M3 (20 GB)
Archos: Gmini XS200 (20 GB)
The other models from other Cos. didn't interest me.
That said, after lurking on head-fi.org for weeks, reading reviews on
other forums, newsgroups, etc. I finally decided that for the flash
based crowd the current best buy is the iAudio 5. For the HDD based
crowd, the Rio Karma seems to be considered to best w.r.t SQ.
Though, HDD based MP3 Players still being relativement shaky, I
decided to go for a 1 GB iAudio 5. I will probably order mine next
week.
Hope it helps.
QUOTE(Radetzky @ Mar 7 2005, 04:05 PM)
I too am on the market for an "MP3 player". At first I was open for
pretty much anything (HDD based, Flash based, 512MB.. 30 GB...).
In the Flash based department, I had decided for the following models:
Apple: none interesting (Shuffle? Come on...)
Creative: The N200
iRiver: The iFP-799
Rio: The Rio Forge
JetAudio/Cowon: iAudio 5
Archos: N/A (Ondio 128 SP is like 5 generations behind)
MPIO: FY400
Sony: NW-E99
There are other company like SamSung, RCA, SanDisk, NexxTech that
produce Flash Memory MP3 Players but they don't appeal to me right now.
In the HDD based departement, I had decided for the following models:
Apple: The iPod Mini (4 GB)
Creative: The Zen Micro (4 GB)
iRiver: The H10 (5 GB)
Rio: Rio Karma (20 GB)
JetAudio/Cowon: M3 (20 GB)
Archos: Gmini XS200 (20 GB)
The other models from other Cos. didn't interest me.
That said, after lurking on head-fi.org for weeks, reading reviews on
other forums, newsgroups, etc. I finally decided that for the flash
based crowd the current best buy is the iAudio 5. For the HDD based
crowd, the Rio Karma seems to be considered to best w.r.t SQ.
Though, HDD based MP3 Players still being relativement shaky, I
decided to go for a 1 GB iAudio 5. I will probably order mine next
week.
Hope it helps.
pretty much anything (HDD based, Flash based, 512MB.. 30 GB...).
In the Flash based department, I had decided for the following models:
Apple: none interesting (Shuffle? Come on...)
Creative: The N200
iRiver: The iFP-799
Rio: The Rio Forge
JetAudio/Cowon: iAudio 5
Archos: N/A (Ondio 128 SP is like 5 generations behind)
MPIO: FY400
Sony: NW-E99
There are other company like SamSung, RCA, SanDisk, NexxTech that
produce Flash Memory MP3 Players but they don't appeal to me right now.
In the HDD based departement, I had decided for the following models:
Apple: The iPod Mini (4 GB)
Creative: The Zen Micro (4 GB)
iRiver: The H10 (5 GB)
Rio: Rio Karma (20 GB)
JetAudio/Cowon: M3 (20 GB)
Archos: Gmini XS200 (20 GB)
The other models from other Cos. didn't interest me.
That said, after lurking on head-fi.org for weeks, reading reviews on
other forums, newsgroups, etc. I finally decided that for the flash
based crowd the current best buy is the iAudio 5. For the HDD based
crowd, the Rio Karma seems to be considered to best w.r.t SQ.
Though, HDD based MP3 Players still being relativement shaky, I
decided to go for a 1 GB iAudio 5. I will probably order mine next
week.
Hope it helps.
Hmmmm now I'm rather in for the iAudio 5 and iAudio U2 (512 MB). Both cost 199 now. I'm pretty keen on the looks of the iAudio U2 but the fact that it doesn't use batteries is a big disadvantage
.
I love my N200...1 gig version.
Well I ordered the iRiver iFP795 (black, 512 MB version) for 133 incl. delivery costs. I had enough money for the Cowon iAudio4/5/U2 but I didn't want to spend 200 on a simple thing/gimmick like an MP3 player. Thanks for the advice folks.
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